Exploring the Tabernacle Patten – Part 9, Concluding Thoughts

by Connie Chamberlain

The Glory Cloud

In the Outer Court, we see by natural light, the light of the sun.  In the Holy Place, we have vision by the light of the lamp oil.  But in the Holy of Holies, it is the glory of God Himself that comes to illuminate (Rev. 21:23).  In this place, there is no need for lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. (Rev. 22:5). 

The Hebrew term, Shekinah, used to describe this glory, refers to the “Divine Presence, a revelation of the holy in the midst of the profane.”  And this cloud of glory, defined by resplendent light, was seen by the children of Israel as it hovered above the tabernacle, signifying that God’s presence was with them, when it rose to lead them and rested again. 

Once Moses had completed the construction of the tabernacle, God came to give His stamp of approval, so to speak, by way of a cloud.  “Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it.”  (Ex. 40:34-35)  What an awesome sight that must have been to behold!

This cloud of glory also graced Solomon’s temple, such that the cloud filled the house so thickly that the priests could not continue to minister.  (1 Kings 8:10)  Oh, to be filled with the brilliance and radiance of His glory that nothing else could enter!

The way in which God first appeared to His people, in the cloud, is the way in which He will return, in His words, the “Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Matt. 24:30)  It is a picture of divine union with His presence, when we are “caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (spirit to spirit).”  (1 Thess. 4:17) 

Putting All the Pieces Together

The study of all HIStory begins and ends with God; it is ‘Christ, His Story.’  To look back in time affords a view of the providential hand of God moving individuals and nations to accomplish His will.  “For God has allowed us to know the secret of His plan, and it is this:  He purposed long ago in His sovereign will that all human history should be consummated in Christ.”  (Eph. 1:9-10, Phillips Translation)

We have seen how the seven Principles of America’s Christian History correspond to the seven places of the tabernacle.  We enter through the door with an understanding of the value that God places on the individual.  We see how self-government (death to the flesh) happens at the altar and Christian character is defined at the laver.  Our conscience is illuminated at the lampstand, the Word (the law) governs our lives at the table of showbread, and the result of His government in our lives is diffused to affect others at the altar of incense.  The end result is an internal union with God which produces an external union with those who are like-minded.

It so happened that the timing of my daily reading in the Gospel of John coincided with the undertaking of this study.  I discovered that John (the one whom Jesus loved) seemed to have a “corner on the market” about the tabernacle revelation:  It is in John’s book that we find referenced all seven stations and their symbols.   (1) Jesus the Door, 10:1-9 (2) Jesus as the Lamb of God, offered on the altar,1:29  (3) The foot washing account symbolizing the cleansing at the laver, 13:3-10  (4) Jesus called the Light of the World, 8:12  (5) Jesus called our Bread of Life, 6:35 (6) Likened unto incense, Jesus’ prayer of intercession for us in Chapter 17 (7) The oneness of the Holy of Holies, 17:22.  May we like John lay our head on His chest and hear his heart beat. 

There’s no other way to get to God other than by entering the Outer Court through Jesus, who is the Door and the Way.  We offer up our selfish nature to be consumed at the brazen altar, followed by a washing at the laver to see a new man through Christ’s image.  We enter the Holy Place where illumination takes place at the lampstand by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  This light of the Holy Spirit will cause us to perceive the bread of His presence, His Word, through His revelation and understanding.  As we move to the altar of incense, it is also the light of the Holy Spirit that causes us to pray His prayers and enjoy the sweetness of a pure worship.  We finally enter the Holy of Holies where our hearts are brought into complete union with His heart, while abiding in a state of rest that causes us to move in a perfect oneness with Him.  Lord, let it happen according to Your Word.

Our Heart, His Home

When Paul’s question is again posed to us—“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?”—we can now answer with a resounding “yes and amen!”  Let us not forget who we are and whose we are.  Let us move continually in the flow and knowledge of His abiding presence.  The very God of the universe has come to make His home in us!  And He will indeed make His mysteries known to us as we meet between the cherubim, dwelling under the shadow of His wings.  This is indeed a great mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  (Col. 1:27)

We find that dwelling in His presence makes us privy to the musings of the heart of God.  As David, our Psalmist, has discovered, “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him and He will show them His covenant.” (Ps. 25:14) And, finally, may we say with our Lord, zeal for My Father’s house has eaten me up!

Faith Tabernacle
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