Boanerges

This is a continuation of an earlier subject- Part 1 was what was already covered-Jesus in the old covenant:
When Moses was receiving the tablets with the ten commandments the children of Isreal pitched camp- not just in any order but according to God's command.The Lord's instructions were to line the camp up to the compass points with the three smallest tribes to the west, the three largest to the east and three roughly equal in size were lined up to the north and the south. This would have formed a gigantic living cross for Moses to see when he came down the mountain. The furniture inside the tabernacle (located in the center of the cross) represented the only way a Hebrew could come into God's presence- this was also configured in the shape of a cross- these things signify that there is one way and one way only to enter God's presence- thru the cross of Jesus Christ.It was the only meeting place betwenn God and man- in the center of the cross. He is "the lamb slain before the foundation of the world.

Boanerges

Judah-his insignia was that of Lion
Dan-his insignia was that of eagle
Ephraim- his insignia was that of an ox
Reuben- His insignia was that of a man
These same four faces can be seen demonstrated in the four beasts who worship before God in Revelation 4:6-7 and in Ezekiel's vision 1:10
Many people parallel this to the four gospels equating :
Luke which portrayed much of Jesus's humanity (man)
Mark which portrayed much of Jesus's servants heart (ox)
Matthew which portrayed much of Jesus's Kingship (lion)
John which portrayed much of Jesus's Deity (eagle)

One thing is certain- the only way into the presence of God had to began with a trip to the brazen (brass or bronze is always used to signify judgment) alter- from this alter of blood sacrifice it was a straight walk to the Holy of Holies (God's manifest presence) but there would be many other stops to make first-
the alter was large enough to contain the sacrifice and was built with a horn on each corner as the freshly slain sacrifice would need to be tied down (much like you and I ) when it was placed in the purifying fire it would spasm and flip of. This alter of sacrifice was the place were the price of sin was paid and no man would ever enter into God's Holy Presence without the shedding of blood and the taking of an innocent life- this and this alone was the answer - While it was a huge and imposing sight it was also a place where the children of God would come to worship- the is a representation of our Lord's sacrifice on the cross.

The next step for a priest to enter God's presence was the brazen laver- this was thought to be a large round bowl held up an a pedestal- it was made entirely of polished brass mirrors that the women of the congregation had donated (Exodus 38:8) - it acted a a large mirror and it's purpose was for self inspection and cleansing before proceeding into more intimate proximity to God's manifest presence - while it to was brass (judgment) it was used to cleanse one who had already been forgiven thru blood sacrifice on the alter and can be compared to the sanctification of the believer:
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The Word is were we wash and inspect our lives, it is the method of purification of God's children today.

Boanerges

The next step was the Alter of Incense- the only fire that could be used to burn incense here was to be taken directly from the brazen alter of sacrifice- the only acceptable cleansing come from Christ's sacrifice- an attempt was made by tow of Aaron's sons to bring strange fire into God's presence signifying that God's provision (Jesus) was the only way in and any other way would only result in destruction and death- the brazen alter met the price of mans sin and corruption only it's fire could burn in the place of true worship and prayer this is symbolized in the Alter of incense:
Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Rev 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

The next piece pf furniture in the tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant- this was constructed of wood overlayed with gold- it's contents were :
Heb 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
this ark typified Jesus Christ who contained the law and the rod- the rule of law- He not only contained God's Holiness and glory but He is the fulfillment of it - on top of the ark was placed the mercy seat-this was constructed of pure gold- no mans work here but only the divine-there were two cherubim mounted on top facing each other with their wings touching at the top-this is were the blood of the sacrificial lamb was applied- THE MEETING PLACE BETWEEN GOD AND MAN WAS WERE THE MERCY OF GOD OVERSHADOWED THE LAW (JUDGMENT) OF GOD- as the blood was applied to the mercy seat the shekinah glory of God would appear and light the holy of holies with His glory- friends this is still the meeting place for God and man- the place were the shed blood of His Son is applied and the mercy of God covers His judgment.
Again all the furniture in the tabernacle was aligned in the shape of the cross.
This is only a quick sketch of this revelation and I encourage anyone reading to find several good books on the subject and dig in- you will never read the old testament the same way as you will begin to see Jesus in all those scriptures!

Boanerges

Jasher's recent post has me thinking about this subject so I thought I would give this a bump.

__________________
“Neither skill nor knowledge is needed to go to God, all that is necessary is a heart dedicated entirely and solely to Him out of love for Him above all others.”
Brother Lawrence

Who am I

__________________
Blessings to all

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Boanerges

NP my brother- I love it too!
The Old testment= Christ concealed
The New Testament= Christ revealed

__________________
“Neither skill nor knowledge is needed to go to God, all that is necessary is a heart dedicated entirely and solely to Him out of love for Him above all others.”
Brother Lawrence

JeremiahD84

This was really awesome to learn! I love learning about the Old Testament because it really helps me to better understand the New Testament.

SweetSurrender

Yes, your post was so interesting. I always just stopped reading things I don't understand. This helps me to understand that the things done in the O.T. were to become plain in the New. It took a long time, but God knew what he was doing. It is actually a very beautiful thing He has done for us. I don't know why I never appreciated the Old Testiment before. Give us more, Bo.

__________________
"Do not imagine that you must comprehend or understand it all before you seek and find it. For those who wait on Him, God will do more than they can conceive." Andrew Murray