Mark out your path of faith and walk faithfully in it. (Heb 12:12,13). #ClearPathOfFaith #GetAGrip #WalkFaithfully
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer begins his final call to a living faith. He says, “Get a grip, stand strong, mark out your path of faith and walk in it” (a reference to Isaiah 35:3f). It contains within it a great comfort for the future. The Lord our God will come and he will not tarry one minute longer than necessary.
This living faith is necessary for you and those who follow you. The object is to live your faith in such a way as to prevent any from becoming disabled in their walk. But that they might be bound up and strengthened to carry on. It is essential that the whole body (community of faith) finish the course without loss. So says F.F. Bruce.
Lord, you have strengthened my hands, fortified my ability to stand and defined clearly the path of faith in which I have been walking. May none be lost because of me.
Respond by faith to God’s discipline (Heb 12:5–11). #WhomGodLovesHeDisciplines #GodDisciplinesForOurGood
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
At times we endure suffering at the hands of evil men, just as Christ did. But at other times we endure hardship because of our own disobedience toward God. Like a loving Father, God will discipline his children’s bad behavior.
God’s discipline proves his love for us. His discipline is always for our good, to lead us back into holiness. Discipline is not an enjoyable event, but after it is over, it leads to a good harvest of right living – that is, living according to God‘s will and purposes (1Pe 4:16–19). Father, your discipline in my life has always resulted in good fruit.
Be undeterred from following Jesus no matter the cost (Heb 12:2-4). #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell #FightThroughThePain
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer explains how to be undeterred from running a successful race of faith. I must keep my eyes on the prize – Jesus, his likeness and my eternal reward. (Read Paul’s words in Philippians three). In a race, the runner who looks anywhere but straight ahead is in danger. One cannot be looking from side to side or up and down.
Jesus Christ, our Champion, was undeterred from the joy awaiting him. He didn’t focus on detractors, or on his suffering circumstances (“Woe is me“). No, he ran through the pain. He endured the cross and the shame in order to provide for man the way of salvation. There is nothing I face that Jesus has not faced.
Lord, because of you and through you, this old sentry can be undeterred by circumstances. I too must focus on the eternal reward before me.
May your “hand-off“ exchange of the legacy baton of faith be smooth (Heb 12:1). #FaithRelayHandOff #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The race of faith is like a marathon relay race. Those listed in Hebrews 11:3–38 ran their best race and handed off the baton of faith legacy to others. Others handed it off to me. I have been running my best race of faith. I am now closer to the finish, than to the start.
I am in the “hand-off exchange zone“ of my race.* I want to say with Paul, “I have finished the race, kept the faith. The prize (the victor’s crown of righteousness) awaits me and also those who look forward to his appearing (2Ti 4:7–8). Lord, may I have a clean “hand-off” of faith to others.
________________
* Truth is, no one really knows when the end of their race may come; when an exchange of the legacy baton may occur. But, if you’re always running your best race of faith, you can count on a successful “hand-off”.
May you finish well the race of faith set before you (Heb 12:1). #EndureToTheEnd #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The goal of the runner in a race is to win the prize. In the race of faith the prize is achieving God’s purpose of Christ-likeness (1Co 9:24–27; Rom 8:29). I am not in competition with anyone. I compete against myself, to run my best race according to God‘s plan for me.
I endure all the conditions of the race. Like heat or rain culture, experience, education, friends, bullies, and the like, affect my race. Yet, like the runner, I endure. I may falter or stumble in the race. But success, the eternal prize, is determined not by how I start or falter, but by how I finish. Lord, may I finish well the race set before me.
Eliminate any sin that would hinder your race of faith (Heb 12:1). #BeDressedInReadiness #RunYourBestRace
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
If my example is those who have run the race of faith before me and since they were successful, then I should copy them. The first thing I should do is strip off any outer garments that would slow me down; that sin that would beset me. I must be dressed for the race (wearing the weightless Armor of God) and able to run with max freedom of motion.
