On Earth As It Is In Heaven

On Earth As It Is In Heaven

Ronald Reagan was known as “The Great Communicator.” As President of the United States, Reagan delivered many memorable speeches. One of the most moving was the one he gave after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. Only minutes after takeoff, the spaceship had exploded in a great ball of fire, killing all seven astronauts on board. As the President struggled to put a nation’s grief into words, he quoted a line from a poem by the World War II aviator John Gillespie Magee. Our astronauts, Mr. Reagan said, had “slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.” This line of poetry expresses one of our deepest longings. We were made for friendship and fellowship with God. This is the way God designed us. So we are seeking a relationship with him. We want to see him and know him. We are searching for the place where earth touches Heaven, the place where we can go and meet with God. We need guidance. We need direction. We need security and stability in a mixed-up, crazy world. What we need, very simply, is God and the kind of relationship with him that provides direction and meaning for life.

For the Israelites in the wilderness, the place where they could go and meet with God, the place where they could go for guidance and direction, the place where it is on earth as it is in heaven was the tabernacle. The tabernacle is going to be God’s dwelling place in the midst of the Israelite camp. It will be a temporary tent as it will move when they move and stop when they stop along their way to the Promised Land. It will be the place that the law is preserved in the ark of the covenant. The law represented their covenant with God and their obedience to it would prove their love and devotion for the Lord. The tabernacle will be the place where sacrifices for the sins of the people will be made. And the tabernacle will be the place where they worship. Interestingly, the tabernacle will only have one door. There will only be one way into God’s presence. Psalms 24:3-4 says, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” The only way into God’s presence was through the ritual sacrifice of the priests for themselves and for the people.

For us today, the only way for us to come into the presence of the Lord is through Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And in John 10:9 Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” Jesus “tabernacled” with people while he lived on this earth. It was where they could meet with God himself. It was where they could go for guidance and direction. He came down from heaven to dwell with us and to show us what God was like and what he required of them. Now that Jesus is gone back to heaven, we have the Holy Spirit tabernacling inside of us; literally dwelling in us. God himself is inside of us. We have the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us as we sojourn on his earth. We have a little bit of heaven inside of us as we live on the earth and guess what? That is not the end. God has always wanted to dwell with his people forever. To walk and talk with them as He did in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Like he did with His disciples in first century Israel. Our ultimate purpose is to dwell with the Lord and when we pass from this earth or when he returns at the Second Coming, that purpose will be fulfilled. That brings us to our big idea this morning that God desires that His people dwell with Him forever. As Ronald Reagan said, we will “slip the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.”

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us another day of living on this earth and the opportunity to fulfill your calling on our lives. As we gather to worship you and hear your word, we humbly ask that you open our hearts and minds to receive your message for us. Let us be attentive to the working of the Holy Spirit within us. May we be obedient to the commands in your Word, faithfully applying them to our lives and be transformed by them and your grace and love, in Jesus' name, Amen.

We have three points this morning. The first is called Tabernacle Curtains, found in Exodus 26:1-14. This is what God’s Word says, “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker. All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five. Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set. Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other. Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit. “Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether. All eleven curtains are to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent. Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set. Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit. As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle. The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it. Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.”

Four curtains were made to cover the tabernacle. God’s instructions to Moses started from the inside out. The first curtain layer will consist of ten curtains made of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn. Finely twisted linen meant it was of superior quality. The linen is probably be white in color signifying purity. Alexander says, “Throughout the Bible, linen, more than any other fabric, is associated with the holy presence of God.” Blue signified the celestial and heaven, purple signified royalty and scarlet signified blood. ​​ Cherubim are to be woven into the curtains by “skilled workers.” A skilled worker would have created his designs with a loom, whereas an embroiderer, who we will encounter later, would have added a pattern by needlework. The cherubim would have been woven so that they would have only been seen on the walls and overhead from inside the tabernacle. Cherubim were the throne attendants of the Lord in heaven and would have emphasized that the tabernacle was “on earth as it is in heaven” and that God desired that His people dwell with Him there forever (Big Idea). ​​ All ten of the curtains are to be the same size: a length of twenty-eight cubits or forty-two feet, and a width of four cubits or six feet. Five of the curtains are to be joined together and the other five are to be joined together essentially making two huge curtains that would be connected together by fifty loops of blue material and fifty gold clasps. This was probably done to make it easier to transport. When they are fastened together, they would be forty-two feet by sixty feet and make one unit.

