THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #163 | THE LIFE OF MOSES #144
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3849
THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #163
THE LIFE OF MOSES #144
MOSES AT MT. SINAI #43
THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES ( Part 2 )
THE ENTRANCE DOOR
Ex 27:16 "For the gate of the court there shall be a screen twenty cubits long, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver. It shall have four pillars and four sockets.
There were no cherubim
represented on this outdoor screen. Cherubim were only seen within the Holy Place.
This screen with its blend of white, blue, purple and scarlet was identical to that hanging at the entrance to the tabernacle building. But it was very different from the white linen fence, which went around the entire courtyard.
Think of the beauty that would meet the eye of the Israelite as he approached the gate of the Tabernacle. The bright rays of the sun would be shining upon the four colors of the gate.
These colors of the tabernacle gate foreshadowed Christ as well: blue, as the Son of God; white as holy and spotless; purple, as King of Kings; and red, as the blood sacrifice for the sins of the world.
When an Israelite from the surrounding camp approached the tabernacle, he found that a wall of white linen around the entire tabernacle area formed a barrier against him all the way around for 300 cubits (450 feet) except one stretch of 20 cubits (30 feet) that was different.
This 30 feet long curtain was known as The Entrance Gate. It was not formed of white linen but was multi-colored in woven white, blue, purple and red and the curtains hung on four strong pillars.
The entrance gate clearly marked out the one way by which a sinner could gain access to the court of God's house.
This 30 foot gate was the entrance. Once an Israelite entered the gate into the outer court with his sacrifice he was standing on "holy ground". As we examine the gate it is important to note that we will be discussing two more gates or curtains later.
The entrance gate was 20 cubits (30 feet). It was a curtain or screen made of richly woven material with colours that were so eye-catching one could not have missed their prophetic significance against a background of while linen all round the Tabernacle.
This was the one and only way by which the Israelites could draw near to God. It was the single entrance to the entire tabernacle. There was no other way in. Whether he is a priest going to carry out his duties or a repentant sinner seeking forgiveness, a man had to enter by that one way.
No one could enter by any other way except this gate. Any Israelite approaching the Tabernacle leading his sacrifice and desiring atonement knew that there was no way to reach the bronze altar but through the gate that faced
east.
Num 2:3 "On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies." Thus the tribes of Judah and his supportive tribes of Issachar and Zebulun faced the Entrance Gate.
The Gate was always open, never barred, with no one to forbid a person who wanted to worship God. But one must make a personal decision to enter if he is to receive.
Jesus revealed Himself as the only entrance to God.
The eastern gate pointed to Him. Every other possible way has been barred by the righteousness of God but because of the blood of Christ we have a way of approach.
As we observed, the tribe of Judah camped outside the eastern gate, the kingly tribe, and the tribe that means praise.
Jesus sits as king with everything under Him. He is Melech YHVH (The Lord our King).
The worship of countless hosts will be unto Him for eternity. The beautiful gate reveals how beautiful Jesus is to behold. He is the altogether lovely One. In Him there are no flaws. He is perfect in character. If we could see His face, we would see a look of love that would give us strength forever.
In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
And even more directly, He said in
John 10:9-16
(New King James Version)
9 "I am the DOOR. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."