Yesterday we looked at the gate into the courtyard where the Old Testament Tabernacle was erected during the wilderness journey. We noted then that before the beginning of time God had a plan of redemption for mankind. The Old Testament saints placed their faith in a Savior, the Messiah to come, while we place our faith in the Messiah who came and died for our sins.
The fence that surrounded the courtyard and which held the places of sacrifice and the Tabernacle where God resided was pure linen. White symbolized God’s absolute holiness. It also reminded all those who entered the courtyard of the separation between a holy Creator and sinful humanity.
God set a standard for those who will enter His presence. That standard is righteousness. The 7.5-foot-tall white linen hangings represented purity and righteousness. This served as a visual barrier and a reminder that people could not simply cross on their own terms. Today, we can only stand before God as righteous because of the righteousness of His Son.
II Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Righteousness is not something we can work for, but it is a gift to all who believe. Romans 4:1-5 teaches us that even Abraham was not justified by His works. They were a symbol of what He believed.
Romans 4:1-5 “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”
The fence also blocked casual or unauthorized entry into the Tabernacle. This demonstrated that approaching God requires proper mediation, atonement for sins, and cleansing. While the gate is the entrance for all, we will look at the cleansing in another devotional as we move through the Tabernacle devotionals.
The post that held the linen fence was supported by bronze bases that symbolized judgment and strength. Silver hooks and bands represented redemption. All pointing to the only One who could redeem us.
The one gate that connected to the fence was facing east, signifying that there is only one way to approach and enter into fellowship with God. Many scholars believe this eastward facing is significant. Today they site verses like Matthew 24:27 where Jesus says, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be”. Who knows, maybe it is where we will see Him come.
Zechariah 14:4 The prophet writes that in the day of the Lord’s return, “His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east”
I am not sure about the significance of the eastern gate, but I do know that God does not waste words. It does not matter if Jesus comes in the east or the west; what I do know is that He is coming. The fence may not be visible to us today, but God still allows only one way into Heaven. It is through His Son. Those who do not believe, have not placed their trust in Him, and have not repented of their sins will not be allowed in. God is the same today as He was in the Old Testament times. We must stand before the righteous judge clothed in the righteousness of His Son if we are to gain entrance into the eternal home of Heaven.
If you are not ready, now is the time to get ready; there is no promise of tomorrow. If you are ready, get serious about sharing Him with those who are not ready. That is the last command that Jesus gave us when He went back to Heaven. Just do it!
