“IT IS…

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

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.

Until He Comes Again

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Look to Christ alone for cleansing from sin (Heb 10:8-12). #ComingAgain #RememberingChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How does Christ’s death forever cancel the Old [First] Covenant – the ceremonial laws seen in the tabernacle? It can be equated to the Lord’s Supper (the new symbol of Christ’s work in Salvation; his blood shed, his body broken in the New Covenant – Mat 26:26ff). The Lord’s Supper (looking back to Christ) pictures Christ’s finished work on the cross. The old ceremony (looking forward to Christ) is done away in favor of the new.

The Lord’s Supper is done in remembrance of Christ’s work. But when he returns (just as when he first came) the ceremony (an ordinance of the church) will be done away (1Co 11:23ff). Like a keepsake photograph of the young soldier away at war. When he/she returns home, the picture is done away with for the reality of his/her physical presence. Lord, we are clinging to your promise of salvation and soon return.

The Last Sacrifice

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May your devotion reflect the deepest levels of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice (Heb 10:11,12). #FinalSacrifice #SinDefeatedChristExalted

Asian of Narnia: Pictures the Ultimate Sacrifice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It could not be more clear. Under the Old Covenant, priests in the Tabernacle–Temple came day after day before God, making the same sacrifices for sin. It was not, nor would it ever be, enough. But our High Priest, Jesus Christ, made the LAST SACRIFICE for sin. Aslan of Narnia vividly pictured Christ’s sacrifice.

In one selfless act, Christ offered himself as the final and eternal cleansing agent for all of man’s sin. The Ceremonial Law became obsolete (the Moral Law – 10 Commandments – is still in play. It defines sin). But now the New Covenant in Christ’s blood-sacrifice cancels the judgment and condemnation of sin for all those who believe.

My Lord, you have freed this old sentry from the power and penalty of sin.

O, The Blood Of Jesus…washes white as snow.

Acta Non Verba

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

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.

SONG OF A WOUNDED WARRIOR

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.

100% Accepted

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

100% Receive the 100% promise of sin forgiven & remembered no more (Heb 10:1-4). #100%ForgivenAccepted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God had a purpose in the use of animals sacrificed in the confession of sin. It was to remind men of his mercy, grace and love for his people (Psm103:8-12). But instead the repeated sacrifices became a morbid ritual and reminder of how wicked was/is the heart of man. The people felt alienated from rather than accepted by God. Their sacrifices became a means to buy their forgiveness.

It is the same today – except that the sacrifice of Christ has been made once and for all time. Our sin Is washed away and the sinner is cleansed from all unrighteousness. Sin is forgiven and remembered no more. It is the enemy (Satan) who wishes to dredge up all our old sin and bring condemnation (Zech 3:2,3; Jhn 10:10). But “there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

Lord, you have accepted me 100%; my sin is forgiven and remembered I more.

Net Effect

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Worship God with a whole and obedient heart (Heb 10:1-4; 1Sa 15:22). #HumanNeedTrumpsRitual #ObedienceTrumpsSacrafice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The NET EFFECT of the symbolism and ritual of the tabernacle, priesthood and the law was to point men to the coming reality of Christ. This symbolism was a “shadow, a dim preview” of things to come. It was never intended to be the end in itself, but merely a means to an end.

All of the symbolism and ritual was never able, in and of itself, to deliver men perfectly from their sin and guilt. What it did do was remind men regularly of their sin, year after year; to remind men that THEIR WORKS & SACRIFICES could never free them perfectly from sin and guilt. But men turned their ritual into the end itself; into a mindless routine. Lord, may my worship of you never become merely heartless ritual.

No “Future Shock”

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May you determine early to trust Christ the Savior and Lord (Heb 9:27,28). #NoFutureShock #LiveDieJudgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Two things we can count on: Death & Judgment. In thinking about the future I am reminded again of its finality. The ultimate future for every person is not his/her career, financial security, marriage, success, education or family. It is DEATH. Every life culminates there. After that comes our JUDGMENT. We will face Christ, the one who died for our sins.

Only one question remains for us at the moment of judgment, “Have you trusted Christ as Savior and Lord?“ The answer to that question will determine our eternal future. For me that answer is, “Yes.“ I am eagerly awaiting Christ’s return or my own intervening journey into the eternal. There will be for me, no “future shock.“ Lord, my future is in your hands. I put my trust in you for my future destiny.

MY FALLEN SELF

(Isa 53:1-12; Luk 18:9-14; Heb 9:13,14,24-28)

When I think of my fallen self and how desperately wicked can be my heart, I think of my crucified and risen Savior who has borne my sin and shame and redeemed me to himself.

