Devotionals for the Heart: Tabernacle

The Holy of Holies
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”—Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)

The Old Testament tabernacle was built by Moses at God’s command. In Exodus 29:46 (ESV), during their travels in the wilderness, the people of Israel needed a place of worship where God could “dwell among them”. Tabernacle means ‘place of dwelling.’ God literally lived within its sacred confines that were sanctified by His glory (Exodus 29:43) so His people would know His purpose for bringing them out of Egypt. It was so He could dwell among them, and that they would know the Lord their God.

The tabernacle became a significant place of worship in the lives of God’s people. It was divided into three compartments: The outer court, between the fence and the tent, where all the people had access and animal sacrifices (with the blood to atone for their sins) were performed. The priests washed their hands in a bronze laver for cleansing. The inner court, one of two separate rooms within the tent, called The Holy Place, contained an altar of incense (offered prayers), a lampstand (the light of God), and table of shewbread (the bread of presence signifying God’s covenant). And finally, separated by a veil, the inner most room, The Holy of Holies, where the high priest would enter one day a year to meet with God who dwelled in the ark of the covenant.

Eventually, God’s people rebelled and were once again separated from Him. The tabernacle was destroyed, so God had to make a way for His people to be redeemed and reconciled with Him. His ultimate plan was to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to become the sacrifice for sin by dying on a cross and redeeming us through the power of his resurrection (John 3:16-17).

Hebrews 10 says, Christ came to do God’s will (Hebrews 10:7) and “by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Likewise, “...every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:11-14). Jesus became the “tabernacle” within us, or “a place for God to dwell” within us (John 1:14).

Let’s consider our Christian life like that of the Old Testament tabernacle. Our outer court, being our outer appearance, or what people see, is an invitation to everyone. It’s the place where you live, work, and enjoy life. Our inner room, or The Holy Place, only close friends and family can enter with permission. We decide who has access, and even how much God is allowed in. The most inner, sacred place within us, the Holy of Holies, is truly where God dwells and waits to commune with us. Just like with the Israelites, He desires to dwell with us.

In our innermost being we can grant access to the high priest, Jesus Christ. In the secret place of the Most High we can abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). This new covenant God established with us through His Son. Hebrews 10:19-22 assures, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Through Christ, we are made ready to enter in!

We can enter in with confidence and the power of prayer. In the Holy of Holies not only is God waiting to with meet us, but also His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus loves and advocates for us before the throne of God, and the Holy Spirit, who can transform us with love, joy, peace, etc. The more time you spend in the Holy of Holies with the “three-in-one”, the more they will reveal. And just like the tabernacle of old, you will know beyond any doubt that He is the Lord your God. So come, go into the Holy of Holies!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for making a way to dwell within me. I look forward to meeting with You in the Holy of Holies as I come boldly into your presence. Teach me to do your will. Show me how to spend time with You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Holy Forever” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer currently residing in Northern Virginia. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, ACFW, ACFW Virginia Chapter (Treasurer), The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint. 

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. Her first historical fiction novel is set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. She loves horses, cats, dogs, and all things peppermint!

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan
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Email: mirachelle@mirachellecanada.com