Tabernacle Typology 4: Red, Blue and Purple

Tabernacle Typology 4: Red, Blue and Purple

by | Aug 8, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Tabernacle Typology 4: Red, Blue and Purple

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”

Colors have always had a sort of inherent symbolism to them. Man has always associated colors with more abstract concepts.

Some modern examples, in the English language, might include:

“Feeling blue…” to indicate sadness or melancholy, to ‘be green’ is to be inexperienced or new to something, and to be the ‘golden boy’ is to be the family favorite – like some shiny idol on a pedestal.

These are but a few modern expressions, but as we go back in time we see that throughout human history color has always been used to convey subtle and hidden concepts, feelings and ideas to a target audience.

Red, for example, has for many centuries had many negative connotations – such as lust, anger and war.

We see this kind of use of color in many prophetic readings throughout the Bible. For example – Isaiah talks about our sins being as scarlet but being washed whiter than wool. (Isaiah 1:18). White is used again and again as an indication of purity and holiness – red in this case is indicative of our ‘violence’ against God – our transgressions and the consequence thereof.

We see this kind of prophetic symbolism in the book of Revelation – the pale horse, a kind of sickly green, reminiscent of decay and decomposition for death – the red for war, black for famine (as also in Lamentations 4:4, 8-9), and white for peace (the false peace that the antichrist brings).

It is then no leap of the imagination to think that the dye used in the construction of the Tabernacle do not abide by the same principle – that they might serve to color the portrait of Christ and His coming in some way or form.

God asks the people to bring, as an offering, blue, purple and red dye.

It is no coincidence that the words ‘dye’ and ‘die’ sound the same, for each of these materials would cost the life of some living creature – just as the consecration of our lives and the infilling of our bodies as the Tabernacle of the Holy Spirit would require sacrifice – first the sacrifice of the Spotless Lamb, our Messiah Jesus – and then our own dying to self as we surrender our lives to the Will and purpose of God – yielding to the careful Hand of our Father that He may color our lives with peace, hope, joy and newness of life.

We will now explore each color on its own:

Blue: Threads dyed a very dark blue, perhaps violet. According to Rabbinical tradition, it was derived from the blood of a shell-fish found in the Mediterranean Sea (most likely the Hexaplex Trunculus – a type of sea snail). After the 8th Century the source and means of production seems to have disappeared as Rabbinical sources laments the loss of the ‘thekelet’ from this point on.

It was used almost exclusively by the elite and was very rare and therefore costly. The root of the Hebrew name (Tekhelet) is significant, as it hints towards perfection, blue also reminds us of the Heavens, and is typical of the Heavenly Perfection of Jesus Christ, the Perfect Man, Son of God.

Purple: It was a reddish purple, a dye likewise obtained from a species of shell-fish – also most likely a type of sea snail (possibly the predatory snail mentioned above). Apparently the production of this dye was a very tedious, labor intensive process involving tens of thousands of these small sea creatures – and therefore it was also considered of high value and quite a commodity. (It would take the poisonous mucous of around 12 thousand Murex snails to procure around 1.4 g of pure dye).

Theopompus, an 4th century Greek Historian, described it as being worth its weight in silver. By this time it had become such a symbol of wealth and power that only the Emperor was allowed to wear it.

Purple being a combination of Scarlet and Blue, it typifies Christ in both His heavenly perfection as well as His earthly dignity, His glory on the Cross and His Melchisedec priesthood, Jesus sitting as Priest upon His throne. (Heb 8:1)

Scarlet: The literal translation of the phrase from Hebrew references a ‘worm of shining’, the meaning is probably derived from its brilliant hue. The worm referred to is the cochineal insect. The Arabs called it ‘kirmiz’, from which the English word ‘crimson’ is most likely derived.

This same scarlet color was also used to decorate the Bridal Chamber at Jewish Weddings.

The Scarlet yarn depicts Jesus as our Savior, the lover of our souls. It reminds us of His atoning blood and loving sacrifice on Golgotha.

The use of these dye’s throughout the construction of a Tabernacle provides a splash of color to the prophetic interpretation of the whole – especially in the composition of the Veil.

Reflect:

1. Using a concordance, do a quick topical search for colors in the Bible. Thinking about the common symbolism of various colors is there anywhere else in Scripture that you might apply what you have learned here – how do these colors convey a deeper meaning or more compelling vision of Christ and His Kingdom?

2.In thinking about the common symbolism of colors is there any way a Christian artist might employ these colors creatively as a teaching tool?