What is it that hinders the runner’s freedom of motion in the race of faith? Distractions from the Champion for whom I run – Jesus, my Lord. False teaching, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, and pride are all things that hinder my best race of faith. Lord, point me to any sin that hinders my race; lead me in the everlasting way (Psm 139:23,24).
Run well, the race of faith (Heb 12:1). #RunYourBestRace #Persevere
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I can learn how to run the race of faith by looking to those who have gone before me. They are all men and women who were or are not perfect. I can take comfort in that. Some did things very well, some struggled…just as I. They had their ups and downs.
Yet, They persevered, confessed sin, chose to follow God. They laid down the things that kept them from running a successful faith race. Their perseverance gave them growth in faith. That gave them endurance to run and finish their race. They are my example. Lord, may I lay aside all encumbrances to running well, the race of faith.
Give thanks to God for the witness of those who model Faith (Heb 12:1). #ModelsOfFaith #FaithLifeExamples
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I have often misinterpreted this verse. I have, in effect, said this host of “witnesses“ is looking down and cheering us on. I recently said that in a memorial service for a pastor friend. But the writer is not saying that.
Looking back over Hebrews Ch 11, the writer concludes: all those saints of old had lived their lives with endurance and loyalty to God. Those saints had borne witness to the possibilities of the faith life. They are not spectators (in a heavenly grand stand), looking down on us, as much as it is we who are looking up to them as examples in our race of faith (F.F. Bruce).
Lord, to my pastor friend, I should say, “Thank you for the life of faith you lived. It’s spurs me on and I cheer for you dear brother.”
Reflect a faith that keeps its eyes on the prize (Heb 11:39,40). #EyesOnThePrize #ConfidentFaith #FaithThatPleasesGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer of Hebrews closes Chapter 11, the way he opened it. Faith is our confidence in what we expect. It is reflected in the generations gone before us. Their faith earned them a good reputation (vv1,2). Examples are given (vv3–38). Their reputation for faith was pleasing to God (vv6,7), endorsed by God.
The generations of Old Testament faith will reach full maturity with every faith follower of Jesus since the Cross. We shall all enjoy the same, enduring promise of a better possession, a resurrection to life eternal (vv39,40). Lord, the witness of saints through the ages should give every prayer sentry courage to keep his or her eyes on the prize, the coming eternal redemption through Christ.
Seek a faith that quenches the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a). #FireQuench #FaithForTheFire #VictoriousOverEvil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In his admonishment of these Hebrew Christisn readers, the writer is want to forge any further catalogue of faith examples. “What else can I say? It would take pages to tell the stories of faith.” Numberless stories are told of great victories accomplished by faith. His readers know them all very well.
I quote James T Draper again, “Their faith ‘quenched’ the fires of evil they encountered, but could not be quenched by the evil.“ Their faith (as ours) was and is fueled by countless tests and trials. Faith was/is made manifest through weakness, by which we gain strength (2Co 12:9,10). Lord, may I know a faith that quenches the fires of evil.
Strive for a faith borne out of a lifetime of experiences listening to God. (Heb 11:27). #GodsWill #ListenToGod #RepentOfYourPlans
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Moses would lead the people of God with a well developed faith, a trust in God that was resolute. The writer says, “By faithMoses left Egypt not fearing the anger of Pharaoh.” Yet, Exodus 2:14,15 says Moses was afraid because Pharaoh wanted to kill him (Moses had slain an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew). There is a lot to unpack here.
Let’s be real. Moses may have had some initial fear. Pharaoh had a contract out on his life (who wouldn’t have some healthy fear?). But it does not necessarily follow, that was what drove him out of Egypt into the wilderness. Scripture says in Hebrews 11, “BY FAITH Moses left Egypt.”*
It was not yet time, nor was Moses ready, to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt. God lead Moses out of Egypt into the wilderness to do some “woodshedding.” There Moses would learn that he could not slash and burn his way to leadership. He really had no idea yet, what was God’s plan. That would take another 40 years of preparation in the Midian wilderness. Moses was age eighty when he lead Israel out of Egypt (Exo 7:7).
