Shadows of Christ

The wilderness tabernacle was emblematic of the life and ministry of Christ.  The tabernacle was a temporary tent constructed for God’s Glory to dwell in as the Israelites trekked across the Sinai Desert.   The tabernacle proper, the materials used to build it, the manner it was to be approached and the elements therein symbolize aspects of Christ and God’s plan for salvation of mankind.

To enter the tabernacle, one would have to pass through the camp of the tribe of Judah.  The name Judah means ‘Praise of the Lord.”  Coming into God’s presence in praise speaks of the knowledge of Who Christ is and expressing this knowledge as thanksgiving and awe at His great sacrifice.  To enter the tabernacle’s outer court, one would have had to enter the gate of the Four Pillars, which correspond to the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  To respond to the call of relationship, one must first hear, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).  Christ is the Word of God as John 1:1 describes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Numbers 2:3 tells us of God’s orderliness, “And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies. .  .”  God’s desire for orderliness in our lives and in the Church is apparent in the life of Christ.  Christ’s ministry was not an afterthought or second line of action.  The prophesies of Christ’s life in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament are numerous.  Isaiah 9:6 prophesies, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  The fulfillment is spoken in Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord.”  The life and ministry is ordained, as He is the Lamb slain from the foundation.  The walls of the outer court of the tabernacle were constructed of linen, symbolic of Christ’s righteousness and the imputation of it those who believe in Him. The linen was stretched on poles of made acacia wood, an incredibly hard wood, which was covered in brass, symbolizing judgment.  The linen was attached to the poles with silver pins that represent salvation.  The tabernacle stood as a visual representation of God’s plan for the Israelites and to us today.  Other aspects of the tabernacle will be explored in future posts.  I pray that God blesses you and speaks these truths to your heart.

Patti