The Tabernacle was the display of exquisite artistry – but it was also a visible sign of God’s eternal plan. Moses was somehow shown the detailed design of each piece of equipment on Mount Sinai. In fact, we could surely say that he actually “saw” in some manner a heavenly pattern for them. 

 

• Acts 7:44 “… just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.” 

 

• Exodus 26:30 “Then you shall erect the Tabernacle, according to its plan which you have been shown in the mountain.” 

 

• Hebrews 8:5 “…who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.””

The reference in Heb 8:5 tells us that there was a solemn warning served to Moses to make everything exactly as per the pattern is shown to him on the mountain. God gave so much importance for this one aspect that nothing in the tabernacle and even the general layout of the whole building and its setting among the tents of the people should be made according to the will of man – but all according to the precise plan of God Himself. We may wonder why that much of significance was given for the pattern aspect! 

We can see in the book of Revelation that the original was in heaven and what was asked to be made was a copy of those things. The following references point to it:

 

• Rev.6:9 – Altar

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• Rev.4:6 – Sea of Glass

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• Rev.1:12 – Golden Candlestick

 

• Rev.8:3 – Golden Altar

 

• Rev.2:17- Hidden Manna

 

• Rev.11:19 – Ark of His Testament

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Luke 24:27 “Then beginning with Moses and with all prophets He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the scriptures.” The tabernacle is definitely a type of Christ. However, when we consider the tabernacle as a place where people gathered to worship God, it is a Temple. God’s purpose in building a tabernacle was stated in Ex.25:8: “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.”  It was a place where dwelt the presence of God all the time. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, “… your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and that you are not your own.”  Further, it is written that we are not ours because we have been bought with a price!

Again 1 Cor.3:16 says “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you.?”  2 Cor.5:19 says “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself.” And Colossians 1:27 says “...Christ in you, the hope of Glory.” Capturing all these concepts together – the Holy Spirit in us, Christ in us and God in Christ, each disciple of Jesus Christ becomes a very special Temple, where the triune GOD dwells in!!

So, the Temple in the Old Testament, constructed by the people, is a type of the Disciple in the New Testament – no wonder God insisted that it should be made according to the Pattern! A true disciple is made according to the pattern –the divine pattern of God. Therefore, like Moses, each disciple needs a close walk with God to see the Pattern in which God wants to design his/her life.

1John3:3: “and everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself as He is pure.” To be His disciples, we must walk as He walked. We must exhibit the fruit of Christlikeness. 

Christ in you, makes you the sanctuary of God – let us ensure that it is made according to the exact pattern of God! Only the Holy Spirit can help us perceive the divine pattern of each of us! Will you cooperate with the Spirit of God?

 

 Thought for the Day:

Are you willing to be “made according to the pattern” by God?