August 4, 2017
Adrian Rogers
Scripture Passage: Exodus 26
As we study the Old Testament tabernacle, we see spiritual significance in every intricate detail. In the construction of the temple, the foundation itself tells us about God’s redemptive love for His children.
Exodus 30:16 says, “And you shall take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of meeting, that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord, to make atonement for yourselves.”
Though the tabernacle itself was built from free will offerings, the silver foundation was built from a required offering, for the atonement of sins. The silver foundation symbolizes the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:18-19 reiterates, “...knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ...”
Exodus 26 describes the boards built upon the foundation. The wooden boards represent humanity; before we can be built into the house of God, we must be cut off from our old life, brought low by the ax of truth.
No longer are we rooted in the Earth, but now we stand upon the foundation of redemption, covered in the golden glory of God through Jesus.
Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus Christ took the wood of our humanity, that we might take the gold of His glory. He clothes us with His golden righteousness when we stand upon the silver of His redemption.”
In the tabernacle, these boards are banded together in unity. Likewise, when we are fitly framed, we make a dwelling place for God.
God specified five bars to strengthen the tabernacle boards, symbolizing God’s chosen leadership in the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
All of the tabernacle’s coverings represent Jesus, who dwelt among us. Though it was plain on the outside, the interior of the temple was exquisitely furnished with colors and lavish coverings.
He is the white of purity, the purple of royalty, the blue of divinity, and red of Calvary. He is Christ our security, our sin-bearer, our substitution, and our suffering servant.
The foundation of the tabernacle speaks of the atonement for our sins and the redemption we have in Jesus Christ. Praise Him for His sovereignty and security today.
