What does the tabernacle's structure teach us about approaching God with reverence today? The Courtyard of Separation “You are also to make the courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side the court shall have curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on that south side” (Exodus 27:9). • A linen wall, roughly 7½ feet high (Exodus 27:18), kept casual passers-by from peering in. • The courtyard marked a clear boundary between common ground and holy ground—God decides how close we may come (Exodus 19:12-13). • Reverence begins by acknowledging that God is separate from us in purity and majesty (Isaiah 6:3). Only One Way In • The enclosure had a single gate, 20 cubits wide, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 27:16). • One opening reminds us there is one divinely appointed way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). • Approaching through that gate required intentional movement; worship is never accidental. Pure Linen and Pure Living • Fine white linen symbolizes righteousness (Revelation 19:8). • Israel’s first sight on arrival was an unbroken expanse of white, calling them to moral purity before stepping closer (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16). • Today, those who belong to Christ are called to “cleanse ourselves from every defilement” (2 Corinthians 7:1) before entering into worship. Metals That Speak of Judgment and Redemption • Bronze bases (Exodus 27:10-11) anchored each post—bronze often pictures judgment (Numbers 21:9). We draw near only after judgment on sin is satisfied. • Silver hooks and bands held the linen in place—silver was ransom money for the census (Exodus 30:12-16). Redemption supports our access; without it the fence of holiness would fall on us in condemnation (Hebrews 9:12). Progressive Nearness • Once inside the courtyard, worshippers met the bronze altar first (Exodus 27:1-8), then the basin (Exodus 30:18-21), before the Holy Place and Most Holy Place beyond. • The order teaches that sacrifice and cleansing precede fellowship. Hebrews 10:19-22 mirrors the pattern: blood, washing, drawing near with a sincere heart. Living the Lesson Today • Set apart space and time: treat gathered worship, personal devotions, and church property as holy zones distinguished from ordinary life. • Enter through the one Gate—Jesus—confessing sin and resting in His finished work. • Pursue visible purity; let your conduct match the white linen you claim to wear. • Remember the cost: judgment fell on Christ (bronze), ransom was paid (silver). Gratitude fuels reverence. • Move intentionally toward deeper communion: sacrifice (repentance), washing (daily obedience), fellowship (Spirit-filled living). Approaching God in reverence today means embracing the same truths the tabernacle proclaimed in cloth and metal: our holy God welcomes us, but only on His terms, through His provision, and for His glory. |
    |