The second curtain layer will consist of eleven curtains made from goat hair which would be shorn and woven into a fabric. This curtain would go over the linen curtain to protect the beauty and the costliness of it concealing the majesty of what was underneath. It would also keep it dry and clean. All eleven curtains are to be the same size: a length of thirty cubits or forty-five feet, and a width of four cubits or six feet. Five of the curtains are to be joined together and the other six curtains are to be joined together. These two curtains would be connected together by fifty loops and fifty bronze clasps. And when they are fastened together there would be one unit. Notice that gold clasps are used to connect the two pieces of the linen curtain and bronze clasps are used to connect the curtain of goat hair. Gold signifies kingship, divinity and holiness and was used to indicate closeness to God’s throne and bronze signifies the earth and was used as they went farther away from the throne of God. The eleventh curtain would be an excess that would cover the rear of the tabernacle. The longer sides of the goat hair curtain would hang down below the linen curtain and completely cover it so it could not be seen. We are not told much about the third and fourth layers except the third curtain layer was to be made from ram’s skin, which was consistent with leather, and dyed red. And the fourth curtain layer was also to be made from leather either from badger or sea cow skins. This would have effectively made the tent of the tabernacle weatherproof.

That brings us to our second point called Tabernacle Framework found in Exodus 26:15-30. This is what God’s Word says, “Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide, with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle and make forty silver bases to go under them—two bases for each frame, one under each projection. For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames and forty silver bases—two under each frame. Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, and make two frames for the corners at the far end. At these two corners they must be doubled from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that. So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame. “Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold. “Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown to you on the mountain.

Now that God has given the instructions for the four layers of curtains of the tabernacle, he gives instructions for the frame that will hold the curtains up. The frames were to be made out of acacia wood. Each frame would be ten cubits or 15 feet long and a cubit and a half or 27 inches wide. There would be two projections like feet parallel to each other in each frame. All the frames were to be made the same way. They were to make twenty frames and forty silver bases for the south side of the tabernacle and twenty frames and forty silver bases for the north side of the tabernacle. Twenty frames would make each side 15 feet by 45 feet. The silver bases would serve as feet for each frame giving it stability, but it would also keep the frames from touching the earth itself. Silver was used when there was contact between God and his dominion.

Then they were to make six frames for the far west end which would be the closed end of the Holy of Holies. They were to make double frames for the corners from top to bottom to again bring stability and strength to the tabernacle frame. The corners would be fitted into a single ring in each corner. That brought the total frames for the west end to eight frames and sixteen silver bases for them. Next came the instructions for the crossbars of the frames. They were to make five crossbars of acacia wood for each frame all the way around the tabernacle. Each frame would look like a ladder. The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. All the frames and the crossbars were to be overlaid with gold and the rings used to hold the crossbars were to be made of gold.

Again, for the third time, God instructs Moses to “Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown to you on the mountain.” This reminds us that Moses saw “blueprints” and didn’t just hear the words and that he knew what the finished product was to look like. God revealed his perfect plan for His “tent” that would allow Him to dwell among His people and then graciously allowed His people to build it. God doesn’t want Moses to forget that this “tent” was no ordinary tent but was going to be His home. This tent would be luxurious and magnificent and would ensure that it be respected as a little piece of heaven on earth. By setting His “tent” among His people’s tents, they would be taught that God wanted to be in proximity to them and that they belonged there as well. His hope was that they would long for and live for the time when they would dwell in his presence for all eternity (Big Idea). It is appropriate that God reminded Moses to stick to His plan here because of what God will instruct Moses to make next.

That brings us to our third point, Tabernacle Veil, found in Exodus 26:31-37. This is what God’s Word says, “Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place. Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side. “For the entrance to the tent, make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer. Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.”

After giving instructions for the four layers of curtains and the framework to hold the curtains up, God gives Moses instructions about making the tabernacle veil. This curtain was to be made with blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen just like the first curtain layer over the tabernacle. It was to also have cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. It was to be hung with gold hooks on four posts made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold and was to stand on four silver bases. Then God told Moses to hang this curtain so it would separate the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. The Holy of Holies was God’s throne room, and the Holy Place was his audience room where only specified officials of the king could approach Him.

