Whether you are quarantined, staying at home voluntarily, out of work, or just going out of your mind, perhaps it’s time to step into the one place on earth that is said to be a model of a place in heaven (Hebrews 8:5).
Many of us are losing our way during this pandemic. It feels like we are in a boat without oars; and even if there were something to paddle with, there wouldn’t be any safe shore to land on. We are left afloat on our own, with few, or no, persons to share our ride.
There is good news, however. There is a way out of our own little, collapsing world. This way is found in the sanctuary of God.
“Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?”
Psalm 77:13 NKJV
So, how much time have you really spent in understanding the symbolism and beauty of this holy place that Moses was told to build in the wilderness? God’s way, His way, will clearly be the way of salvation for all the universe, and it’s fully illustrated in the sanctuary service.
Trust me, this is the study of a lifetime, and beyond. So, why not get started on your journey now. There’s enough meditation material here to fill all your empty hours, or to make the most of the short time your “essential” work allows you.
If, at first glance at the information in this article, you tell yourself, “Ok, I’ve got it now”, don’t be too quick to move on. I suggest even memorizing as many of the Bible passages listed here as you can.
Memorization is a lost art, when it comes to expanding our minds. The mental discipline and repetition needed for the task forces us to contemplate to the fullest what we thought we had already mastered. New thoughts and insights will come to mind, as you immerse yourself in God’s word through memorizing and reciting it during your worship time.
“Memorizing” is a dirty word in educational circles these days, so think of it as hiding God’s word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). It definitely is a sword that helps us fight temptation too.
Along with our shield of faith, and the other pieces of “armor” recommended by Paul in Ephesians 6:11-18, memorizing Scripture will allow us to battle Satan, just as Jesus did in the wilderness…with verses of Scripture He had, no doubt, memorized in His spare moments in the carpenter shop.
Justification: in the outer courtyard
(where Jesus is the main character)
The gates
- Represents praise to our Father—
Psalm 100:1-5 and Psalm 103:1-22
Altar of sacrifice
- Represents our humility and the Sacrifice offered for us by the Lamb of God—Isaiah 53:1-12
Lavar (washstand)
- Represents forgiveness and cleansing of our hearts through the Holy Spirit—Psalm 51:1-19
Sanctification: in the Holy Place
(where the Spirit is a key figure)
Table of Showbread—Bible study
- represents the Bread of Life (Christ, feeding us)—
Matthew 5:3-12 (the Beatitudes or blessings from God)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (the love chapter, how we bless others)
Lampstand—witnessing/sharing the gospel of salvation
- Represents the Light of the World (Holy Spirit, guiding us)—
John 1:1-14 and Psalm 23:1-6
Altar of Incense—prayer
- Represents our relationship with God (the Father, protecting us)—
Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 121:1-8, and Ephesians 6:10-18 (the armor of God)
Glorification: in the Most Holy Place
(where the Father has a shining role)
Ark of the Covenant
- Represents God’s heavenly Kingdom—our final destination—
Exodus 20:3-17 (the Ten Commandment Law)
Hebrews 11:1-40 (the faith chapter)
Revelation 14:6-12 (the three angels’ messages—God’s final call to be saved)
See my new YouTube channel, where I talk each day about the Sabbath School lesson!
