Hidden Glory
Exodus 26:1: "Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them."
The Lord gave very specific instructions to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle. He provided the precise dimensions, the specific kinds of material to be used, the colors for different fabrics, and the number of rings with which to connect and hang the curtains. On these curtains to be used within the tabernacle, they were to sew cherubim into the fabric. This tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God, provided a glimpse into the heavenly courts of the Lord. Within those courts, we are told that cherubim (angels) surround him praising him night and day. The embroidery of the cherubim stimulates the mind and heart to imagine the praise of those angelic beings and to emulate that praise within the tabernacle.
The beauty of the tabernacle was another inspiration to awe and worship. Within the tabernacle, one would see beautiful fabrics, gold, and precious stones. This beauty called the people to honor the Lord, to see his value, and to recognize that he is set apart in his holiness and splendor. As the psalmist delights, "Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth" (Psalm 96:9)!
As we move out from the inner chambers, the fabrics become more durable and earthy. They are there to protect what is within the tabernacle. The first layer covering the tabernacle is made up of linen - blue, purple, and scarlet embroidered with the cherubim. This linen is what is seen from within the chambers. On top of the linen is black goat's hair. On top of the goat's hair are ram skins, and ram skins are covered by badger skins. Each layer becomes more durable to protect the beauty held within the tabernacle.
When Jesus came to dwell (tabernacle) among his people, he gave up the glory of the heavenly realms and took on human flesh. Isaiah prophesies of the person of this incarnation: "He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus hid his glory inside the veiled curtain of human flesh. Isaiah describes one with no beauty or physical attraction, yet underneath that covering was the incarnate God. In the transfiguration, the veil of Jesus' flesh was temporarily drawn back so that Peter, James, and John could see his glory (Matthew 17:2). That glimpse of glory would empower a life of bold witness in the face of coming suffering. The same is true for us. Glorious and beautiful worship provides glimpses of glory that we might face the challenges of each week with renewed vigor.
Reflection:
What is the most beautiful worship experience you have ever had? How does the worship of the Lord renew your strength?
The Lord gave very specific instructions to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle. He provided the precise dimensions, the specific kinds of material to be used, the colors for different fabrics, and the number of rings with which to connect and hang the curtains. On these curtains to be used within the tabernacle, they were to sew cherubim into the fabric. This tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God, provided a glimpse into the heavenly courts of the Lord. Within those courts, we are told that cherubim (angels) surround him praising him night and day. The embroidery of the cherubim stimulates the mind and heart to imagine the praise of those angelic beings and to emulate that praise within the tabernacle.
The beauty of the tabernacle was another inspiration to awe and worship. Within the tabernacle, one would see beautiful fabrics, gold, and precious stones. This beauty called the people to honor the Lord, to see his value, and to recognize that he is set apart in his holiness and splendor. As the psalmist delights, "Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth" (Psalm 96:9)!
As we move out from the inner chambers, the fabrics become more durable and earthy. They are there to protect what is within the tabernacle. The first layer covering the tabernacle is made up of linen - blue, purple, and scarlet embroidered with the cherubim. This linen is what is seen from within the chambers. On top of the linen is black goat's hair. On top of the goat's hair are ram skins, and ram skins are covered by badger skins. Each layer becomes more durable to protect the beauty held within the tabernacle.
When Jesus came to dwell (tabernacle) among his people, he gave up the glory of the heavenly realms and took on human flesh. Isaiah prophesies of the person of this incarnation: "He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus hid his glory inside the veiled curtain of human flesh. Isaiah describes one with no beauty or physical attraction, yet underneath that covering was the incarnate God. In the transfiguration, the veil of Jesus' flesh was temporarily drawn back so that Peter, James, and John could see his glory (Matthew 17:2). That glimpse of glory would empower a life of bold witness in the face of coming suffering. The same is true for us. Glorious and beautiful worship provides glimpses of glory that we might face the challenges of each week with renewed vigor.
Reflection:
What is the most beautiful worship experience you have ever had? How does the worship of the Lord renew your strength?
No Comments