LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Heavenly Tabernacle
The book of Hebrews speaks to us of the glory and preeminence of Christ. Everything that in the Old Testament was a figure, today is a spiritual reality for the children of God. This book teaches us that Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Heb. 3.1). The figures of Moses and the tabernacle speak to us of the actual ministry of our high priest, Jesus, and of the house of God, which is us (Heb. 3.6).
Hebrews chapter 8 tells us of the ministry of this High Priest over his own House, not made with hands of man. Chapter 9 speaks of the four pieces that were in the tabernacle of Moses, which were a parable for the present time (Heb. 9.9). This heavenly tabernacle was set up by God, where Jesus was the very offering, sacrificed outside the door, that is, here on earth. Then he himself entered the Most Holy Place, that is, heaven, with his own blood, obtaining eternal redemption (9:11-12).
This tabernacle, therefore, touches heaven and earth. We are now invited to enter confidently into this sanctuary, into the presence of God himself, by the new way which the Lord opened by his flesh. The veil of his flesh was torn, and his blood was shed. When we believe, our conscience is purified and we receive white garments; therefore, we are called to enter in full assurance of faith.
We are also called to exercise there our priestly functions, our holy service, in the same way as was done in that tabernacle (Heb. 9.1). This is what the four main pieces that were in the tabernacle speak of: the brazen altar, the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the golden altar.
It is true that in the earthly tabernacle there were many sacrifices and services, but they were all shadows of the good things to come. Now the sacrifices are spiritual. So what do those four pieces mean to us? Acts 2:42 helps us to understand: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Now, the church of the living God, the spiritual house into which we are invited to enter and live, must persevere in ministering these four things: the apostles' doctrine, represented by the golden candlestick; the communion, represented by the table of showbread; the breaking of bread, represented by the brazen altar; and the prayers, represented by the golden altar.
There they were figures, but today they are spiritual realities to be enjoyed and ministered, because for this we have been built as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.