Copies of the True

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "... You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of meeting and wash them with water. You shall ... clothe them with tunics. You shall anoint them ... that they may minister to Me as priests; for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations."
(Exodus 40:1,12-15 NKJV)

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24 NKJV)

"Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen ... However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands." (Acts 7:44,48 NKJV)

The tabernacle Moses erected—according to the pattern of the tabernacle in heaven—had an altar of sacrifice, a laver of water, altar of showbread, seven-branch lamp, altar of incense, and ark containing the words of the covenant. That tabernacle no longer exists, nor does the temple which followed it.

Yet the everlasting priesthood has not ceased. Christ's people are His royal priests, who offer living sacrifice of our lives, dip ourselves in living Water, share bread of fellowship with One who calls us "friend," are lights of the world who reflect the true Light, offer incense of sweet-smelling prayer, and possess in our souls—our innermost, sacred place—the precious Word of life.

We, now, are both priests and copies of the true tabernacle in heaven: cleansed with blood, anointed with the Holy Spirit, clothed in garments of righteousness—dwelling place of Almighty God.

Lord God Almighty, no matter how many times we hear of it, how can we not be astounded that You make us Your dwelling place on earth? How can we not tremble at Your presence? How can we ever know pride? May we show ourselves fully set apart to You—holy as You are.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy