Christian Foundations

Read Exodus 40

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Time seems to fly quickly. It is the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month and the Tabernacle was reared up (40:17). What a thrilling event when the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle (40:35).

After the sin offering has been sacrificed, we next approach the laver, also of brass (38:8) containing water for the cleansing of the priests before they entered the Holy Place. As they entered the Holy Place, the Table of Shewbread was on the right and the Golden Candlestick on the left. The first room of the Tabernacle was known as the Holy Place (26:35; 40:22-23). And he (Moses) brought the Ark into the Tabernacle . . . as the Lord commanded. . . . And he put the table in the Tent . . . northward, without (outside but near) the vail. And he set the bread in order . . . as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he put the Candlestick . . . over against (opposite) the table . . . southward. . . . lighted the lamps (seven bowls filled with oils atop the candlestick) . . . . And . . . put the Golden Altar in the Tent of the congregation before (in front of) the vail (just outside the Holy of Holies) (40:21-26). The Golden Altar illustrates the privilege of prayer. We can pray anytime and anywhere.

Bread was set on the Table of Shewbread (25:23-30) in the presence of Jehovah, one loaf for each tribe of Israel. The bread which was placed upon the Table reminded the Israelites of their dependence upon Jehovah for their daily sustenance (Ezekiel 16:19; Hosea 2:8). But it also was symbolic of Christ who said: I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst (John 6:35).

The Candlestick also stood as a symbol foreshadowing Christ, who declared Israel was guided at night by the presence of the Lord in a pillar of fire, to give them light (Exodus 13:21) in the midst of a dark world. The Candlestick's flame was fueled with oil which illustrates the Spirit of God. I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

Thought for Today:

A Christian who lives to please his Savior is mindful he is always in the presence of God which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27; comp. Ephesians 3:17; Titus 2:13).

Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron as the high priest (Exodus 40:13). Christ being come an High Priest. . . . to appear in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:7-24).

Word Studies:

40:3 Ark of the Testimony =the Ten Commandments; cover the ark with the vail =b> hang a curtain to separate the Most Holy Place, Holy of Holies; 40:7 laver =b> large basin or bowl used for washing the hands and feet; 40:8 hanging =b> curtains; 40:9 hallow =b> set apart, consecrate, dedicate; 40:10 sanctify =b> consecrate to God, cleanse from defilement; 40:11 his foot =b> its stand, base; 40:17 reared =raised; 40:20 staves =poles with which to carry; 40:22 without =outside; 40:24 over against =opposite; 40:30 withal =with.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Bible Pathway Accountant: Joe Sarsfield • Government Official: Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (MD) • Country: Bosnia and Hercegovina (4 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Little evangelism being done • 40% Muslim; 28% Serbian Orthodox; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and depend upon the Lord when in need for He will not forsake you (Isaiah 41:17).

Optional Reading: Mark 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 3:10