Title [Exodus 37:1-9] The Tabernacle's Appliances
Exodus 37 describes the equipment installed in the tabernacle. These institutions are symbolic of the holy ministries of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. Before Christmas, let's enjoy the four instruments mentioned in the text and receive grace. In addition, I hope that the members who serve the church, the body of the Lord, imitate the Lord, and the members who serve the church imitate the Lord and make the church like the church. In particular, although each organization has many spiritual meanings, it is regrettable that it is not possible to examine it in detail.
1. The mercy seat (the mercy seat) symbolizes the grace of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of all our sins.
The tabernacle was divided into the Most Holy and the Holy of Holies by separating it with an intermediate veil. The only instrument installed in the Most Holy is the mercy seat, or mercy seat. The place symbolizing the throne of God installed on the ark of the covenant where the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments were written, Aaron's rod that sprouted and manna, is the place symbolizing the throne of God, where the high priest can only enter once a year. God's grace was completed and confirmed by the work of atonement through Jesus Christ. The name “Jesus” means “the one who will save his people from their sins.” We should give thanks and give glory to Jesus, who came as our Savior through Christmas. In addition, I earnestly hope that all the saints will actively preach the gospel, realizing that the church has a mission to receive the forgiveness of sins and salvation for those who are dying because of their sins.
2. The incense altar symbolizes the ministry of Jesus Christ, who gave joy and glory to God by obeying the Father's will and completing the work of atonement.
The altar of incense was placed outside the veil, in the center of the front of the sanctuary. It is located closest to the mercy seat. Like a feast, the church has something to offer to God. If you refer to Revelation 5:8, 8:4, it is explained that incense is the prayer of the saints. If we understand it from another perspective, this incense can be said to be praise and glory offered up to God. The birth of Jesus Christ was to bring back the glory of God. When the shepherds heard the news that Jesus was born, thousands of heavenly hosts and angels sang praises to God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14). Jesus performed the work of revealing the glory of God not only at the time of his birth but also during his public life, and also through the cross and resurrection, he revealed the glory of God.
The church exists to reveal the glory of God. Paul said, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Let us do our best to live each day to the glory of God.
3. The table of bread symbolizes Jesus Christ, who was completely devoted (sacrificing) for the glory of God.
The bread table is an appliance placed on the north side of the sanctuary. On this table, twelve loaves of bread symbolizing the people of Israel were placed on each Sabbath as new bread. In order for grain to become bread, it must be ground into flour. You can call this a sacrifice. Jesus Christ returned the glory of God through the work of atonement. The first step in the work of atonement is the incarnation. This incarnation is the event of forsaking all the glory of heaven. The whole process of dying on the cross was a complete sacrifice. This sacrificial devotion of Jesus completed the redemption of mankind, and that redemption revealed the glory of God. The church must make sacrifices to fulfill its mission. It is never easy to get a person's life. The devil does not give up those who are slaves to him easily. We must sacrifice for the salvation of souls. You have to be whole-hearted. We should participate with joy if small devotions can accomplish God's will and bring glory to it.
4. The candlestick symbolizes Jesus Christ, who came as a light to illuminate the world darkened by sin.
On the south side of the tabernacle, a candlestick, a device for lighting, was installed. Candlesticks show their value when they are lit. Light is needed when it is dark. When Jesus came, the world was dark. It was dark spiritually, it was dark socially, and it was dark politically. You came as light in this dark world. Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12, 9:5) and John the Baptist came to testify about this light (John 1:7-8). The church is the body of Jesus, the light. Therefore, the church must be the light of the world. Jesus said we are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We must fulfill our mission to illuminate the world with the light we have received from the Lord. Even if it is not a light source, the world will be brighter if it acts as a reflector. I hope that we will all realize the spiritual meaning of the instruments in the tabernacle and fulfill this mission together with the Lord.