The sin, which does so easily beset me, has its end in the Cross of Calvary. It drives afresh the nails into my Savior’s hands and feet. My besetting sins do not go unaccounted for. These…

…my sins of commission – to lie, to lust, to speak ill/criticize, to waste time;

…my sins of omission – to disobey by not going when moved, not speaking when prompted, not helping when urged;

…my sins of disposition – envy, pride, anger, evil desire;

All these my sins, and more, go painfully under the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.

My unmerited righteousness in Christ does not come without a price. I cannot flee the failure of sins committed, but I can, in Christ, flee from the sin not yet committed before it besets me. AND EVERY SIN FROM WHICH I FLEE IS THAT MUCH PAIN RELIEVED IN MY SAVIOR’S BODY. FOR EVERY SIN RESISTED IS A SIN FOR WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE TO DIE.

Where sin has abounded in my heart without confession, my precious Savior is left to suffer. For lack of confession is unbelief in his atoning sacrifice, his faithfulness to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9). My confession acknowledges and accepts his sacrifice.

If he did not want to forgive us he would not have died so horrible a death. So believe. Do not carry your burden of sin. He has borne it. Confess it and do not mourn any longer. You are forgiven and accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:6).

(Note this portion from Valley Of Vision, a book of Puritan prayers)

“…if I sin not I should thank thee for it;

“…if I do sin I should be humbled daily under it;

“…I should mourn for sin more than other men do, for when I see I shall die because of sin, that makes me mourn;

when I see how sin strikes at thee, that makes me mourn;

when I see that sin caused Christ’s death, that makes me mourn;”

“…Thou has taught me that faith is nothing else than receiving thy kindness; that it is an adherence to Christ, a resting on him a love clinging to him as a branch to the tree, to seek life and vigor from him.” [To mourn no longer]

“…I thank thee for showing me the vast difference between knowing things by reason and knowing them by the spirit of faith. [Job 42:5,6]

“…By reason I see a thing is so; by faith I know it is.

“…I have seen thee by reason [head knowledge] and have not been amazed.

“…I have seen thee as thou art in the Son [by faith] and HAVE BEEN RAVISHED TO BEHOLD THEE…

“…I bless thee that I am thine in my Savior, Jesus.” [Mourn no longer]

Sacrificed For a World In Sin

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

A Violent Redemption

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May your heart remain broken for sin (Heb 9:13–23). #HighCostOfRedemption

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

James T Draper says of this passage, that it is, “one of the most remarkable…in the entire Word of God. It’s teaching is at the very center of the gospel of Redemption… ‘Without shedding of blood [there] is no redemption.’” This is at once both extraordinary and violent in our eyes. Death is written all over this passage.

When Adam and Eve Sinned, an innocent animal’s life was taken to give them a covering. When a death angel passed over Egypt, it was the blood of an innocent slain animal smeared on the Hebrew’s doorpost that protected the household. All this pointed towards the shed blood of Christ for man’s redemption from sin.

It is hard for me to take in the violent shedding of blood for my redemption. Yet, it places within me some idea of the high cost paid by an innocent victim for my sin. Jesus willingly gave his life in a violent death for me. Lord, may my heart remain broken for sin.

A SOBER TRUTH: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Promise Made, Promise Kept

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rely on God as a promise keeper (Heb 9:1,10,13–15; 8:7-12). #PromiseMadePromiseKept

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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.

The Last Will and New Testament

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Walk secure in your inheritance of forgiveness by the sacrifice of Jesus (Heb 9:16-23). #LastWillAndTestament #HeirsToGod’sPromises

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

For a will to be put in force the testator must die. The Old Covenant (testament or will) of Moses was put in force by the symbolic death of a sacrificial animal. Its blood was sprinkled on everything in the Tabernacle. That was symbolic of the proof that there was a death. Therefore, all the promises of God (the testator) were assigned to the heirs of those promises. But these sacrifices were repeated habitually. They were symbolic of the reality to come. The testator himself had not yet died.

The “New” Covenant (testament or will) was not new, as in kind. It did not revoke the old. It is fully realized, explained, in Christ. It was put in force by the actual death of the testator. That is, Christ. Our sin is atoned and forgiveness is final. No more sacrifice is needed. The resurrection of Christ secures our eternal life. Lord, I am relying fully on the FINAL sacrifice of Christ (His blood shed on the cross) for forgiveness of my sin.

Heirs – What You Need To Know

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

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.

Victorious Salvation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

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.

FREE!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rejoice in your new found freedom in Christ (Heb 9:1–10). #FreedFromTheLawOfDeath #SavedByTheLawOfGrace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What this passage is pointing out is that the Old Covenant was never intended to absolve sin eternally. All it did, along with all its external symbolism, was to picture a better and more perfect redemption to come. That Redemption has now arrived in Christ.

