Category: God

Symbols of Faith – High Priest (8 of 8)

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.

#8 The High Priest

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Offer your life in service to Christ for his atoning sacrifice for us (Heb 9:6-15). #JesusOurAtonmentForSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The last symbol to speak of in the Tabernacle is the priesthood and the High Priest. It was required of the priests to tend to every facet of the Tabernacle. Every part of it is a reflection of Jesus Christ. It all points to sin, judgment, sacrifice and salvation.

In the New Covenant Jesus Christ is our eternal High Priest. He has offered his own blood as a sacrifice for sin, bearing all the judgment of sin on his back for all humanity. He himself is the sinless one who has atoned for our sin, entered into the holiest place in heaven and is now on his throne as our eternal mediator.

Lord, I am forever grateful for your atoning grace. What more could I offer than my own life in service to you.

Symbols of Faith – Ark of The Covenant (7 of 8)

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 The Ark of Covenant & Mercy Seat (Prt 1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humbly acknowledge God’s invitation to speak directly with him (Heb 9:4–11). #GodSpeaksWithMan #ApproachGodHumbly

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Behind the veil to the Holy of Holies rested the Ark of the Covenant & Mercy Seat (Exo 25:10–22). This was the last piece of furniture in the Tabernacle and it was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle.

The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. In it was the Law of God (10 Commandments) carved on two stone tablets. It represented God‘s holiness. There was also a golden jar with manna in it. It represented God‘s provision for his people in the wilderness. Finally it contained Aaron’s staff upon which blossoms grew (a dead stick that bore fruit). This rod represented God’s authority given to man.

Taken all together the Ark represented God‘s presence, the place where God meets and speaks with man. Lord, I am humbled at the privilege of coming into your presence to speak with you.

Symbols of Faith – The Veil (6 of 8)

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 1)

Three Veils, Three Doorways
Into God’s Presence

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Understand, appreciate what Jesus has done to open the door to a relationship with God (Heb 9:3). #WayTruthLife #JesusIsTheDoorToLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three curtains (veils) are represented in the Tabernacle. Taken together, they all represent separation between God and man. There was only one entrance (gate or door) through each veil.

There was one door from outside the Tabernacle into the “Outer Court,” another from the Outer Court into the “Holy Place“ and a third from the Holy Place into the “Holy Holies.“ These doors represent Jesus who is the door to Salvation, the way of salvation (John 10: 7–11). Jesus has opened the way to intimate fellowship with God.

Lord, thank you for the sacrifice you made that I might experience a face to face relationship with Jehovah God.

Symbols of Faith – Table Of Shewbread (4 of 8)

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.

Change For Good

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Remain open to the inward change Christ brings (Heb 8:8–12). #GoodChange #ChangeForGood

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer of Hebrews has carefully explained how Christ is superior to angels, to Moses (the greatest prophet) and to the entire Jewish temple priesthood (Chs 1-7). All this necessarily means that the old covenant (system of laws and sacrifices) must give way to the new and superior covenant (where mercy and grace prevail). The prophet Jeremiah predicted this and our writer quotes the entire passage to make the point (Jer 31:31-34).

These Hebrew Christians, and we today, needed to understand that Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross changed everything about the Jewish system of laws and rules. God would seek to change all men’s hearts and not just their behavior. Men would follow God out of love and not out of fear. This is not a matter of denying the old, but of explaining it with a new understanding. That is what the Tabernacle symbolism is all about.

Lord, what this old sentry wants is to understand what is mine in Christ and continue growing in that grace.

“That All There Is?”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May we grasp the realities of symbols pointing to heavenly promises (Heb 8:1-6). #IsThatAllThereIs #ThereIsMore #BeyondTheVeil

God told Moses, “Build it according to the pattern I gave you.”

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Men contemplate, “Is there something more, something beyond our physical sight?” This world is so temporary. Things change. Nothing remains the same. Thoughtful men ask, “Is this all there is?“ That is what the writer of Hebrews is getting at. There is more!

There is a spiritual, perfect and perpetual reality beyond this world. It is pictured in the Old Covenant. It is pictured in the tabernacle of Moses (and later the temple built by David). These were intended as a pattern, a shadow of heavenly reality where Christ ministers as man’s mediator, in the true place of worship. It is not a place built by frail temporal human hands.

Lord, this aging sentry can see/understand the living permanent reality of a perpetual priest serving in a final and perpetual reality, beyond the veil of my vision.

Archetype

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Never give up on the study of God’s Word to understand divine intention (Heb 7:3). #StudyGod’sWord #SearchGod’sWord

Melchizedek Acknowledged by Abraham

Morning Watch Notes:

How is Melchizedek a “priest forever“? Remember, Melchizedek resembles Christ, not Christ like Melchizedek. A “priest forever,” eternal and perpetual, can only apply to Christ. Melchizedek simply foreshadows the eternal nature of the preexistent Christ in the only way he humanly can, symbolically.

With no record of father, mother or ancestors; with no record of his beginning or end, Melchizedek merely resembles Jesus, Son of God, Messiah and Christ, our eternal Priest, our Priest forever (Psm 110:4; Heb 5:6; 6:20; 7:17). Our understanding of who Melchizedek is hangs on one point. Melchizedek resembles Christ in typology – Christ is the archetype. Melchizedek is the copy. His presence pictures/reveals, teaches, divine intention.

Lord, you help this old sentry understand hard things about the divine plan of God.

