Curtain and Crossbars

Curtain and Crossbars
Words of Faith 2-7-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Exodus 26
[26] "Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the Tabernacle, [27] five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the Tabernacle. [28]  The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. [29]  Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold. [30] "Set up the Tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain. [31]  "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman. [32]  Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. [33]  Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. [34]  Put the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. [35] Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the Tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side. [36]  "For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen--the work of an embroiderer. [37]  Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.

The Tabernacle, which originated in the wilderness at God's direction, was a series of frames and curtains. The structures created a large courtyard and interior rooms. Beyond the basic frames that would hold various curtains, there were also large crossbars of acacia wood.
These crossbars were different. They were overlaid with gold. The center crossbar held a thick curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and linen. This curtain separated the holy place and the most holy place-- the holy of holies. This was the location of the Ark of the Covenant.
This separation was very significant. It was a reminder that while God had chosen to "tabernacle" among His people, He is always a holy God. There is always a distance, even in the most intimate connection. While prayers were offered in the holy place regularly, this holy of holies was only entered into once a year by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.
This same structure and curtain would be part of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem and the "Second Temple" built by Zerubbabel. We don't know if these same fabrics survived for all that time. We do know that at the time of our Lord's crucifixion, the great curtain separating humanity from the holiest place was torn from top to bottom. " At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split (Matthew 27:51).
We do not want to forget, "We have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The last part of this description describes the entrance to this marvelous place of worship. The entrance to the tent was made as beautifully as any other part. This curtain was made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as well as finely twisted linen that was embroidered. There were gold hooks and posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold.
The truth we do not want to miss here is that the entering point of a relationship with God is one of great beauty and care. Nothing could be more inviting. This is not a door we casually notice and stumble through. This is an invitation to enter into relationship with Him. It is an invitation bathed in the glorious grace and "chesed" of God-- the lovingkindness of God. Nothing could be more lovely and inviting.

Heavenly Father, I desire to commune with You in the holiest of places. I pray that I might never miss your invitation to enter. Thank you for tearing any separation away that could be between you and me. I choose to honor the holiness of Your presence. Thank you for being my High Priest and making the way so that I might draw near to You. In Jesus' Name.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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