We are continuing to study the theme of community or fellowship across the Bible. In our last Day Share we introduced the theme of 'koinonia' in the Old Testament as we reflected on how God chose the nation of Israel as His own people so that He could have fellowship with them.
As the Israelites were travelling across a desert for 40 years, God travelled with them. He was dwelling in a box like construction known as the Ark of the Covenant. God gave detailed instructions to Moses about the building of a large tent or tabernacle known as the Tent of Meeting. This was the place where they could approach God's holy presence.
For most of the people, they could only see the outside of this Tent which was covered in hides of sea cows and was surrounded by a fence made of linen curtains. The tribe of Levi were chosen to carry the tent and to erect it whenever they set up camp. The Israelites brought animals to be sacrificed within the boundaries of this Tent of Meeting. They were not allowed to enter the gate of the Tabernacle. It was the function of priests to kill the various animals such as lambs or bullocks. Detailed instructions were given about how these animals were to be killed and what was to be done to the blood of the animal.
God's dwelling was in the most Holy Place which was hidden from view. Only one person - the High Priest was allowed to enter the sanctuary once a year. This was a special event and he had to be ceremonially cleansed and the blood of an animal which had been sacrificed was sprinkled on the altar. He was representing the whole nation of Israel.
There are three lessons we can learn from the Tent of Meeting. Firstly, it lets us see that God desired to be with His people. Secondly, we can learn that God is holy and humans are sinful. The Israelites could not enter God's holy presence. Thirdly, this Tent of Meeting pointed forward to the coming of Jesus into the world. He came to dwell with mankind and the actual Greek word translated as 'made his dwelling ' is literally 'tabernacled' among us.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14 NIV]
John realises the significance of the incarnation of the Son of God. He was able to 'see His glory' in a way that the nation of Israel could never do. He, along with the other disciples, were able as it were to go into the sanctuary and meet God the Son. More than that, the death of Jesus on the cross meant that there was 'a way back to God from the dark paths of sin.' I am quoting an old chorus we sang in Sunday School. Jesus' death opened the door and 'you may go in.' We can draw near to God and enjoy His presence in a way that the nation of Israel could never have imagined. We need to come to Calvary' cross - that's where we begin when we come as a sinner to Jesus.
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