Thoughts on the readings for February 16th (Exodus 27, Psalms 81, 82, Mark 12).

Exodus 27 describes the first item of furniture encountered by the worshippers upon entering the courtyard of the Tabernacle. It is the bronze altar on which the sacrifices are placed. This teaches us that the first need of anyone who wants salvation is for the LORD to provide a redemptive sacrifice. It was made of bronze speaking of purified flesh – our Lord Jesus Christ offered himself, as a sinless man. The altar was made from acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. Its details, dimensions and accessories are described in verses 1-8. The description finishes with a reminder that its pattern spoke of Christ and was shown to Moses in Mount Sinai (Hebrews 13:10-15). The next eleven verses describe the curtains which were hung at the perimeter of the courtyard. Their dimensions, bases and method of attachment are given. These were of fine linen speaking of the righteous deeds of the believers, who surround their Lord Jesus Christ (see Revelation 19:8). The gate of the courtyard resembled the entrance of the Holy Place – linen embroidered with blue, purple, scarlet and golden threads. Verses 20 to the chapter’s end describe the faithful labours of God’s people in obtaining the pure golden olive oil for the Lampstand within the Holy Place. Aaron and his sons, the priests, were required to tend to the supplying of the oil and the tending to the wicks day and night. In the house of the LORD the light of the Word must continually burn brightly.