Looking back over my life, it occurs to me that I was in my 40s when I understood that I cannot accomplish God’s plans in my own strength and in my own abilities (slow learner). I had to repent of doing things my way. I had to get schooled in obedience, as Moses ultimately did. I needed a clear awareness of who/what I was and who/what God is and could do through a much humbler version of me.
CAN I GET A WITNESS?
_____________
* Bruce, F.F, Epistle to the Hebrews; The New International Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., (1964), Pg. 322.
Seek God for an incorruptible faith before godless influence (Heb 11:23–26). #IncorruptibleFaith #DefyGodlessness
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Moses spent his life in defiance of godless pagan leaders. At birth his parents defied the king’s command to kill every Hebrew child and hid him (Pharaoh feared the growing population of the Hebrews – Exo 2:1–10). Having been found then raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses refused the luxury of being called her son.
Moses chose instead to reject a lifestyle of sin and chose to share in the oppression of his people (the Hebrews). He saw a far better reward in the promises of God. He would summon an incorruptible faith to follow God and not godless men. Lord, may I have a faith that is incorruptible before godlessness.
Exercise patient endurance in the face of suffering (Heb 10:36–39). #EndureToTheEnd #ExpectantFaith #PatientlyWaitOnChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Do not give up in the face of suffering and persecution. Any and all suffering will be rewarded. Patience – that is what is needed. Christ’s return is eminent. Faith in Christ, his work at the cross and his promise to return, is life and breath to the believer. We live (made alive) by faith. Those who turn away from the truth have no such hope.
At times Christ’s promised return seems close. At other times it may seem far off. Habakkuk 2:3,4 (rendered here) bids us stand firm. The appointed time will come and not delay one second past that time. So continue in God‘s will and add confidence to your faith. This is who we are as his righteous ones. Lord, may I show myself faithful by my patient endurance and expectant faith.
Stand faithful to Christ no matter the cost (Heb 10:32-35). #StandingForChrist #ThePersecutedChurch
Persecution: I could not publish pictures of actual persecution; ridicule is a beginning
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
We who live in the western world know little of persecution. Many in the early church were put to death in public coliseums, lost all their worldly possessions and were put in jail/prisons. [There are those today who suffer such indignity] The writer of Hebrews calls these early Christians to remember the days of their persecution and stay engaged in their faith. There is a far greater reward awaiting those who persevere (Heb 12:1-3).
The church has always fared much worse under prosperity than under persecution. Due to changes in our culture today, the American and free world church is coming under increasing attack. Will she stand? The question for us is, will we stand with brothers and sisters in Christ against the growing tide of persecution? Lord, may I have the courage to stand up to any persecution.
Be an encouragement to others, inside/outside the faith (Heb 10:23–25). #BeAnEncourager #DeclareYourFaith #ComeTogetherInChrist
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Holding fast to our profession of faith is a declaration of the superiority of Christ in our lives. It announces our surrender to Christ who is our Savior. Then we seek to show love, grace and encouragement to brothers and sisters in Christ. We look for ways to join together, giving each other support, comfort and exhortation.
Heaven knows, in these last days we need each other more than ever. Now is not a time to hang back. It is a time to be checked in and there for one another. God has given this old sentry some of the greatest encouragers (friends & family) on the face of the planet (you know who you are). I am deeply grateful for their ministry to my family. Lord, may I be as much to them and to others.
Be assured your redemption is secure; Satan is defeated (Heb 10:12-14). #SatanIsDefeated #ChristIsVictorious #BelieversVictorious
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The one (and final) sacrifice for the cleansing of all sin, “perfects“ the believer’s position before God forever. The work of Christ at the cross is finished and for the believer, has the continuing result of cleansing from all sin, to this day and beyond.
All the enemies of Christ will one day become his footstool. The supreme enemy, Satan, will one day be forever vanquished and no longer rule on earth. Christ will stomp the Devil’s head and he will be forever defeated (Gen 3:14,15). This gives every believer the assurance of victory in their own lives (Rom 16:20). Lord, I look to Christ’s victory as my victory.