Prayer: Lord, I come to You today with a bended heart – a heart bowed down before You! As I think about these things and as I explore the Old Testament, I pray that I will see and understand the hidden things of Your Word. Help me see deeper and colour my understanding. As I go deeper, and look at those things I have often glossed over, let the wonder of Your Word unfold in my mind and in my heart. Help me see You in everything – even in the smallest things. In Jesus name. Amen.

Giving as Worship

Giving as Worship

by | Aug 7, 2024 | Kingdom Finance, Kingdom Principles, The Pattern

In Matthew 25:35-40: Jesus describes, in parable, the corporal works of mercy.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

We are called to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty and to clothe the naked. We are called and encouraged to shelter the homeless and visit the prisoner. We are to comfort the sick and father the orphan. We are to love without condition and be a friend to the friendless.

Jesus calls us to be His hands and feet.

We are to see to the needs of those around us – regardless of who they are or where they come from.

Jesus has called us all. We are all called to care for the community.

The early church – as described in the book of Acts – gave everything to the cause of Christ. All of their possessions were shared.

I am not suggesting that we live in the same way – what I am encouraging you to do is think a little bit beyond our own materialism.

The fact of the matter is, God has blessed us with certain skills, talents and resources. Therefore giving is not only an act of obedience but also worship.

Through giving – whether it is our time or money – or whatever it is we can offer – we are contributing to the great commission.

Sowing into ministry is a way of contributing to the cause of Christ.

I once heard a minister describing the first act of worship. He said that when God breathed into Adam and Adam exhaled it was worship – it was a physical reaction to what God had done.

This is what worship is – a reaction to the goodness and grace of God.

But this reaction cannot be purely spiritual.

We worship in spirit and truth – and if the truth is present within us and the Spirit moves through us it will always have tangible results.

Paul admonishes us in Ephesians 5 to be imitators of Christ as beloved children – to live a life of love just as Christ has loved us and offered Himself as a fragrant sacrifice for our sake.

He also makes it clear in his second letter to the Corinthians that Jesus became poor for our sake so that through His poverty we might become rich.

It is in reaction to this great love that Christ showed us – this love that laid down His life for us – that we worship and lay down our own ambitions for the sake of the Cross.

God, through His grace, has provided to our needs – and enables us to give to His Kingdom. Paul describes this in 2 Corinthians 9. From verse 10 we read:

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. (2 Corinthians 9:10-14, NIV)

Paul makes an interesting point – your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

He reiterates this idea in the following verses: OTHERS will praise God for the obedience that ACCOMPANIES your confession of the Gospel of Christ.

Giving is faith in practice.

James, in the epistle that bears his name, teaches us that faith without action is dead.

If we believe that God is who He says He is – our provider, our shepherd – the one who cares for us – than we can be pro-active in our giving instead of reactive. We can give and see to the needs of others without fear because we know that God is faithful and will supply and increase our store of seed (as Paul describes in 2 Cor 9:10).

The Bible also teaches us in the book of Proverbs that whosoever gives to the poor lends to the Lord – and I don’t know anyone I would rather lend to – as God is always faithful in settling His debts.

We pray: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done…” but it has to be more than just a prayer – it has to lead to action.

What are we doing to facilitate the coming of His Kingdom?

We need to proclaim and show forth the praises of God. We need to proclaim His mercy.

Giving is a work of mercy through us. It is mercy at work in us.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I would like to ask you to help us fulfill the mission by supporting our mission. Your contribution allows us to devote our time to preaching, teaching, counseling those who can’t afford it and deliverance ministry – both locally and internationally, online and in person.

It also allows us to devote our time to the creation of materials for use by individuals and groups for personal growth and discipleship – all available for free on this website. We are not asking for much – even the smallest drop in the bucket makes a huge difference. We only ask that your prayerfully go to the Lord and ask Him to guide you in your giving.

Please see this page for more information on how you can support the mission: 

https://kingdomrevolution.co.za/blogs/give/

Giving and the Harvest

Giving and the Harvest

by | Aug 7, 2024 | Kingdom Finance, Kingdom Principles, The Pattern

Jesus said the following in Matthew 9:Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38, NIV)

Reinhardt Bonke said the following – the day of reaping with a sickle is past. The time for the combine harvester has come.

He also said: an unpreached Gospel is no Gospel at all.

