Jesus in the Center

Hebrews 9:1-5 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
 
HEBREWS lists the physical objects of the earthly tabernacle. Let’s understand how these point to Jesus.
    “Tabernacle” can mean a dwelling place, and it can mean the act of dwelling in a place. Jesus came to tabernacle with us in his incarnation. He dwells in heaven now and has sent the Spirit to dwell within us now. You are the tabernacle of the Living God.
    The lampstand is a seven-branched candlestick that continually burned. It’s light allowed the priests to do their work. Jesus is the ever-shining Light of the World (John 8:12). He has taught us what we must know. He has also commanded us to be light (Matthew 5:14) to spread his knowledge.
    The table was wood overlaid with pure gold. The consecrated bread is 12 loaves called the Bread of the Presence. Each Sabbath the priest would put 12 freshly baked loaves on the table to symbolize God’s presence among his 12 tribes.   
    Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” (John 8:35a) He invites us into his presence at the table of communion. And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
    The Holy Place represents the place where we can approach God. It is our church sanctuary, or it is a place set apart for your approach to God in prayer and worship. The golden altar of incense was used daily. It was the place of prayers for the people. As the priests interceded for Israel, Jesus intercedes for us. Heaven’s altar is the center of worship. (Revelation 8-14)
    The gold-covered ark of the covenant is the wooden chest that represented God’s presence and authority in Israel. Within the ark was the testimony of the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets - God’s law. Aaron’s budded staff testified that Aaron was the one high priest – God’s priesthood. (Numbers 17) The manna signified God’s provision for our daily bread. On the ark’s cover was the Mercy Seat, where God dwelled. On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat. This clearly points to Jesus’ merciful work to be your atonement – also known as the propitiation, the covering – of our sins. Guarding the Mercy Seat were two gold-covered Cherubim, the guardians of God’s Word and display of his glory (Genesis 3:24). Jesus, the King, reigns from his throne, rich in mercy. He is the Word made flesh. Jesus is the Word of life, guarding your soul from destruction. Jesus is the propitiation of your sin.
    Did you notice that gold covered most of the tabernacle’s furnishings? God represented Jesus’ holiness and his supremacy.  
    The old order prepared for the new. God began his plan of redemption long ago. Jesus was – and is – at the center of the plan.