Word of God | Grandma's Ramblings
Halloween decorations are off the shelf – and even before we celebrate Thanksgiving, the stores are filled with Christmas decorations and music. Many of my friends tell me they are busy with their Christmas shopping list.
It is amazing to me how much money we spend at Christmas. According to the National Retail Federation, American spent 929.5 billion on Christmas in 2022, 955.6 billion in 2023 and it is estimated to grow 2.5% to 3.5%, to a new record of between $979.5 billion and $989 billion this year.
While Halloween spending is much less, it still is amazing what we spend. Americans spent $12.2 billion on Halloween in 2023 and $10.6 billion on Halloween in 2022.
Now – I am not trying to be Scrooge. Christmas is a great holiday – and absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying all the parties, gift exchanges and family gatherings.
BUT….as you begin shopping for family and friends, may I suggest you add something to that shopping list. Find an organization that helps the homeless, those who have lost their homes in natural disasters and the many in refugee camps around the world. The list goes on and on. Check out this website to find what needs there are – both in the USA and around the world.
https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give/
There are many local organizations that could use some help. Local food pantries, Toys for Tots, check with your local school board for church for a family that could use help.
Check out my post on Mercy Ships.
https://wordpress.com/post/barblaneblog.com/7833
Let the joy of Christmas shopping extend beyond your immediate circle.
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.’
Reading a friend’s blog today got my mind thinking about how fast this year has gone by. How fast my life is going by.
As I thought about the years already past (76) and wondered how many years lie ahead of me, I thought of the story in the Bible of Enoch.
In the genealogy of Adam, we are told:
Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
He lived to be 365 years old, but Enoch had such a close and intimate relationship with God that one day he just vanished—God took him.
The writer of the book of Hebrews explains what it meant that “God took him.”
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.
In my head I have this story.
Every day God and Enoch would take a walk. First, as a child Enoch no doubt had a lot of questions for God.
As their friendship grew, their walks got longer and longer. The childish questions became more difficult as Enoch became older, but God had no problem answering them. He was patient and loving. Every day Enoch would rise from his bed excited about another walk with God. He wondered what he would learn today.
Finally, after many years of shared moments with God they came to the end of their walk. God said, “Enoch, we are closer to my house than yours. Why don’t you just come on to my house with me?”
And Enoch happily said “YES!”
One of the most beautiful worship songs I know. Close your eyes and invite Jesus’ presence to fill your heart.
I have been in a women’s Bible study looking at the Psalms. Last week we looked at the Thanksgiving Psalms. Included in the study was this nugget written by Andrew Murray, a South African pastor, writer and teacher. It was encouraging to me – I thought I would share.
“First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place; in that fact I will rest.
Next, He will keep me herein His love and give me the grace to behave as His child. Then, He will make the trail a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
Last, in His good time He will bring me out again—-how and when He knows.
Let me say I am here,
- by God’s appointment,
- in His keeping,
- under His training,
- for His time.
Andrew Murray
We have examined the furnishings of the Holy Place. Now we look at the Most Holy Place.
The Most Holy Place was small, just 15 by 15 feet. There was a veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This veil was woven from fine linen and made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn. Moses was instructed to have skilled craftsmen embroider figures of cherubim in the veil.
We first read about cherubim in Genesis where they were placed to guard the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were evicted because of their disobedience. Ezekiel also mentions them in a vision. The creatures he describes are strange with four faces and attached wheels full of eyes. Could these be real creatures or only symbols? Some Bible scholars proposed that these were symbols showing God as all-wise, all-knowing, all-seeing. The fact that the wheels moved forward without turning express God’s righteousness and truth – he is faithful, never changing. However, we see similar creatures in Revelation that appear to be real beings that stand before the throne of God and worship him day and night.
Like the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden, the cherubim in the veil appeared to be saying “You can come this far, but no further.”
Behind the veil was the Art of the Covenant. This was a box made from acacia wood 45 inches long, 27 inches wide and 27 inches high. Overlaid with gold, it was fitted with two pairs of gold rings with permanent poles inserted. When the Israelites moved, the poles were used for the priests to carry the ark. No one was to touch the ark because God had said His presence would dwell over the ark. (Exodus 25:22)
There has been much speculation through the years since the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, first by the Babylonians in 586 BC and later the Romans in 70 AD as to what happened the ark. Hollywood a few years ago made a movie called “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Totally nonsense.
The ark contained the two tablets of the Law that God had given Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 25:16), Aaron’s rod that had budded (Numbers 17) and a jar of manna (Exodus 16). The Law stood for the covenant between God and the Israelites. The rod reminded the Israelites of the danger of rebellion against God. The jar of manna reminded them of God’s providence for them.
They were to make a cover for the ark of pure gold the same width and length as the ark. On that cover were a pair of cherubim. While no one knows exactly what the ark looked like, from the description in the Bible, artists have tried to imagine it.
The cover of the ark had two cherubim facing each other with their wings extended over the cover. The space between them was called the mercy seat. God said He would meet with them over the mercy seat.
