Tabernacle In The Wilderness - Introduction And Significance Of The Courtyard (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Every single event, every person and circumstance of substance recorded in the Old Testament, has holy and perfect meaning and makes holy and perfect sense. And in this series, you will see how everything in the composition of and construction of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness points us to Christ.

Three major word pictures evolve from the Tabernacle:

• JESUS-the intricacies of the Tabernacle reveal Jesus and His salvation mission
• CHURCH-the Tabernacle was the precursory place of God’s visitation to His people, now it is the Church (not the building, but rather the people) which is the Tabernacle for the indwelling of the Spirit of God
• BELIEVER-as the "Tabernacle", your body is the "Outer Court"; your soul is the "Holy Place"; the Spirit of God in you is the "Holy of Holies"

The Courtyard of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness wasn’t just a gathering place. It symbolized a hedge, a line of defense against the outside world and its influences. That is a message to us to fight off the worldly influences in order to get into His presence. And with only one entrance into the Courtyard, we are reminded that there is only one way to God...through Jesus.

The sacrificial altar was the first thing standing in front of anyone entering into the Courtyard, which gives us the message that no one can get into the presence of God unless a sacrifice is offered, and that is Jesus. The laver (washing bowl) was used by the priest to wash up before approaching the presence of God...another reminder for us today, that nothing unclean can be in the presence of God.

Jesus has made that "cleanness" for us. As our substitute, He took the punishment for our sins and misdeeds and that means we are forgiven, adjudicated, pardoned. THAT is why we can get to heaven, NOT JUST BY DOING NICE THINGS AND GOOD WORKS.

Can you imagine someone coming into heaven with only goods works as their track record and not accompanied by a change in their broken nature? (A nature that came about because of Adam’s sin, not God’s error). That raw, unchanged nature in heaven would then bring about the same chaos that the broken mind, broken will and broken emotions are bringing here on earth. NO WAY can a just God allow that to happen! His plan is greater.

The Tabernacle screams at us from the past as to the sacrifice, the cleansing, the lamps, the mercy seat, etc...all of what is required to be able to enter into the presence of God. All of those requirements are met in Jesus. All we have to do is admit we are weak and sinful and in need of help to change, and then ask Jesus into our hearts. And once He is in there, strive to let Him be the new nature to rule and reign in us. Thank You, Jesus.

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Study Guide:

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