“Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how.” – Thomas Merton quotes

And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses… So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. (Exodus 33:9,11a)

How do you access the Holy of Holies?

Yesterday morning after a few hours of “doing the dew,” the Holy Spirit led me to discuss the significance of the Tabernacle of Moses with my web team during our morning devotional time.

What’s the significance of the Tabernacle of Moses? Why does this matter to you? Because there is a protocol for entering the presence of God – the Holy of Holies. The Bible teaches that we enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts and we enter His courts with praise. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God in Israel and a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s salvation in Him.

The Tabernacle of Moses (and the Temple of Solomon) included 3 areas – the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. The outer court was where the animal sacrifices were made to atone for sins; that’s where the blood, guts, and poop were (i.e. a messy place). Only the High Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies, and only on one day every year – the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). When Jesus died, the veil of the Temple separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was ripped in two. God’s New Covenant began upon the death of Jesus through His blood sacrifice. And it’s by the blood of Jesus, and no other, that we have direct access to throne room of God.

When a person commits his life to Jesus Christ, he enters the gates of the Tabernacle. Most Christians are content residing in the outer court – where much of the mess of life is. But not me. I want to spend my time in the Holy of Holies to meet with God – the place where His whisper can easily be heard. It’s a very humbling place to be. As I observe the faults of other people (and we all have faults), my own faults become more glaring.

Why are there 50 chapters in the Bible about the Tabernacle of Moses? A study of this topic is absolutely fascinating – a story of God’s desire to dwell with man and to bring salvation to him. The word ‘tabernacle’ means “temporary dwelling place.” The Believer (“in Christ”) is the dwelling place, the temple of God (Holy Spirit); the body is the outer court, the soul is the holy place, and the spirit is the holy of holies.

It’s very interesting that the gates of The Tabernacle of Moses always faced toward the East – the direction of the rising sun. Yesterday, Virginia Morton told me that Butch Mills preached a message titled “On the Road to Suffering” at all three morning worship services at Culpeper United Methodist Church on Feb 3 and had a profound impact on the people. She said the LORD told her that the miraculous healing of Butch following his near fatal burial while working in a deep trench is symbolic of the healing of our land that is coming. She told me the 3 prayer walks of our local public schools were very significant. That reminded me of the name chosen for the brand new high school in Culpeper set to open in the Fall of 2008 – Eastern View High School. Coincidence? I don’t think so. God is up to something huge in Culpeper, Virginia, and America. 2008 is the year of “new beginnings.”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, one day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I am so humbled to be able to call You “Father.” I am humbled to be an ambassador for the King of kings, the LORD of lords, the Creator of the universe. Thank You for Your relationship with me. Jesus, I exalt You and Your holy name. Praise be to God, now and forever. Amen and hallelujah!

Links of the Day
Introduction to the Tabernacle of Moses

Pictures of the Tabernacle of Moses

Blessings to find your way to the Holy of holies!