Abide secure in the finished work of Christ (Heb 10:11,12). #ItIsFinished#FinishedWorkOfChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The contrast between Christ, our High Priest, and all other priests before him could not be more stark. For centuries the priest of the temple “STOOD“ before God making sacrifices that pictured but never were able to take away man’s sin. When Christ came he gave substance to what was abstruse.
Christ made a single sacrifice (himself for all sin). Then he, “SAT DOWN.“ His work was complete, finished (Jhn 19:30). He “SAT DOWN.” The final work of Redemption was achieved. It is this redeeming message that we preach and give witness to today. Lord, may I remain resting, abiding, in the finished work of Christ at the cross.
In love…obey and serve God (Heb 10:5–10). #ObeyAndServe #ActaNonVerba #DeedsNotWords
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Our lives in Christ boil down to two things – obedience and sacrifice (service). Jesus Christ is given as our supreme example. More than empty ritual in the first covenant, Jesus exemplified heartfelt obedience and total surrender of his life (literally) in service to God and all humanity.
Having done this perfectly he ratified the second covenant; there was no need to sacrifice again. In Christ we have been sanctified (set apart) and filled to do as Christ did willingly: obey with our hearts, serve with our lives. Acta Non Verba. Lord, it is the joy of this old sentry’s heart to obey and serve you.
Oh Lord, how feeble is my nature; how apt I am to stumble in my way. At a time when my heart is full of joy and expectation the enemy attacks.
I am caught off guard. I am shocked and ashamed that I missed the signs of a “fifth column” advancing. My intended work of faith is subverted before yet it is begun.
Oh Lord, how can I keep my heart from retreating into mournful discouragement?* How can I recover from the damaging blow delivered?
My only hope of triumph in the battle that has swarmed around me is the knowledge of Your unchanging, undisturbed, love, grace and forgiveness.
Oh Lord, You will comfort the hearts of those in the siege. You will heal the wounds thought fatal. You will arise to give life and joy again.
There is none like the Lord Jehovah. There is no strength greater than Yours. You set aright the caldrons of war and stand with your mighty warriors.
_________________
*Psychologists use the term “self talk” to describe the ongoing internal conversation with ourselves, which influences how we feel and behave.
The book of Psalms is a diary of “self talk.” But it goes far beyond psychosomatics. It reveals David’s (and some others) innermost source of strength. He depends not upon himself but upon God.
Having had a particularly disappointing moment recently my melancholy nature threatened to overtake me. I turned to God and was reminding myself (like David in Psalm 103) of His great healing and power.
What came out was my true inner dependence upon Him. I CAN bring all my hurt and unrest to God alone.
May your heart and love for Christ grow exponentially for his sacrifice for sin (Heb 9:13,14,24–28). #ChristTheLambSacrificedForMan #TheBloodOfChristSaves
The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The difference between an animal sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is twofold. The sacrifice of animals was temporary; daily, weekly and annually multiple sacrifices were made. Second, the animals had no choice in the sacrifice. They did not know it was coming nor why.
But Jesus chose to die. He shed his blood for the cleansing and forgiveness of sin. His life was not taken. He gave it up willingly. This was the final and perfect sacrifice. No more sacrifices need be made. Christ’s death on Calvary removes all sin once and for all (1Pe 1:18-21). It does not overlook our sin. It acknowledges it as a dark blot before God and receives for all, sin’s judgment – DEATH.
Lord, may my love for you grow exponentially every day for suffering my judgment for sin.
Understanding Covenants: there are five major covenants in the Bible initiated by and kept by God. Three required nothing in exchange for God’s promises (Noahic Cov – Gen 9:8-11; Abrahamic Cov – Gen 12:1–3; Davidic Cov – 2Sa 7:11–17). A fourth covenant (known as the Mosaic Covenant or “Old Covenant;” transmitted through the Old Testament) is heavily conditioned by and dependent upon faithful obedience (Exo 19:3-8). The last covenant is an expanded version of the Mosaic Covenant (it’s called the “New” Covenant (Jer 31:31–34).
