In 1 Peter 2:9, the Apostle Peter states that “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that you show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” In Exodus, the LORD instructed Moses how to build the LORD’s dwelling place, the Tabernacle, what was to be in it, even down to what the priests were to wear. For followers of Christ, our physical bodies are the LORD’s dwelling place. And like the Tabernacle, the life within our body has incredible spiritual significance. Exodus 27:20-30:19 informs us about the living breathing life of the Tabernacle. It is symbolic of what must inhabit our hearts and minds as a royal priesthood in Christ.
The LORD told Moses to have the people bring pure olive oil for the Menorah. Exodus 27:21 says that Aaron and his sons were to keep the light of the Menorah burning, “from evening to morning before ADONAI (27:21).” The light was symbolic of the Presence of God in the midst of His people. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “You are a light for the world…when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lamp stand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” The oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit that burns within us, helping us in our service to the LORD, as we bring His Presence with us. Then, in Exodus 28:2, God instructed Moses to make the priestly garments for Aaron.
The garments consisted of the breastplate, ritual vest, robe, tunic, a turban and a sash. The breastplate was where the urim and tumim were placed to determine God’s will on certain matters. This was symbolic that the priest represented the people before God, as he had the “means for making decisions for the people of Israel over his heart…(Exodus 28:30).” The ritual vest contained 12 gem stones signifying the 12 tribes of Israel being carried upon the high priest’s shoulders. The turban had a gold plate inscribed, “Set apart for ADONAI.” All of the garments were symbolic of being set apart for God’s work and were significant to the work of the priests. This is a picture of Jesus as our “Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14),” who would bring about God’s plan of atonement and redemption through true holiness and perfection.
God commanded the people to make a brazen altar upon which the burnt offerings and sacrifices were presented to the Lord. The brazen altar was the first thing one encountered after entering the courtyard of the Tabernacle, making the point that we cannot approach the Holy Presence of the LORD without atonement for sin. This speaks of the cross where the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice was made. Hebrews 10:14 tells us, “For by a single offering he has brought to the goal for all time those who are being set apart for God and made holy.” Our lives are like the Tabernacle, and eventually the Temple. God’s name is not found in church buildings or objects. God’s name—His Presence is revealed in those who serve Him. When we read His Word, worship Him, and live for Him, that’s how the LORD’S name is revealed!