Two rooms emphasized that there were barriers existing between a Holy God and sinful human beings. The Holy of Holies was a perfect cube, fifteen feet long by fifteen feet wide by fifteen feet high. This indicated perfection in the place and of God who would dwell there. God then instructed Moses to put the ark of the covenant law behind the veil in the Holy of Holies and to place the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law as well. God then instructed Moses to place the table outside the curtain on the north side and place the lampstand opposite it on the south side in the tabernacle or the Holy Place. This veil could not be easily opened providing a barrier that people couldn’t normally pass. Jewish tradition said that this veil was four inches thick. It was the corresponding item in the Temple that was torn in two from top to bottom when Jesus breathed his last on the cross.

Then God instructed Moses to make a second curtain or “screen” for the entrance to the tent. This curtain was somewhat like the curtain between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies but also very different. I was alike in that it was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen. But it was different in that it was done by an embroiderer and not a skilled worker. It was alike in that the hooks were made of gold, and the five posts were made with acacia wood overlaid with gold. But it was different in that the bases were bronze and not silver. Again, bronze was used the farther away something was from God’s throne. Also, this curtain was considered part of the courtyard, closer to man and the earth than to God and heaven. The Holy Place where the priests would attend to the worship of the Lord was thirty feet long by fifteen feet wide by fifteen feet high.

Imagine the beauty and the majesty of the Tabernacle, God’s heavenly home on earth. It’s hard to really comprehend how beautiful it was by just reading this account. Ross says, “The expensive materials, the rich colors, the density of the layers, whether of fabric and leather, or wood and metal, all contributed to a sense of wonder, mystery, and glory surrounding this structure.” The glimmering gold would have reflected God’s glory and holiness. The cherubim would have reminded the Israelites that God wanted to be with them and watch over them. Also, God set the agenda for their lives and offered them the blessings of being in a covenant relationship with himself. The tabernacle construction reminded the Israelites of God’s character and showed them what was required for a sinful man to meet with a holy God.

What the OT believers had in the tabernacle we have today in Jesus Christ. The furnishings and the ceremonies point to Christ and reveal the many glorious aspects of his character and the salvation he gives. But the Israelites and we are distant from God because of our sin. One man who wanted to get closer to God was King David. He wanted to know who could enter God’s holy tabernacle. We see David’s question and answer in Psalms 15:1-5 which Sue read earlier. “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” This is all there is to it. If we want to meet with God—if we want to slip “the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God”—all we have to do is lead a perfect life. The problem is that our sins keep us from entering the Holy of Holies where God is and that is why we need Jesus.

Jesus Christ is the true tabernacle of God. He is the sacred space where heaven comes down to earth so we can touch the face of God. It was when Jesus died on the cross that the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was torn in two by the power and hand of Almighty God. Now everyone has access to the presence of God. And we gain that access through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.” In order to spend eternity dwelling with the Lord in heaven in the place prepared for God’s people we must confess that we are separated from God by our sin. We must trust that Jesus made the sacrifice for our sins when he died on the cross. And when we trust in Jesus, we come into a relationship with God. That brings us to our first next step which is to Confess I am separated from God by my sin, trust in Jesus for the sacrifice for my sins and surrender my life to Him. If you made that decision this morning, please mark that next step so I can be in touch with you.

Now every spiritual need of the Jewish people was met in the provisions of the tabernacle and once we are saved, Jesus meets our every spiritual need. 2 Peter 1 it says that in Jesus Christ we have everything that we need for “life and godliness.” Do we need forgiveness for our sins? Peace through the stress and trials of life? Comfort in our loss? Guidance for a major decision? Provision for our material needs? Healing for either body or soul? Hope to face the future? Strength to make it through life’s daily duties and difficulties? To the believers who loved God and wanted to please him, the holy sanctuary was the source of food and drink for their souls. Psalms 36:7-8 says, “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.” The same is true for us today. We, as believers today, can feast on Jesus Christ and find in Him all the satisfaction of our soul that we need. That brings us to our last next step which is to Feast on Jesus and find in him the satisfaction for my soul.

As the praise team comes to lead us in a final song and the ushers prepare to collect the tithes and offerings let pray: Lord God Almighty, thank you for who you are and for what you have done for your people throughout the ages. Thank you for your tabernacle where you dwelt with your people so long ago. Thank you for your son, Jesus, who tabernacled with all people and willingly died on a cross for our sins and rose again. And thank you for your Holy Spirit who tabernacles within us now leading us and guiding us as we live our lives for you. May we trust in you for salvation and totally surrender our lives to you and for your service. And help us to feast on your Jesus and find only in him the satisfaction for our souls. In all of this may it be for your honor and glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.