A combine harvester is an extremely versatile and dynamic machine for bringing in the harvest – but even with a well qualified driver it cannot move without fuel. In the end the person who fills the tank plays just as big a role in gathering the harvest and seeing the fruits of the labour. You can have a very dynamic church and a well qualified preacher – but without the person who fills the tank – without our contributions to the mission – the lights will go out and the doors will close. Our contributions are what keep the church running.

Every single person in the body of Christ is important – plays a role in it functioning as a vehicle for salvation.

Through faithful use of our resources – time, money, skills, etc – the gifts bestowed upon us by the grace of God, each according to our special and unique capacity – we will see increase.

On that day on which we are to give account of our lives – when we are to prove our stewardship over the many mercies God entrusted us with, those who exerted themselves dutifully will receive their reward while those who left their gifts unused will be deprived of what they were entrusted with.

On that day on which we are to give account of our live we are not going to be asked what we preached, but rather what we did.

Giving to the poor, supporting the gospel and sowing into the Kingdom is trading with what we have – and the returns will be rich.

Those who have heard and are stubborn and uncharitable will find their riches are empty and perish – eaten away by moth and age.

Another principle at work in my life is this: we keep what we have by giving it away.

If we hold on to that ‘thing’ – that finite and perishable ‘thing’ – it will be all we have.

However, as we fill the cups of those around us in faith and faithfulness to God, we will see Him fill our cups every time.

How can God fill a cup that is full? Will the water not stagnate if it does not move?

What is most important, above all, is that the things that are important to God must be the most important to us.

Beyond our desire for a full cup – a full and prosperous life – must be the desire to please God.

For our hearts to break at the sight of that which breaks His heart.

A church that does not seek the lost is lost itself.

My hope and prayer is that God will speak to you to give – to fill the cups of those around you – so that you may become a living testimony of the grace of God.

That you will see increase in your storehouse. That God will prove Himself faithful to you and that the Gospel will continue to be preached and reach the lost.

May His Kingdom come, and His will be done in us, through us and around us.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I would like to ask you to help us fulfill the mission by supporting our mission. Your contribution allows us to devote our time to preaching, teaching, counseling those who can’t afford it and deliverance ministry – both locally and internationally, online and in person.

It also allows us to devote our time to the creation of materials for use by individuals and groups for personal growth and discipleship – all available for free on this website. We are not asking for much – even the smallest drop in the bucket makes a huge difference. We only ask that your prayerfully go to the Lord and ask Him to guide you in your giving.

Please see this page for more information on how you can support the mission: 

https://kingdomrevolution.co.za/blogs/give/

Here I Am, Send Me Part 1: God has a plan!

Here I Am, Send Me Part 1: God has a plan!

by | Aug 7, 2024 | Called, Here I Am, Send Me, The Pattern

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In Paul’s letters to the Colossians, quite a few hundred pages later, we read the following:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Col 1:16-17: KJV)

Everything in the earth and in the heavens was created through Him – by His mighty hands – and for Him – to serve His purpose.

As human beings capable of intelligent thought as well as reasoning, we find all kinds of questions racing through our minds and, at times, our hearts.

Many of the worlds greatest thinkers, philosophers, poet, artists and scientists have looked for the meaning of life – asking, “why are we here?”

And just as many have passed on without ever getting an answer.

We as Christians, having to our advantage the very Word of God and His Holy Spirit to convince us of the right way and to lead us therein, we have the answer!

For His glory! For His glory we have been created and formed – for His glory we have been planted here.

We have been called for a place and a time such as this. You have been planted here, wherever that may be, for a reason, and not just any reason, but for God’s reason – to be the manifestation of His glorious plan, to be a part of the coming revival (which I am convinced will be coming soon), to be part of a revolution – there is more to life than just being!

Each and every one of us has been created with a purpose to fulfil in the greater ecosystem of His Kingdom.

We have been created for His glory. But what does that mean and how do we embrace it?

Sorrowfully I become aware of the great potential God has put in us and how we have the tendency to waste it. So many of us simply don’t realize that we have a purpose, that God has a plan! And

There have been many people with great potential – exceptional skill and talent, many with great minds – who have missed it completely – choosing to serve the world rather than God. Choosing death rather than life. Imagine what a force for revival they could’ve been if they had only met God on a personal, intimate level and allowed Him to use them.

Today I believe we are standing at that same crossroad. We have a choice set before us.

Do we see that which God has placed within us, that which He wants to give us, or do we turn a blind eye and ignore His great gifts? Do we ignore the voice of the Lord calling to us right now – ‘whom shall I send?’ – or do we jump head first and with wild abandon into His will for us?

