Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday January 26, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read Exodus 26-28. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the directions given for constructing the Tabernacle, the plans for the altar; and Aaron's priestly garments.

God gave the pattern for the Tabernacle in detail, nothing could be added or left out. It clearly speaks of the person of Christ and the way of redemption through its materials, colors, furniture, and arrangement. (Exodus 25-27).

Just inside the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle stood the Brazen Altar, also called the Altar of Burnt Offering. Throughout the Bible, brass is symbolic of the judgment of God upon sin. All sacrifices were offered on the Brazen Altar, with its fire which was kindled by a direct act of God and which was never to go out. "All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass. And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel." (Exodus 27:19-21).

In offering an unblemished sacrificial animal, the Israelite understood that the animal's life was being forfeited in his place because of sins he had committed. He knew that it was only through the sinless animal being slain on his behalf that he could maintain a right relationship with God. The worshiper entered the one door into the outer court and approached the Brazen Altar. Then he placed his hands upon his sacrifice to signify his guilt being transferred to the innocent animal.

The high priest was anointed as the mediator between God and the nation of Israel to make atonement for them in order to be reconciled to God. He took the atoning sacrificial blood of animals before the Lord into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled it on the Mercy Seat. "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." (28:1-3). Aaron foreshadowed the blood of Jesus Christ that cleansed us from all sin.

However, all this was replaced by our Lord, Jesus Christ's sacrificial offering of His body. Since the crucifixion, bodily resurrection, and ascension of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have but one God-appointed means of maintaining a relationship with Him.

Every person except Jesus has a sinful nature, even the high priest. The best efforts of all mankind, as well as our thoughts, are a mixture of good and bad and therefore imperfect. But in Christ, our High Priest, we see the Perfect, Absolutely Sinless One. "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12)

The genuineness of one's faith will be evidenced by one's response to Jesus who said: Take up his cross daily (Luke 9:23) for faith without works is dead (James 2:20). Upon recognizing our spiritual shortcomings we can daily pray: Forgive us our sins as we have forgiven the ones who have sinned upon us.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the Brazen Altar, which upon the sin sacrifice was burned (Exodus 27:1-8). Jesus' sacrifice was the fulfillment of all Old Testament sacrifices.

Today's Psalm: (86:5)
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Today we pray for the members of our family and friends that are lost or who have strayed away from you. It tears us apart to know that our loved one is going through life without having a relationship with you. Ultimately, it's his/her choice whether or not to follow you, and we know that you're not going to force them to believe, but we thank you that you desire a relationship with them. We pray that you would bring them into a position where the choice is obvious, where they are hurting, and where they know that you're there for them if they'll only ask for your love and forgiveness. In Jesus name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a great day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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