Friday: Further Thought – The Covenant and the Blueprint
Daily Lesson for Friday 5th of September 2025
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “The Tabernacle and Its Services,” Pages 343–353, in Patriarchs and Prophets.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
The tabernacle was a special place where atonement was accomplished for the confessed sins of God’s people. It was the place where, indeed, the entire plan of salvation had been revealed, and in some detail, too, to the children of Israel while they were in the wilderness. Justification, sanctification, and judgment were all taught there. Every animal sacrifice pointed to the death of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and, eventually, the blotting out of sins. And, too, along with the sacrifices was the presence of God’s law, the standard of righteousness.
“The law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the atonement, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner. Thus in the work of Christ for our redemption, symbolized by the sanctuary service, ‘mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.’ Psalms 85:10.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349.
Discussion Questions
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The tabernacle is an illustration of God’s plan through the different stages of His dealings with humanity, with each stage demanding total faith and surrender. From the wilderness tabernacle to the heavenly reality fulfilled in Christ, every step reveals that humanity must rely entirely on God’s presence, provision, and promise (Exodus 25:8; John 15:5). In every age, the message remains the same: we draw near to God not by our strength but by His grace and abiding presence.
The earthly tabernacle remains as a picture of complete dependence on God for salvation. Just as Israel could not approach God apart from the sacrifices and priestly service He ordained, we cannot come to Him except through Jesus Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 9:11–12, 24). This reminds us that salvation is not by human effort but by trusting wholly in what God has provided through His Son (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Earlier this week, I woke up to a beautiful sunrise. I stood outside and enjoyed the spectacle of the changing light and colour and even took a few photographs. For a brief moment, I wondered what it would have been like to have been a Hebrew during the Exodus.
Moses had this to say:
The Hebrews had beautiful sunrises and probably sunsets every day of the Exodus. And, as Moses reminded them they heard the voice of God from the cloud. God was with them and dwelt among them. Yet, when we read the Exodus experience in its entirety, we know that the journey was not one of peace, harmony, and unity of purpose. Half the time they wanted to turn back to Egypt, they graduated from the school of grumbling and complaining. They kicked over the traces and worshipped a golden calf. They arrived at their destination and spat the dummy; "If this is the promised land, we don't want it! How could you bring us all this way, and now we have to fight giants?" We stand amazed at their behaviour, with the presence of God being so tangible.
God wants to dwell with his people. The Bible says that so often in both the Old and New Testaments.
How do Christians practice the dwelling of God when we live in a world that is skeptical of His very existance.
... and that is the tangible evidence of God dwelling in us. Think about that next time we get snarky with one of our fellow Christians!
Maurice shared with us the Truth that we, the brotherhood of believers, are “joined with Him and with each other by the Spirit and are part of this dwelling place of God” - Eph.2:22. In the King James Version, this chapter is entitled “Unity in Christ” and reads a bit different.
Verse 22 is only the last verse of Ephesians Chapter 2. The full chapter reveals that God's plan includes all mankind to share in the blessings of the new Covenant for the purpose of establishing God's spiritual unity:
Eph.2:14-22
”For He [Jesus] is our peace, who hath made both [Jews and gentiles] one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in His flesh the enmity even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in HIMSELF of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple IN the Lord, IN WHOM ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
All of God’s efforts aim to establish the spiritual brotherhood of mankind for the purpose of Him to dwell within us through His Spirit. If this were possible in this world, peace and goodwill could abound; but we are told to be patient – Isaiah 30:15.
Here is what I believe: I have genuinely asked to do God’s will for my life, but this has to be consistent, every day and hour, because I have the natural talent to go astray! The Lord is the One who always places me back on track! My most important duty? To be connected!
The gold, fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet of Exo 25:3,4 resemble the colors of fallen Babylon and the whore of Rev 18:16… hope this offends no one.
Have we not heard of counterfeit. Use the look to cover the heart condition.