SCRIPTURE: Exodus 37
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. [Mark 2:27-28]. As I read this list of furnishings being made for the tabernacle, I think about a high school friend whose mother kept the living room immaculate. She even had plastic on the chairs. I once sat on it, when his mom wasn’t at home, but that was exceptional – normally it was reserved for only special company, if ever.
And this makes me think about the purpose of furniture. The chesterfield was made for man, not man for the chesterfield. The ark, the table, the silverware, the lampstand, the altar of incense and the anointing oil – they were made for man, not man for them. Even though this whole chapter is just a list of temple furnishings, it’s not about the furniture. Each one of these is a symbol, pointing people to God, to His presence, His power, His love, His mercy, His purpose.
Try not to get distracted or bored by the details, and try to enter into the meaning of each item:
- the ark: God Himself lives with His people
- the atonement cover: God has taken care of our sin, removing our guilt
- the table and silverware: God desires table fellowship with us
- the lampstand: God gives us light (hope and direction) in an otherwise dark world
- the altar of incense: God is constantly receiving our prayers
- the anointing oil: we are anointed, blessed and empowered by His Spirit.
Each one of these symbols points us towards God.
If we just rush through our reading, we will miss the meaning behind the symbols. The same thing with taking Sabbath time, actually slowing down, resting and enjoying the peace and presence of God. It’s not about what we don’t do (i.e. work), it’s about what we can do, we can experience God! So take time to reflect on each item in this list, and ask God to impress on your heart the deeper meaning behind each symbol.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to slow down and read prayerfully. And help me to appreciate the meaning behind the words and symbols in the bible.
Hi Nick, I answered your question at the Q/A section, you can find it here.
Thanks Norm and Tony for your insights and explanations ….I especially appreciate the words to the song ….that says it all.
I was really intrigued while I was reading about all the furnishings etc. that went into the ark (the Levites must have been power lifters just to carry it). I appreciated the explanations of the various item’s symbolisms. However, the part that intrigued me the most was the mercy seat and the cherubs. I think it (they) end up being placed on top of the ark when the tabernacle gets erected in the tent of meeting.
I can sort of guess what it means but what would your explanation be of it’s symbolism?
Thanks,
Nick
The house of God is described here with its contents and how the contents were made. As God was with His people leading them by the cloud during the escape from Egypt land, His presence is also shown by the furniture described in this chapter. God living with His people. God fellowshipping with His people. God giving Light to His people. All too often we get lost in the small stuff – details, details, details! The main ingredient however, God fellowshipping with His people. That needs to be the main ingredient also today, the people, me, fellowshipping with God. That is the purpose of the Sabbath. That is the purpose of each and every day. I am living this day in the presence of my Lord and Saviour. May I take the time to experience His presence also today rather than get lost in the details of my agenda for the day.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.