November 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Emphasis
A Tree Planted By Rivers Of Waters
In October’s Grace & Truth Magazine we spent some time pointing out the value of reading Scripture. There are so many great and wonderful things to be found in the pages of the Bible! We know of creation in Genesis. The life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ are found in the Gospels. In Revelation and other books of the Bible we learn of the events to take place in the coming days. All of this was “written for our learning” (Rom. 15:4 KJV), as a dear brother in the Lord wisely reminded us during Bible studies together.

In Exodus we have the well-known history of the nation of Israel and God’s deliverance of it from slavery, being led by Moses through the Red Sea. Later in that same book we find God’s desire to dwell with His people. By His command, this required a structure to be built, called the “tabernacle,” along with its furnishings. The instructions God gave for the tent, its court and contents are found in Exodus 25-40.

Even though these things are from thousands of years ago and a time when God’s administration, or dispensation, was different than it is today, the objects and things related to the tabernacle are still rich with meaning, allowing us to learn more about the Lord. If we were to disregard these things for any reason we would be missing out on great truths.

Take your time to grasp the points each writer presents. If you do, the Spirit may well lead you to other passages about the Lord and your blessing will increase. Hebrews 9 is one such example. In that chapter we read about the tabernacle and how the blood of sacrifices that was taken into the “Holy of Holies” was a “symbol for the present time” (vv.1-10). The passage continues, pointing out that the blood of Christ, through which we receive “eternal redemption” and the cleansing of our “conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (vv.12,14), is the fulfillment of the picture. This work of Christ, done only once, was sufficient for all who put their trust in Him (vv.25-28). They will dwell with Him! What a precious revelation.

What about you? Have you committed your life to the Lord? Will you dwell with Him?

By Paul Alberts