5. DISCLOSURE OF TABERNACLE REGULATIONS (Exodus 25:1 - 27:21)

5.1. REGULATIONS AND REVELATIONS OF THE TABERNACLE (Exodus 25:1-9)

Ceremonial law proper is the tabernacle and its worship, and the fitness of its worshippers. From (Hebrews 9:1-24 ) we learn that the tabernacle, priesthood, sacrifices and offerings are typical of the Person and work of Christ.

The Lord directs the people through Moses, to bring offerings which were to provide materials for constructing the tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-9 ). They had possessions to give because of God's miraculous provision. By God's command they asked from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold (Exodus 11:2 ). The Egyptians, influenced by the power of God, granted what they requested insomuch that Israel plundered them (Exodus 12:36 ). Now, God inspired Israel to give what God had supplied for the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:4-7 ).

Every detail was God-given. Israel's leader was strictly commanded to build according to God's pattern shown him. God was its architect. It was not the outcome of human wisdom. We must be shaped according to God's pattern, His Word, if we are to be God's instruments.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."

5.2. "MAKE AN ARK OF ACACIA WOOD" (Exodus 25:10-16)

The ark and mercy seat was the first vessel God instructed Moses to make. The first step towards redemption is a divine one. The ark was to be in the Holy of Holies. And it is from within the heart of God that salvation's plan came. The materials of the ark speak of Christ being perfectly God and perfectly man, being made of incorruptible wood and pure gold. As kinsman He is our redeemer - as God, He is one with the Father.

1 Timothy 2:5 "One mediator ... the man Christ Jesus."

John 10:30 "I and My Father are one."

The poles of verse 13 could speak to us of the hands of faith reaching out to appropriate the spiritual and eternal blessings in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3 ).

Hebrews 10:38 "Now the just shall live by faith ..."

The four rings of gold speak of God's provision of grace that the hands of faith can take hold of. By faith we carry the Christ life in our daily lives.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What do you understand the ceremonial law to be?
   • What New Testament authority do you believe supports that the tabernacle, priesthood, sacrifices and offerings, are typical of the Person and work of Christ?

2. Do you believe there is always great purpose behind God requesting an offering (Exodus 25:2 )?
   • Accepting that God used the peoples offerings for the tabernacle as a picture of Christ, are you challenged that your giving presents Christ?
   • Why is the offering of your body to God (Romans 12:2 ) "a living sacrifice" so important to presenting a picture of kingdom realities?
   • How can you consecrate or set apart your body to such high purposes (Romans 12:2 )?
   • Would you say worshipful service is reasonable because you are grace gifted by the Father (Romans 12:6-15 )?
   • Do you recognise that God will only take from you what you offer of your own free will?
   • Have you taken into account that God prospered Israel in the very things they would need to have, to be able to supply for the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 11:2; 25:4-11 )?
   • Are you aware of the purpose for which God has prospered you?

3. For what did God intend to use the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8 )?
   • Do you see the beautiful reality that the tabernacle prefigured in John 1:14?
   • As God's glory was manifested in the tabernacle, then in fullness in Christ, what glory is to be revealed in you as a member of the body of Christ (Colossians 1:27 )?
   • Who is working everlasting glory in you (2 Corinthians 3:18 )?

4. What do you learn about the Person of Christ your Redeemer. from the ark made of incorruptible wood and pure gold (Exodus 25:10-11 )?

5. What do the poles of wood and gold, used to slot into the ark, speak of your relationship to Christ (Exodus 25:13; Ephesians 2:8 )?
   • As the purpose of the poles was to carry the ark, what effect are you having on others as you carry the Christ life into all you do, and wherever you go?

6. The rings of gold (Exodus 25:12,14 ). Do they represent the eternal glory of God manifested in His grace which came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17; 3:16 )?

7. What great truth about your life and walk do the words "they shall not be taken from it" (Exodus 25:15 ) affirm, (Galatians 2:20)?