The Mosaic Covenant lists conditions (Ten Commandments) to be followed and if not would become sin against God. The “New Covenant” (transmitted through the New Testament) fulfills the legal requirement of death for sin (“The wages of sin is death” – Rom 6:23) Jesus is the one who died, paid our penalty, to forgive all our sin. Lord I stand my sentry post knowing your reliability as a covenant keeping, promise keeping, God.
Live like the heir in Christ to God’s Kingdom that you are (Heb 9:16,17). #HeirToTheKingdom #EternallySecureInChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What is the nature of the New Covenant? The writer here defines what “Covenant“ means for us. It is NOT a contract or negotiated agreement between two parties. It’s meaning here is like that of a “WILL” (NLT). It is based on what one person (the TESTATOR), wishes to happen upon his/her death.
God in Christ is the TESTATOR here. He bequeaths to us, upon the death of his son, forgiveness and eternal life. The beneficiaries, heirs if you will, of this New Covenant (WILL) simply receive their inheritance. This is the meaning of the New Covenant. Lord, I want to live like an expectant heir.
Live in the victory of sin eternally forgiven through Christ (Heb 9:11–15). #ChristIsOurVictory #VictoryOverSinAndDeath #VictoryInJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“But Christ“…“So now Christ,“ have a ring of victory. Those words signal a change. The “rituals” of the Old Covenant are replaced with a “relationship” of righteousness with Christ. The death of Jesus on the cross was the final sacrifice for sin. His blood was spilled at Calvary. Our sin has been judged and atoned for.
Those who receive God‘s forgiveness may now enter freely into worship of the living God and receive the eternal inheritance promised them. Jesus opened the way forever into God‘s holy presence. Lord, I am made right with God by the blood spilled for me at Calvary; my victory is final in Jesus.
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#7 Ark of Covenant & Mercy Seat (Prt 2)
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Open your heart, rely fully on God for the cleansing of sin. (Heb 9:4–11).
On top of the Ark of the Covenant was a lid called the Mercy Seat. It was made of solid gold. Two golden cherubim were attached to each end, facing each other with their wings stretched out to touch one another. This was the most sacred object in the tabernacle. This lid lay between the Law of God (stone tablets in the Ark) and God himself (Exo 25:10-22).
God met with Moses (later with the high priest) and spoke from the midst of the two cherubim. Annually (Day of Atonement) the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat from the sacrifices made for sin. It symbolized the sins of man as absolved. Just so, the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all sin (Rom 3:25; 1Jhn 2:2).
Lord, thank you for cleansing away all my sin. “Your mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136).
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#6 THE VEIL (Prt 2)
Veil Before the Holy of Holies
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Understand the cost of our redemption (Heb 9:3). #JesusDiedForOurSin #JesusIsTheDoorToLife
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The curtain (veil) between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (the Holy Holies) blocked access to God to all but the high priest. For the high priest access was limited to once a year, on the Day of Atonement. When Christ died on the cross this curtain was rent (torn) in two, representing the body of Christ, torn and crucified (Heb 10:19–22; Mat 27:51).
The wall of separation between God and man was torn down. Access through Christ, our High Priest, to a holy God was opened (6:18–20). We may now ourselves come confidently into God‘s presence at any time (4:16). Lord, I am grateful for the price you paid for my access to God; your torn and crucified body.
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament no Jo system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#4 TABLE OF SHEWBREAD (Prt 2)
This Tabernacle furnishing may be the most intimate picture of God’s relationship to and concern with man, next to the Mercy Seat.
Table of Showbread & Bread of Presence
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Feed daily on the Bread of Life – Jesus (Heb 9:1,2). #JesusIsTheBreadOfLife
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Table of Shewbread (in the Holy Place) was constructed of acacia wood and overlaid in gold (Exo 25:23–30; 40:22,23). The humanity of Jesus is pictured here buy the wood; His divinity pictured by the gold. Jesus is the god-man,. The bread, symbolizes God‘s presence and provision in my life. It reflects my life in Christ. I am sustained eternally by the life of Christ in me.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life…I am the living bread come down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever” (Jhn 6:47-51). Just as the priests were invited to eat the Shewbread, so also I am invited to eat of the Bread of Heaven. Lord, I have tasted this bread of life and have entered into the sanctuaries of heaven in Christ.