The old is expanded by the new. The new fulfills the old. The old system of rules, rituals (focused on behavior) and a multitude of sacrifices was replaced. The new has come. It is a covenant of grace through the one sacrifice of Christ, the lamb of God who takes away sin forever. The focus is on a change of heart. Lord, you have freed me from the law of sin and death; I am a new man by the law of grace and life (Rom 8:1-4).

Symbols of Faith & Understanding

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.

Christ As Seen In The Tabernacle

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May the study of God’s word be a lifetime ambition (Heb 5:14; 6:1,12). #StudyGodsWord #SeekUnderstandingFromGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When I consider all that the Old Testament Tabernacle signifies to the believer I am humbled. The scope, the breadth and depth of the Tabernacle’s analogy to our faith is extraordinary. The symbolism of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, represented as the message of Christ to all who believe, exceeds my understanding.

All the theological minds of Christendom have never nor will ever plumb the depths of God‘s word. Yet, its study also exceedingly satisfies the humblest, most limited efforts of any sincere inquiring soul. The challenge of the writer of Hebrews is to inspire study and understanding of faith in Christ. Father, your word gives this old sentry a lifetime of growth and understanding.

Symbols of Faith – High Priest (8 of 8)

#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 – Mercy Seat (7 of 8)

#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).

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

#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 (Prt2) (6 of 8)

#6 THE VEIL (Prt 2)

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.

Symbols of Faith – The Veil (6 of 8)

#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 – Altar of Incense (5 of 8)

#5 Golden Altar of Incense

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rest secure in Christ for your acceptance before a holy God (Heb 9:3,4). #ChristOurEternalIntercessor #JesusEverLivesToInterceedForUs #AcceptedInTheBeloved

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Golden Altar of Incense, altar of prayer, was located just outside the veil shielding the Holy of Holies.* Annually (on The Day of Atonement) the high priest, as mediator between God and the people, would stop at this altar and offer prayers. He sprinkled the Altar with the blood of sacrifices made for sin and confessed his sin, which made him acceptable to come into the presence of God in the Holy of Holies. Then he confessed the sins of the people.

The Altar was made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold symbolizing the humanity and divinity of Christ, our eternal intercessor (Heb 7:25; Jhn 17:17-20), [Jesus lives forever to intercede with God on [our] behalf].

Special incense was burned twice a day on this Altar. The aroma filled the room. The smoke of the incense rising was symbolic of prayers offered up to God. They were a sweet aroma to him (also note Rev 5:8; 8:3,4).

All of this symbolizes the blood sacrifice of Jesus offered up for our sin once for all time. As our mediator (1Ti 2:5), he prays for us. Further, he makes it acceptable to God for believers to enter into God’s presence and offer our own prayers and intercessions directly to him (Heb 4:16).

Lord, may I rest in the acceptable sacrifice you made for the forgiveness of my sin; for making my prayers in your name acceptable to God.

* There are questions about the translation here. The instructions of Exodus 30:6 and tradition locates the altar “before“ the veil shielding the Holy of Holies.

Symbols of Faith – Table of Shewbread (Prt 2) (4 of 8)

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.

#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.

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.

Speak Life

God confronted me this morning with this penetrating question…

In what ways am I declaring for others a life giving relationship with Christ? Would people understand that God deeply loves them by looking at my life, listening to my words?
‭‭(1Pe‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭ESV; Heb 10:23,24 NLT‬‬)

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

#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.

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.

Symbols of Faith – The Lampstand (3 of 8)

#3 THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND

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.

Symbols of Faith – Brazen Laver (2 of 8)

#2 THE BRONZE LAVER

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Express profound thankfulness to Jesus; he is our cleansing from sin (Heb 9:9-15). #JesusIsOurCleansingFromSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the outer room of the Jewish tabernacle stood a Brazen (bronze) Basin filled with water. It was positioned between the Brazen Altar of sacrifice and the Holy of Holies. Here the high priest, having made sacrifice for sin, would wash, cleanse himself symbolically of all impurity. It consecrated him for service before God.

The high priest was now prepared to enter into the Holy of Holies. There he would represent the people before God. Jesus, having accomplished purification (cleansing) of sin (Not his – he sinned not, but for man’s sin), he entered into the Most Holy Place in the heavens as our High Priest. There he forever secured our forgiveness and redemption. (Rom 3:23-26; Heb 2:17,18)

Father, how profoundly thankful I am for Jesus, who is my forgiveness for and cleansing from all sin.

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.

A New & Better Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

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.