The Hebrew word for this mercy seat is kapporeth. This word speaks of a sacrifice that reconciles and leads to peacemaking. Under the Law, the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place only once a year where he made a sacrifice for the sins of the entire nation. Today, this special day is celebrated by the Jewish community. It is called “Yom Kippur” (Day of Atonement). This is the holiest day of the year in Judaism and is celebrated by making thing right (atonement) and repentance.
Think of the separation between God and the average person. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and he could do so only one day a year. What a dilemma God told them to build a tabernacle because He wanted to dwell among them. Yet, because of man’s sinfulness and God’s holiness, they were limited in their relationship with Him.
What to do?
Enter Jesus. On His death, Matthew’s Gospel tells us the veil was torn in two. The way to God is now open for everyone.
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh.” Hebrews 10:19-20,
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice, he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:11-14
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-
I am so thankful for what Jesus did for me. To know that I can enter confidently into His presence. To know I need no person to intercede to God for me. Jesus has opened the door and said, “Barbara, come on in. You are welcome!”
The door is open for everyone. John 3:16 tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
In the Holy Place there were three pieces of furniture. Last week I looked at the golden lampstand.
/https://barblaneblog.com/2024/09/08/let-your-light-shine/
Today let’s take a look at the golden table of shewbread. Made of acacia wood and covered with gold, it was 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high. There was a gold molding around the edges and four gold rings to hold poles that were used to carry the table when the Israelites moved from place to place.
The Table of Shewbread is called in Hebrew “lechem panim” or Bread of Face or Bread of Presence. The bread was set in the Tabernacle before the face or presence of God. The table was to hold twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was to be replaced every Sabbath and only the priests could eat the bread.
As the priests ate the bread, I think of our own homes as we gather around the table to share a meal. We do not just sit and eat, but we share with one another how our day has been, the latest political or sports news, our plans for the week, things that are of interest to us. Eating a meal together is part of most of our gathering with others – weddings, funerals, holidays all include a time of sharing food together.
With the table of shewbread and the priests sharing this bread every Sabbath, I think we can see it pointing to how God desires a time of fellowship with us also.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
The bread was to be made of the finest flour. In order to make flour the grain had to be ground, crushed and sifted. This also points to the life of Jesus here on earth as he faced temptation by Satan, betrayal by his own disciples and finally a cruel death on a Roman cross.
Tradition says the bread was to be unleavened. Since all the other grain offerings in the Mosaic law were to be without leaven, it seems likely this bread would also be the same. Leaven in the Bible has many different meanings. One meaning, however, points to how a small amount of leaven in a pan of dough causes the whole dough to raise, so allowing a “little” sin in our lives can soon destroy our relationship with God.
“Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:15
Finally, I think it certainly points to Jesus who said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
We can celebrate this gift of life from Jesus and the fellowship with Him in many different ways. But one main way we do this is though communion. Depending on what church you attend, you may believe that the bread actually becomes the flesh of Jesus. Or, you may believe it is a symbol of his body, but not actually his flesh.
Regardless of how you view it, through partaking of the bread in communion we acknowledge the importance of receiving the forgiveness from Jesus made through his sacrifice on the cross.
Last week I looked at the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. In that small area were three pieces of furniture: golden lampstand, golden table of showbread and the golden altar of incense.
https://barblaneblog.com/2024/09/01/the-holy-place/
Let’s take a look at the golden lampstand. In Exodus 25 instructions were given for this lampstand. While all the other pieces created for the tabernacle were made of wood and then overlaid with gold, the lampstand was made of pure gold. While we are not given the dimensions of this lampstand, we are told the total weight of gold used was one talent (about 75 pounds of gold). While the lampstand is used today in Jewish celebrations of Hanukkah (Chanukah) and is called “menorah (Hebrew for lamp), the lampstand in the Tabernacle was an oil lamp.
The lampstand was designed like an almond tree – from bud to flower to fruit stage. The cups shaped like almond buds were to hold the oil. These cups were to be filled twice each day, and the lights were to burn continuously. Since there were no windows or openings in the Holy Place the only light for the priests was the light from the lampstand.
What significance can we take from this lampstand?
First, let’s look at the creation story in Genesis. We are told that the first thing God created was light – night and day.
“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:1-5
Yet it was not until the fourth day that God created the sun, moon and stars. Where did that light for days one through three come from? Even then, as God began to reveal Himself to the Israelites, this lampstand pointed to the coming of the Messiah, who was light itself.
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12
Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John 1:1-4
We are called to be a light in the world.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
We, like the lampstand that was to burn continuously, are to be consistent in our walk with God
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10;23
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Matthew 24:45-46
So, we today can only fulfill our call to be God’s chosen people, his priests today, by relying on Him as the priests rely on the light from the lampstand to be able to do their work in the Holy Place.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
How’s your light? Is it a little dim? Does it filter out now and then? Join me as we ask God to help us truly be a light to point others to the true light – Jesus Christ!!!!
The Outer Court of the Tabernacle was 75 by 150 feet and was enclosed by a fence of linen curtains attached to poles made of acacia wood overlaid with gold.