The choice is yours today.

On this website you will find many resources added weekly, even daily, to help you grow in your relationship with the Lord as well as your calling and ministry.

If you need more personal guidance, or advice on which resources to use and where to find more – please reach out and send me an email: andre@adlabuschagne.co.za

Reflect:

1. We are all called to be a part of the ecosystem of God’s Kingdom. Often an ecosystem will contain many smaller ecosystems as well. This could be your workplace, your home, your school, your church or your community. Where has God planted you? What ecosystems are you a part of? How does your sphere of influence look?

2. What are some of the needs in your immediate sphere of influence? Is it food security? Mental health? Spiritual poverty?

3. Think of one or two small ways that you can make a difference and meet these needs – whether it is giving a neighbour a loaf of bread, praying with a friend, or even just offering a shoulder to cry on. What is a practical way in which you can take your first step into servanthood and ministry? How can you be a beacon of refreshment, renewal and revival in your ecosystem today?

Prayer: Lord, I give you my heart, my mind and all of my strength. Do with me as you will. Make me an instrument of Your peace, a beacon of Your love and an ambassador of Your Kingdom. Let my heart be set on your ways, and Your ways set within my heart so that I might be a faithful witness of Your Grace and Mercy. Show me, through Your Holy Spirit, how I can make a difference today. Help me make the small things count. Every gesture, every conversation – in all of my coming and my going – be glorified. Use my life to write testimonies in the lives of others. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Hymn of Heaven

Hymn of Heaven

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“And every prayer we prayed in desperation
The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear
In the end, we’ll see that it was worth it
When He returns to wipe away our tears”

Hymn of Heaven, Phil Wickham

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4, NIV

While it is true that the Kingdom is come it is only a part of the Kingdom. We also look forward, expecting the Kingdom that is yet to come.

The Bible makes this clear, that the Kingdom has come but it is also coming.

In Revelation 21 we read about this coming Kingdom.

It is a place where God reigns in totality. Where His dominion is established and recognized by all things. It is a place where every tear is wiped away – where there is no mourning, crying or pain. The coming Kingdom is a place where there is no infirmity, no illness, no disability – where our bodies are complete and whole. The coming Kingdom is a place undefiled and incorruptible – completely Holy as God is Holy.

The coming Kingdom is a place where there is no death.

The truth is that while this life endures many of us will only see a portion of the Kingdom. In this age – this time of preparation in which God is preparing a Bride for Himself – we will still have hardships.

I have heard in this last week of two people who once were very dear to me passing on.

There is still death in this world.

A friend is currently in hospital under observation.

There is still pain in this world.

There is still mourning and crying, and not every tear is wiped away. Some tears are planted like seeds in the ground of our lamentation, supplication and intercession – one day to be reaped as joy.

In this current age we are to prove ourselves as a faithful Bride to the One who is to come.

We are to keep our garments clean and undefiled, trusting, longing and waiting on Jesus and His coming – the coming Kingdom – where all things, all of creation, will be made new.

In the mean time we endure. Steadfast in prayer – praying not only for ourselves but for the world at large. We pray for our families. We pray for our schools. We pray for our churches and our communities. We pray for a wave of repentance and a great awakening to occur.

We stay faithful in trial and trouble, we persevere even in persecution and press in and press on towards the final destination of our faith – where we will be united and eternally locked in communion with our Bridegroom and the Lover of our Souls – Jesus!

We stay faithful, knowing that in this world we will have trouble. In this world and in this life we will cry many tears – but this too shall pass and give way to glory. This current life will pass – wither and fade like flowers and grass – but His Word and His Kingdom will be forever.

Do not grow weary of waiting for the time is soon – the Kingdom comes like a thief in the night.

Do not grow weary of waiting. Keep your lamps trimmed and burning.

One day God Himself will wipe away our tears – but for now we keep planting those tears for our friends and family. We keep planting those tears for the unsaved, the unloved and the unwashed – we keep planting the tears of lamentation, supplication and intercession – for in the Kingdom come we will reap joy!

Prayer: Lord, today I cry for my family. I cry for my friends. I cry for my community. As I shed these tears Lord, tears of compassion, longing and love – let not one go to waste. Hear my cries oh Lord God of Hosts, shine Your face upon us. Save this broken and dying world. Hear our prayers, oh Lord, and give us peace. Give us the peace of knowing that one day we will reap joy unspeakable and full of glory. Help me endure in waiting. Help me keep my lamp trimmed and burning. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.