Exodus chapter 27 describes some seemingly minor details of the tabernacle, the alter and the outer court; but this was where the action was. This is where people gathered, this is where their offerings were sacrificed. All were invited into the courtyard, but only the priests entered into the tabernacle, and only the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place. The chapter begins, “Build an alter…of acacia wood… covered with bronze… make all the utensils of bronze“. It had bronze rings and poles for carrying it as well. The alter was where the animal sacrifices were offered as burnt offerings. Notice the metal used was bronze, which was an alloy made only by fire- it symbolized judgment. The altar was to be in the middle of the courtyard of the tabernacle. This courtyard was huge and completely surrounded by fine linen curtains and posts. The posts were made of bronze with silver hooks and bands at the top. The entrance was on the east side; it was wide and unlike the other three sides was made of “blue, purple and scarlet yarn, tightly woven“. There was only one way in and it was the only way to access the Holy Place. Notice all were invited into the courtyard to present their offering, but they had to come through the one entrance. “All the other articles used in the service of the tabernacle, whatever their function, including the tent pegs… are to be made of bronze.“
As Christians, our altar is the cross of Jesus Christ. It is there the judgment took place; it is there that we lay down our sins and it is there that we receive forgiveness. All are invited to receive God’s mercy, but we must come through the one entrance. The apostle Paul exhorts us to accept this gift of restoration and then to live our lives as an offering of praise and thanks. “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2) Psalm 100 encourages us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise“. When we gather together to worship God and offer up our songs of praise, we are to do it with great joy. Through the Savior we not only can gather together, but we have access to the very presence of God Himself. We can offer our praise, pour out our heart and even lift up our brothers’ needs before the God of creation. All of this we receive by simply accepting by faith that Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead. By God’s grace, all have access to this mercy, if they will enter into the courtyard through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Chapter 27 ends with a command to the priests to “keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening until morning“. And we are told they must bring oil from pressed olives to provide the fuel. If your light is flickering and you feel like your not burning bright, ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit again with a fresh anointing. “Therefore, do not lose heart, though the outer man is decaying, yet the inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” Let His light shine through you.