We have looked at the outer court which contained the bronze altar:
and the bronze laver:
Being Cleansed by God’s Word
After passing the bronze altar and the bronze laver in the outer court you come to the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Together these two places measured 15 feet wide and 45 feet long. The Holy Place was 15 feet wide and 30 feet long leaving the Most Holy Place to be 15 feet wide and 15 feet long.
What does the Bible mean when it uses the word “holy.” It means to be separated and consecrated for a specific purpose. It often describes God – his nature, his actions.
To demonstrate what it means to be holy, God first set apart the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be a holy nation to demonstrate to the world what it meant to live holy and for God. He instituted the law to show what was right and wrong, as well as to institute rules to help keep people clean, saying, “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground” (Leviticus 11:44). Of course, Jesus would later clarify that it is not what someone brings into their body that defiles them and makes them unrighteous, but what comes out of the mouth and the heart. Today, striving for holiness means having a relationship with God defined by obedience to His will and being shaped to have His character; “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Being holy makes the believer set apart from the evils of the world and useful for His kingdom. (biblestudytools.com)
The Tabernacle pointed to God’s desire to be with his people. “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.” Exodus 25:8
But the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place highlighted God’s holiness and that sin caused a separation from God. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-4
This was, and is, the dilemma God has faced between His desire to have a relationship with man and the holiness of his nature which cannot include sin. The Holy Place and the Most Holy Place were the first step in crossing that chasm between sinful man and a holy God.
The roof was made of four coverings: linen, goat hair, ram skin, and badger skin. There were three articles of furniture in the Holy Place: The golden lampstand, the golden table of showbread and the golden altar of incense. Next week I will take a look at those pieces of furniture and how the apply to our walk with God today.
Only the priests could enter the Holy Place. They could not just casually walk in. There were requirements for how they dressed, how they washed themselves and much more. In the Holy Place they performed duties which contributed to the people’s worship of God.
In Deuteronomy 33:10 we are told their duties included teaching the Israelites God’s commands, offering the sacrifices on the bronze altar (for forgiveness of sin) and offering incense on the golden altar (which represented their prayers to God).
The whole book of Leviticus is devoted to instructions about holiness (being set apart, separate)—both God’s holiness and the holiness required of those who would have a relationship with him.
All of the furnishings and sacrifices of the Tabernacle pointed to the coming Messiah and his work to bridge that gap between sinful man and a holy God. I will touch more on that when I write about the Most Holy Place. For now, I will just say “Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus that allows me to enter into his presence.”
Today God has said that we are to be priests.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9
you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
What does it mean when the Bible calls us priests? Like the duties of the Old Testament priests, I submit that we are to teach others about God’s Word. How can we do that if we do not know God’s Word ourselves?
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
We also stand between others and God as we pray and intercede that they would come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 1 Timothy 2:1
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44
As we look at all the rules and regulations contained in Leviticus and the limitations of mankind’s access to a holy God, I am so grateful for the cross and the empty tomb and what it gave to me. I also take seriously the call for me to be a priest for God, to share with others the salvation plan and to pray daily for my family, my neighbors, my enemies and my country.
Our country is in desperate need of a return to God. Will you join me in prayer each day for our nation?
Last week I looked at the bronze altar where the sacrifices were made in the tabernacle.
Today I look at the bronze laver.
After you passed the bronze altar where the sacrifices were made there was still one more piece of furniture stationed before the entrance to the Holy Place. It was the bronze laver.
Exodus 38:8 tells us that the laver was made from the mirrors of the women. Moses was told in Exodus 30, “You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water into it, with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made by fire to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”
The Bible does not tell us the dimensions of this laver. Later, when Solomon built the Temple he made a huge laver called the Sea. It was 7 1/2 feet deep and 45 feet around. He rested it on a base 15 feet from rim to rim with figures of oxen beneath it. It could hold 16,500 gallons of water. It must have been quite impressive.
How does the laver relate to our worship today?
First, I suggest the idea since it was made from the women’s mirrors, perhaps we need to take time to reflect on our own life and our own attitudes as we approach God in worship. A time of self-examination.
“For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” James 1: 22-25
Second, the priests were to wash their hands and feet before they approached the Holy Place or offered any sacrifices on the bronze altar.
In Biblical times, the priests would have washed at home. But walking through the dirty, dusty streets their feet could easily become dirty again. Perhaps this is a reminder to us that although we are saved by faith in Jesus and are clean, we are surrounded by a world that is far from God. Perhaps a reminder that while we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, it can be easy for us to pick up pollution from the world around. Things we see, words we hear, actions we encounter with others.
P Douglas Small asks an important question.
“How do you clean up a polluted world and yet keep your heart pure? How do you get deeply involved with sinners who need salvation without becoming involved in their sin? How do you embrace the holy and live in a polluted world? You must keep stopping the laver.”
“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.” Ephesians 5:25-26
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.” Psalm 119:9
“Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
Let us keep going back to the Word of God. “Dusty Bibles equal dirty hearts.”