The Tabernacle was just but a shadow of things yet to come; a shadow of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews, thus far, is focusing on Christ our new High Priest, The Tabernacle of the Old Covenant and the ultimate sacrifice of the New Covenant. The writer is obviously speaking to the Hebrews; making them understand the relation between both the Tabernacle and Christ and what the new Covenant means to them and to all in the future.
The writer was describing the Tabernacle of Moses and the limitations of the earthly service and the new Heavenly Sanctuary. For those who don’t know, the Tabernacle pointed to Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit in so many different ways. Each piece, color, and fabric represented and foretold of the coming messiah and ultimate sacrifice for mankind. For example, over the tabernacle there were 4 coverings; Fine Linen, Goats Hair, Rams Skin Dyed Red, and Badger’s Skin.
Fine Linen represents Righteousness of God
Goats Hair (Black) represents sin
Rams Skin Dyed Red represents the blood of Christ
Badger’s Skin represents Christ humanity (Did not look pretty to the eye)
Christ chose to be birthed into this world; not as royalty or someone in high standing but a man of low standing – who looked homely (Badger’s Skin). 33 years later He was crucified on the cross of Calvary for our sins, so that we can be made righteousness before God (Rams Skin Dyed Red). That blood now covers our sins (Goats Hair) and makes us white as snow – righteousness before God (Fine Linen).
Fascinating, right? I think so. And that is just a small bit of information the Tabernacle signified.
The old covenant with priests of humanity and imperfection was fulfilled by the new covenant and appointed a High Priest who is seated at the right hand of the Father – being perfect and blameless in every way. How privileged we are to live in the days of hope, love, deliverance, and in a world where the veil has been torn and we, His children, are forever able to enter into the presence of the Lord without condemnation.
This weeks memory verse is Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
Here the writer is speaking to the Hebrew people; instructing them about the difference between the old Levitical Priesthood they knew so well and the new High Priest – Jesus Christ.
The Bible says Jesus, the High Priest, came “not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life….bringing in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”
Jesus Christ died on the cross, three days later rose and sat at the right hand of the Father – became our High Priest; bringing us into a new covenant with God and being made righteous before God when we accept Christ into our hearts and seek forgiveness.
The New Covenant brings hope, a far contrast to the old.
Draw Near to God 