Tabernacle Typology Part 5: Fine Linen

Tabernacle Typology Part 5: Fine Linen

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

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.”

Linen, according to modern research, has been used for thousands of years and appears to be one of the oldest textiles known to man. Derived from the ancient Greek word ‘linón’ it referred to fabric woven from the fibres of the Flax plant

The Ancient Egyptians reserved linen for use by the social elite. They made everything from clothing, furnishings, decorations and sails for ships – they even used it as currency in some instances. Most famously it was used to dress their mummies for burial.

It had such a high place in the Egyptian mind that it was often referred to as ‘woven moonlight’.

It would later, in other parts of the world, become a symbol of status and refinement – often being included in the dowry of Mediaeval brides.

‘Linen’ appears more than a hundred times in the English Scriptures and was a sought-after commodity in Bible times. 

We read about the Angels appearing in robes of fine linen – Revelation 15 and 19, Ezekiel Chapters 9 and 10; Daniel Chapters 10 and 12 – representing their service, righteousness and purity.

Jeremiah (in Jeremiah 13) is instructed to purchase a linen belt, and after wearing it for a while to bury it. Many days later the Lord instructs him to dig it up. By this time it is dirty and useless. Here the belt represents the bond between Judah and God – and how that bond had been tarnished by their disobedience and wickedness. The belt of linen represented God’s bond with His people – a bond of Holiness. The linen belt represented the consecrated garb of the priests, and therefore also the priesthood of His people – the girdle of Jehovah – chosen as His Holy People.

In the book of Revelation the Bride – the saints – are clothed in fine linen as well (Revelation 15 and 19). Here it represents a separation from the world and its wickedness – the clothes kept clean and pure. 

Rabbinical tradition holds that whenever a priest’s garment had a stain that could not be removed, or if their garments had reached a point of disrepair, it would be cut into strips and recycled as candle wicks – “for there can be no display of poverty in a place of wealth.” (Klei Hamikdash, chapter 8).

Linen in the Tabernacle was used in the construction of the fence, and the ceremonial garments of the priesthood.

The pure, undecorated white fence around the Tent of Gathering made a separation between what happened within fro the world outside.

To step into the courtyard was to leave the world outside.

The fence was meant to protect and conceal what was happening inside.

Earlier we mentioned the fact that linen was used to wrap the Egyptian mummies – but it was also used in other burial ceremonies in other cultures. Jesus was also buried in fine linen.

There is a definite connection between death and linen – or rather in this case mortality and linen. As a portrait of Jesus the linen represents the humble and mortal flesh that God put on to die upon the cross for us – unblemished and pure, sinless and without blame.

It is through this mortality of Jesus, offered as a sacrifice, that we get to enter in to the courtyard of His presence – stepping out of the world as we know it and into His resurrection – ever closer to the Heart of the Father. All of the promises of the Tabernacle – the forgiveness and remission of sin – was contained within these walls of linen, just like the promise of redemption and reconciliation was hidden in the pure and unblemished linen of His Body broken for us.

For the Christian believer the linen fence represents the boundary between this world of sin and shame and the New Life in Christ.

Stepping out of the world and into His Holiness – separating ourselves from the world and drawing closer to Him. 

Reflect:

  1. In meditating on the above and the construction of the Tabernacle, in what other ways can the use of linen in the Tabernacle represent not only Christ and His Coming (as the Spotless Lamb of God – the Holy and Anointed One), but also the New Life of the believer?
  2. What is your understanding of Holiness? Is it imparted by the Holy Spirit? Is it something you work for or towards? Or is it both a gift of God, the work of the Holy Spirit – as well as a process that we are actively involved in? How would you explain this using the Tabernacle as a sort of metaphor?

Prayer: Lord, let my robes be unblemished and spotless before You. Help me, Jesus, through Your Holy Spirit to keep my garments clean. If there is any wickedness within me, remove it! I thank You Lord for Your mercy and grace! Even though my sins were as scarlet You have washed me white as snow. Show me Lord, if there is anything I have yet to surrender to Your careful, loving Hand – and give me the courage and the wisdom to act. Help me, Lord, to live a life worthy of the One You gave upon the Cross. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

Walking With Jesus: The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:3-11)

Walking With Jesus: The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:3-11)

by | Aug 12, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.”

Isaiah 40:3, NIV

Mark begins his Gospel account by introducing us to a pretty radical, strange man, called John. 

John the Baptist.

In Mark 1:3: says that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark describes John as wearing clothing made of camel’s hair with a belt of leather. This in itself seems wild enough – but when taken in context, we see a definite parallel with the appearance of Elijah (2 Kings 1:7-8:)

In addition to this both preached a message of repentance and turning back to God for forgiveness of their sins.

There are other interesting similarities. For example the fact that both had their lives sought by wicked queens (1 Kings 19, Matthew 14), ate food provided by God in the wilderness (Mark 1:6, 1 Kings 17), confronted idolatry (1 Kings 18, Luke 3),  and both lived in the wilderness and ministered near the Jordan River.