Qualified Mediator

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humble yourself before Christ as your redeemer/priest & king eternal (Heb 7:4–10). #ChristOurMediator #ChristOurHighPriest

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here continues his comparison of Melchizedek to Jesus as an Old Testament type of Christ. His readers must understand this. Melchizedek was not of the tribe of Levi. There was not as yet a Levite born. Levi was still a seed in Abraham’s loins. One could say that when Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (a right of the Jewish priestly class, by the Law of Moses), Levi himself was giving a tithe.

When Abraham received a blessing from Melchizedek, Levi was also, in essence, receiving that blessing. The writer concludes, the lesser one gives to and receives from the greater one. Melchizedek points to the coming Christ who qualifies as our Redeemer, Priest & King. Lord, I humble myself before Christ as my mediator/priest and king eternal.

See “Jesus Sinless Mediator” on this blog.

Jesus Sinless Mediator

Bedrock Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Trust fully in the promises of God (Heb 6:16–19a). #BedrockTruth #Soul’sAnchor

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the bedrock of our hope in Christ (v11)?

1) There is evidence that God keeps his promises (vv13–15);

2) It is impossible for God to lie. His nature is truth (like water is wet).

Two things are certain and unchanging: God’s promises and the veracity of his pledge to keep his promises.

Our hope is in Jesus who is anchored to the these bedrock truths. We may have perfect confidence in this anchor of our soul’s security. Lord, my hope in Christ is secure in the truth, the veracity, of God‘s word.

No Foolin’

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you endure by faith and patience to receive the promises of God (Heb 6:13-15). #StandFast #BelieveForThePromise #NoFoolin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God swears an oath by his name I may certainly count on it to happen. Those Hebrew Christians reading this transcript were moving towards the future return of Christ. But they were struggling to endure, to remain alert (vv11,12).

God assured these believers that he keeps his promises. An example from history makes the point. Abraham, by faith, patience and endurance received God’s promise of a son [and many descendants] (Gen 22:16-18; Rom 4:18ff). Though God tarries, I may stand fast assured of receiving his promise – the blessing of Christ’s return (10:35,36).

Favor With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Come confidently into God’s presence to receive his mercy & grace (Heb 4:16). #FindingFavorWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The word of God exposes me for who I am (vv12,13). I am left without any excuses and guilty before an eternal judge, Jesus Christ. But this judge has already paid the penalty for my sin and guilt (vv14,15). He is my judge and my pardon.

Then, this judge does the unthinkable. He invites me into his chambers. He says, “You may come into my chambers anytime for help. You will always be welcome.” I may confidently come before God‘s throne of grace, beleaguered as I may be, and find grace and mercy in my time of greatest need. He understands who I am and what exactly is my need.

When this sentry loses his way, confounded by his own circumstances, God’s mercy and grace will be given to him in just the right measure, at just the right time.

__________

Read Heb 4:16 again (Amp Version). Pause and reflect between each phrase.

“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor]

– PAUSE –

with confidence and without fear,

– PAUSE –

so that we may receive mercy [for our failures]

– PAUSE –

and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”

-PAUSE-

Consider this blog post, Jesus: Savior-Brother. Link below.

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/01/28/jesus-savior-brother/

“All Ears God!”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Be open and eager to listen to and follow after God. (Heb 3:7,8). #BeOpenToGod #ListenToGod #AllEars

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is always speaking. There is never a time when we tune in to God‘s word that he is not speaking. His word is “living and active“ (Heb 4:12). Every time I refuse to listen to God, my heart grows colder and harder towards him.

To be in the best position to hear God and respond in faith, do this: 1) read-meditate on his word regularly, 2) share your faith regularly, 3) be in vital relationships with God’s people, 4) be alert to the deceitfulness of sin and 5) pray – talk often with God. Lord, I am listening to you with all my heart; I’m all ears, ready to do what you direct me to do.

How Big Is God?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May we revere and exalt God as the only source and mover of the known universe (Heb 1:10–12). #GodIsBiggerThanWeThought

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Just in case you missed or misunderstood the message of Christ’s unique place outside the universe, God reiterates it here. Jesus, the “Son“ of God, set the foundation of the earth and, with his own hands, made the universe in which earth is suspended. He is like a man who exists outside the orb of a “sno-globe.” Wrap your head around that. How big is god? Indescribably big.

Then consider this: one day the entire known (and unknown) universe will perish. This universe will wear out like an old coat. According to Hebrews Ch1, Jesus will fold it up like old clothes and discard it.* There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus, the “Son,“ shall reign there forevermore. For me to worship and depend upon anything in this world is laughable, foolhardy. Lord, you are the only lasting and dependable thing in the universe.

________

* Dare I make this anthropomorphistic comparison? Our universe is like the alternate universe (a giant movie set) created in the 1998 film classic, The Truman Show. When the show abruptly ended the “set” would presumably have been taken down and discarded, it’s purpose completed.

How big is God? He will one day fold up our old deteriorating universe (heaven & earth as we know it) and discard it in favor of a new heaven and a new earth (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Heb 12:26-28; Rev 21:1).

How arrogant am I, or any man or woman, be they leader or follower; sinner or saint. How feeble and weak are our prayers, plans and grand designs.

How small is our thinking that we believe that, “WE can save the planet.” OMG! All the Madero’s, Trump’s, Biden’s, Netanyahu’s, Chi’s, Macron’s, Putin‘s, Zelinsky‘s, Trudeau‘s of this world well one day bow their knee to the Lord of Glory.

How big is God? Words cannot describe the vast, enormous, immense and expansive knowledge, ability and power of God.

This simple prayer sentry stands speechless that the Lord of Glory would stoop down in Christ Jesus to communicate his love towards us; to listen to the praying saints of all time. Then answer.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!