Exodus 27:16
One such picture is seen in the entrance to the courtyard. God said to Moses, “For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen – the work of an embroiderer – with four posts and four bases (Exodus 27:16).”
The first thing noticeable when looking at this verse is that everything about the Gate separated it from the rest of the courtyard material. This Gate was multi-colored while the rest of the outer courtyard was white. It was embroidered while the rest of the outer courtyard was plain, and most importantly, it was the only place where there was a break in the continuity of the courtyard material. It is clear from this fact alone that there was only one way in; one way to the Tabernacle; one way into the very presence of God, and that was through the Eastern Gate. Everything about the doorway’s design cried out “This is the way!” and “No one shall come to the Tabernacle – into the presence of the Lord - except through me.”
It was an invitation characteristic of our Lord and Savior, “Come to me all who are weary and I will lead you to cleansing waters, and to the forgiveness of sins.” The gate welcomed all who sought to be one of the chosen, those wanting to belonging to the Most High God. Every Israelite noticed the unique qualities of this gate and accepted its invitation, routinely. Unfortunately, only the priest could pass through the gate, through the inner court, through the holy place, and once a year, into the holy of holies before the mercy seat of the Living God. Nothing has changed for the modern day believer. As a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9) everyone who truly seeks forgiveness must accept the invitation given. And once forgiven, everyone must pass through (in faith) the only way provided, that being Jesus Christ. Jesus utters these exact words in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Likewise, Peter proclaimed in Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Finally, Paul writes in Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”
Just as with the Israelites, God has given us an invitation into His presence. Once accepted, we must come to Him, not on our terms, nor our way, but His - through Jesus Christ who is the new and only way into the presence of the Father (Hebrews 10:19-20). He is the entrance, the gateway into the true Tabernacle, the one and only passage for a world seeking the cleansing waters and the forgiveness of sins. It is as true today as it was 2,000 years ago, and it will continue to be until His appearing. Jesus was, is, and forever will be the way! [mp]
Copyright © 2009
Michael D'Urbano
All rights reserved
www.modernpapyrus.org
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and God, or maybe you just need to rededicate you life to Him; I encourage you to click HERE and pray this simple prayer. Do not allow another moment of your life to pass without knowing the love and peace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ as your personal savior.