The most important similarity between them, however, is that each in his own right was the only acting prophet of the Lord when the began their ministries.

In 1 Kings 18:22 we read: Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.”

And in Luke 1:76-79: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him…”

John the Baptist starts his ministry after more or less 400 years of prophetic silence, following the death of Malachi. This silent period is known as the ‘Intertestamental Period’.

Suddenly, after 400 years, God anoints his servant to speak again! God anoints this wild-man prophet to prepare the way for the coming of Christ and His Kingdom.

The water baptism of John was a new thing – a unique thing. David Guzik shares the following thought: “Baptism was already practiced in the Jewish community in the form of ceremonial immersions but typically it was only among Gentiles who wished to become Jews. For a Jew in John’s day to submit to baptism was essentially to say, “I confess that I am as far away from God as a Gentile and I need to get right with Him.” This was a real work of the Holy Spirit.”

The baptism of John in the wilderness was a prophetic reflection of the new movement God was birthing in the world – a preparing of the ground – the preparation of their hearts to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first purpose of his baptism therefore was to prepare the way for Christ.

The second purpose of the baptism was to reveal Christ. (Mark 1:9-11).

At the Baptism of Jesus we read that the Heavens were torn open. The same verb is used to describe what happens to the Temple Veil when Jesus gives His last breath upon the cross.

The author Don Juel shares his impression: “What does the tearing mean? It may mean, as interpreted in the Letter to the Hebrews (esp. chapters 9-10), that we now have access to God: We can “have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus” (Heb. 10:19).  Viewed from another perspective, the image may suggest that the protecting barriers are gone and that God, unwilling to be confined to sacred spaces, is on the loose in our own realm.  If characters in the story find Jesus’ ministry threatening, then they may have good reason.  The imagery has enormous power to shape imagination and to open readers to the story.  That is, Mark’s narrative is about the intrusion of God into a world that has become alien territory — An intrusion that means both life and death.” (Donald Juel, A Master of Surprise,)

It is here, in verses 9-11, that we see that God has stepped into our realm of flesh and blood. That God Himself has come to work on our behalf – to prepare a way for us towards salvation – God Himself has come to prepare the way of reconciliation – and to show us this way.

God Himself is taking action.

And He wants to take action in your life today.

Reflect:

  1. John came preaching a message of repentance. The Gospel as a whole is focused on repentance – on turning away from the world, and towards Him. Is there any area of your life that requires a turning towards God today?

  2. What do the words “God on the loose” awaken in you? What would it look like to have “God on the loose” in your life? What would it look like to have “God on the loose” through you? How will this affect and reflect in your life today?

Prayer: Lord, I want to invite you today, through Your Holy Spirit, to move in me and through me. If there is anything in my life that is out of order, anything that should be removed – any area of my life that needs to turn towards You, show me and give me the wisdom to act – let no stone be left unturned. And as I turn, wholly and fully towards You, let my life be a reflection of the life You gave – direct me in all my ways and ordain every step I take, so that the world might see You ‘on the loose’ in my life. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

 

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.

Yet Not I But Christ Through Me

Yet Not I But Christ Through Me

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace”

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me, City Alight

“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13, NKJV

One of the greatest dangers of the so-called ‘prosperity gospel’ is that it is not congruent with the full context of Scripture.

I have heard often from pulpits around the world that God wants you to be rich, He wants you to be healthy – He wants you to be successful and prosperous in all things. The result is a generation of Christians who feel condemned, lost and alone when the eggs of life aren’t sunny side up.

God does not want us to be successful and prosperous in all things – He wants us to know Him and delight in Him in all things.

This is a very important distinction.

In his letter to the Philippians Paul makes it clear that he has seen the good and the bad of life – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Tim Keller shared the following thought: “One of the main ways we move from abstract knowledge about God to a personal encounter with him as a living reality is through the furnace of affliction.”

It is in our weakness that we see and know the glory, strength and power of Christ.

The Christian life is hard. It is a race, it is a battle, it is marathon and a war waged. It is about endurance. It is about perseverance. It is about pressing on, leaning in and pushing through.

Christ did not come to remove the reality of trial and tribulation from our lives, but to show His strength in these situations – that we may know Him in all things, be content in all things and endure all things even unto death, holding fast to the hope, courage and peace we have in Him.

As Elisabeth Elliot said: “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”

Many of us have, or will, at some point make a vow to a spouse along these lines – a promise to have and to hold , for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death does part.

This is a beautiful snapshot of the the Christian life. God promises to have and to hold – for better, for worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health – to love and to cherish FOREVER.

The difference in the vow the Bride (Church) makes to the Bridegroom (Jesus), and vice versa, is the fact that DEATH has been removed from the equation.

We will still have the better and the worse, the sickness and health, the richer and poorer – but death can no longer do us part.

He will have and hold, love and cherish His Bride for all eternity.