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#4 TABLE OF SHEWBREAD (Prt 1)
This Tabernacle furnishing may be the most intimate picture of God’s relationship to and concern with man, next to the Mercy Seat.
Table of Showbread & Bread of Presence
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Come to God’s table of fellowship; eat of the Bread of Heaven (Heb 9:1,2). #KnowGodsPresence #KnowGodsProvision
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The “Table of Shewbread“ stood in the Holy Place, opposite the Lampstand. Exodus 25:30 calls the showbread the “Bread of Presence” [the literal meaning is “face bread”]. The loaves’ shape (high sides, hollowed out in the middle) appeared to have many sides (or faces). It was a symbol of God’s presence.
Twelve loaves were prepared every week (never ending supply). The bread lay upon the table in two piles of six loaves in each. Taken together they symbolize the food that comes from God; his never ending provision for the twelve tribes of Israel as they journeyed in the wilderness. The priests ate of the bread in never ending supply. It further represents spiritual food derived from God’s Word.
Father, I recognize the intimacy of my relationship with you, symbolically, as I come to your table to eat. I receive a never ending supply of spiritual food from you in your Word.
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#3 THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND
The Menorah
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
May your light burn continuously hot and bright for Christ (Heb 9:1,2). #TheHolySpiritEnlightens #TheHolySpiritFills #JesusIsTheLight
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In the Holy Place (behind the first veil) of the Jewish tabernacle is a lampstand or candlestick (Exo 25:31–40). It is made of gold symbolizing divinity. This candlestick (also called a menorah) has six branches extending from the middle (7th) branch, symbolizing the perfection of God’s work.
Each of the seven branches has a cup fixed to the top filled with oil and burns continuously (Exo 30:7,8). Each branch is engraved with fruits and flowers. The oil, fire, fruits and flowers symbolize the work of the Holy Spirit. This candlestick gives light to the entire room. In the same way Jesus is the light to the entire world (Jhn 8:12; 9:5).
Lord, may this old sentry be filled with the oil of your Spirit; may I burn hot and bright for Jesus.
May we be deeply moved by the person of Christ (Heb 8:1-6).#ANewAndBetterWay
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Old Covenant was implicit – it implied a once for all sacrifice to come, an eternal and perfect priesthood to come, unlimited access to God to come, and eternal forgiveness to come. In Christ came the New Covenant – his sacrifice for sin, his priestly ministry as perpetual and eternal, his forgiveness and cleansing from sin.
Jesus Christ made explicit what the old system of ceremonial laws, sacrifices and priestly service only foreshadowed implicitly. Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant, replacing it with a New and better Covenant. Lord, this old sentry is renewed and left deeply affected with awe and reverence for what Christ has accomplished.
May you be fully persuaded that Christ is your Redeemer-King (Heb 7:1-3). #FullyPersuaded #SalvationIsInChristJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What does this king, Melchizedek, in the Old Testament prove to these doubting Jewish believers? Several things: He was a king. He was a priest outside the line of Aaron or Abraham. His name, Melchizedek, means “righteousness.” He ruled in Salem (ancient city of Jerusalem). The name means “peace“). He was a king of righteousness who ruled in peace. This is a type of Christ.
Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Abraham paid a tithe to him, showing him greater than Abraham. He is said to remain a priest forever (no ancestry is recorded – no beginning or end). The Genesis account, written by the great prophet Moses, attributed to him the office of priest of the Most High God (Gen 14: 17–20). He foreshadows the coming Christ (Psm 110:1-4). Even Paul, the consummate Jewish believer, was fully persuaded of Christ’s authenticity (2Ti 1:12-14).
Lord, from these accounts I (anyone) may be fully assured, according to God‘s word, that Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be. I am fully persuaded!
The Prayer Sentry 