Background
Exodus 25:8-9NKJV And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
Hebrews 9:1-5 NKJV “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.”
The building of the ark of the covenant was one with the most accurate instructions. God is a God of order and does not go about anything without a specific pattern and a level of precision. Moreover, when His ordinances are honored, then His glory is manifested… let’s get into the Word
In Exodus 25 as the Lord gives the instruction for the ark, reading the verse many would think the Lord demands too much. This mindset has been detrimental to many believers and caused a stunted growth and disorder in our journey with God. In further verses of the chapter, the Lord gives the instruction on the materials needed for the ark, their measurements, equipment, interior, and exterior, in full detail even to the garment of the priests. In the same manner we see in the old testament when sacrifices are to be offered. In today’s Christianity, many think they can offer just anything at all to God and receive a reward, besides freely giving unto God, there is a level of honor we must show in our gifts and sacrifices to God. If the king’s presence is expected, His desires must be honored. He will give His glory to no man (Isaiah 42:8), this the Lord demands as He speaks concerning idols. Idols in this context, the Lord refers to carved images, however these are not just merely images, but also the traditions we engage rather than adhering to His ordinances. Had the ark of the covenant been made in a different measurement than the Lord describes, or the materials needed exchanged, the presence of the Lord would not have been engraced.
As read in the second scripture of study, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. Describing the patterns of acceptable worship and sacrifice. Dear ones, you cannot worship God anyhow neither do you get to know Him, however you please. He has given us the instruction and showed us the way. Indeed we are no longer are saved by the old covenant rather by the new, yet the Lord beckons in the pattern of this new covenant in John 14:6 He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. So then when people think they can bypass these ordinances to know God or to serve God, they deceive themselves saying that it is all a matter of the heart. Yes, we have been saved by grace and not by works that anyman should boast(Ephesians 2:8-9), grace is not an excuse for carelessness, indiscipline nor disorder.Paul commends, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound (Romans 6:1)?The only times, the Lord breaks protocol is to show mercy or His love, but this He does without disdaining His principles. In Mathew 9:13, when Jesus was accused of dinning with sinners, He said, I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Indicating His love to see that all men are saved, that none should perish.
Also recorded in Hosea 6:6 the Lord once again desires mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of Him more than burnt offerings.When we have the knowledge of God, in depth, our acts of worship flows from this and showcases the essence of serving the Lord in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).Beloved, as you journey with God, honor Him by obedience to His commands, not partially but totally, what He says and desires do accordingly and His very presence will be your exceedingly great reward. Goodmorning.