Because of this I can face tomorrow, I can do all things, endure every trial and tribulation that might come my way, press on, lean in and push through – content in all things – knowing that my Maker is my Husband. Knowing that He has me in the palm of His mighty hand. Resting in the knowledge that no matter what, come what may, He will not let go.

He will have and hold, love and cherish His Bride for all eternity.

Prayer: Oh Lord, what a privilege to know that I am Yours. I belong to You. My life is in You. Thank You Jesus for Your love, Your mercy and Your grace. Be my strength in weakness, my joy and my courage. Be my righteousness, my freedom and my deep and boundless peace. My future is sure in You. Help me endure and persevere – my eyes set firmly upon You. Go with me in this day and hold me forever in Your mighty, careful and loving hand. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology 3: Precious Metals

Tabernacle Typology 3: Precious Metals

by | Jul 11, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

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.”

As we have explored in previous reflections, every aspect of the Tabernacle points to Jesus in some way or form.

As St. Augustine said: “In the Old Testament the New is concealed, in the New the Old is revealed.”

All the nuances and finer points in God’s divine scheme are displayed in the Tabernacle, from the materials used to the staves, hooks and rods, and even the large, durable coverings – everything has a purpose.

In the four versions of the Gospel the hidden importance of such seemingly mundane things are exposed, and we can see Christ portrayed in the Tabernacle as the Son of Man, the Last Adam, The Son of God, the Spotless Lamb slain for our iniquities and transgressions!

The first of these finer points we will look at concerns the precious metals – gold, silver and bronze – used in the construction of the Tabernacle.

Metals like gold and silver have long been considered valuable by people groups across time and space – history and geography – and have often been used as a store of value, a sign of wealth and even power.

Another consideration is the fact that these metals were all taken from the ground, from within the Earth – and so, just as we need to mine the Earth to procure the wealth in it we will need to mine the text of the Bible to gain the wealth of knowledge, wisdom and revelation attached to these precious metals – the true spiritual value of these materials hidden in the incarnation of Jesus, just like its physical counterparts are hidden in the Earth.

Gold was used in the construction of the ark, the Cherubim, the table of showbread, the candlestick and the altar of incense.

It is generally used in the Tabernacle as an emblem of divinity, the revelation of God in the Lord Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. It also speaks of our faith in the Word of God, which is Holy and Perfect.

Silver was the only material not obtained by a voluntary contribution, but by a levy of a half-shekel on each adult Israelite. (Ex. 38:25-26). The silver was used for the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil, also for overlaying, filleting and the making of hooks and sockets.

Silver was the only material not obtained by a voluntary contribution, but by a levy of a half-shekel on each adult Israelite. (Ex. 38:25-26). This tax was ordained, collected as a ransom for the soul, the price of atonement. (2 Sam 24:15, Ex. 30:11-16). The Silver also reminds us of Christ, and His suffering on the cross – the price of our atonement. The sacrifice He made for us, laying down His life. Silver was also exchanged for our salvation, our atonement. (Matt 27:1-10).

Finally Brass was used for the Altar of Burnt-Offerings and the Laver, amongst other things. The Hebrew word means ‘copper’ or ‘bronze’ as is evident from Deut. 8:9: where the metal is said to be hewn from the mountains. It is also what their weapons were made of.

Polished brass was often used as mirrors – and it is in the mirror of Christ’s righteousness and strength that we do introspection. It is typical of judgment and suffering (Leviticus 26:18-20, Judges 16:18-22, Jeremiah 52:8-11), but also stability and enduring strength, just as iron is the emblem of overcoming strength (Deut 33:25).5 Thus it reminds us of God’s judgment over sin, the suffering of Christ for our atonement and the Holy Spirit, enduring and forever. (Zech 4:6, Eph 3:16)

As we continue our study of the Tabernacle and its typology this basic understanding of the precious metals will help convey a deeper and more compelling portrait of Jesus and His Great Work here in our midst.

Reflect:

1. Thinking about the precious metals in this meditation, what other qualities can possibly point to Christ and His Kingdom Come? Can you think of any other uses of these metals in scriptures – whether symbolic or literal – and how it speaks about Christ, His Kingdom or the New Life of the Believer?

2. Write a short Gospel presentation based on one of these precious metals using it to convey a message about the life and sacrifice of Jesus, the working of the Holy Spirit or the life of the believer.The presentation should not be longer than 3 to 5 minutes and should be easy to share.

Prayer: Lord, let my faith be refined through the Fire of Your Spirit into something more precious than silver and gold – burn away the impurities of my own understanding and show me what it is I need to learn so that I might be more like You. As I study and as I go deeper into Your Word – let it be like a mirror of polished brass through which I can do the necessary introspection and discern ever more Your plan and purpose for my life. Refine me like gold and silver so that those in my life might see Your beauty in my life. Strengthen my faith, like copper and brass, that I might stand strong against the opinions of the world and see You in all things. From You are all things and to You are all things. You deserve the glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.