Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life." Hebrews 7:16
Text: Exodus 28
THE LIMITATIONS OF THE EARTHLY TABERNACLE WORSHIP
The earthly Tabernacle worship was a very significant institution given by the Lord Himself to Israel. Nevertheless, the limitations of the Tabernacle worship must be recognized!
A VITAL COMMENTARY ON THE TABERNACLE WORSHIP
The Book of Hebrews offers a very important commentary on the Tabernacle worship. Two aspects may be highlighted for illustrative purposes!
1. The Tabernacle Worship was at best illustrative
This is a vital truth that we need to appreciate. The following texts highlight this understanding.
“Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things
in the heavens… ”
HEBREWS 9:23
“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come,
and not the very image of the things, can never…
make those who approach perfect.”
HEBREWS 10:1
The words “copies” and “shadow” would immediately indicate that the real thing is elsewhere!
2. The Great High Priest
The Aaronic order of the Levitical priesthood, though exalted in Israel’s religion, fell far short of the role that the Lord Jesus would play in His role as High Priest. An earthly high priest must offer repeated sacrifices on behalf of the nation he represented. However, the Lord Jesus needed to offer just ONE sacrifice!
“And every priest stands ministering daily and offering
repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
But this Man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever,
Sat down at the right hand of God.”
HEBREWS 10:11-12
“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come,
with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands,
that is, not of this creation.”
HEBREWS 9:11
THE VALUE OF THE EARTHLY TABERNACLE WORSHIP
The Tabernacle worship that Israel was taught was not without value or significance. However, the limitations must be understood. Worshippers would have to be taught well by the priests to comprehend their worship system. Those who came to worship would have to exercise great faith to see beyond the external to the eternal.