The chapters in Exodus that give the instructions for building the tabernacle can be laborious to read through and you can shortcut this by viewing a diagram which we have provided on the back cover of this booklet. It is still good though to at least skim over these chapters to get a sense of the intricacy of the instructions. The intricacy of the instructions relates to the function of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was three-dimensional theology. It showed the Israelites the issues involved in their relationship with God. It expressed the holiness (separateness by virtue of absolute purity) of God and showed them how a sinful people could relate to a holy God. If you looked through the entrance of the tabernacle to the enclosed tent that contained the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place your view would have been obstructed by the Altar of Offering. This would have told you that the only way to commune with God, who symbolically dwelt in the Most Holy Place, is by means of a sacrifice. Notice what was to be embroidered on the curtains that enclosed the Most Holy Place: cherubim. This was a reminder of the cherubim that guarded the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). The tabernacle was therefore showing the way back to the tree of life. Its symbols pointed forward to what God would in Jesus Christ who is our priest and sacrifice. When he died for our sins this curtain was torn from top to bottom; a divine declaration that the way to the tree of life is open.
Reflect on the fact that you have full access to God through Christ.
Read over Exodus 26-27
