TUESDAY
This devotional is adapted from David Habrat’s sermon on Sunday June 29. Sorry, there is no audio version of the devotional this week.
The journey of faith is like walking through the Old Testament tabernacle—a sacred pathway that leads us deeper into God's presence. Let's picture ourselves standing at the threshold of this spiritual journey.
Many of us begin our relationship with God from the OUTSIDE LOOKING IN. We observe from a distance, catching glimpses of His glory without fully committing to enter in.
The glory of God—once visible as fire by night and cloud by day above the tabernacle—still manifests in our world today. We see it in the majesty of creation, in acts of unexpected kindness, in selfless love between people, and in those precious moments when the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to the reality that God IS.
This recognition of God's glory marks both the beginning and culmination of every believer's journey. Standing outside the temple, we face a pivotal decision.
Some choose to remain at a comfortable distance, saying, "I acknowledge God exists. I'll live nearby, but no closer." Others approach with offerings: "I'll support God's work, attend services, give financially." Both positions keep God at arm's length.
But there are those who, captivated by God's glory, cannot stay outside. Like King David, they declare: "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you" (Psalm 63:1). These souls press forward, understanding that experiencing God's presence isn't a luxury—it’s essential for spiritual life.
This divine encounter transforms us. As the saying goes, "Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips, but is consummated when the nature of Jesus is in our hearts." This transformation only happens in God's presence. We must press in!
Eventually, every seeker faces the sobering realization of who they are compared to God's holiness. Can we approach Him as we are? The answer leads us to Jesus—the Way into God's presence.
Stepping through the tabernacle entrance, we immediately confront the altar of burnt offerings—symbolizing Christ's cross. Here, the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. At this altar, we begin to comprehend the power of His blood:
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7)
"The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7)
"We have been justified by his blood" (Romans 5:9)
As Matt Redman beautifully sings: "Your blood speaks a better word than all the empty claims I heard upon the earth, speaks righteousness for me, and stands in my defense."
The altar isn't just where we meet Jesus' sacrifice—it's where we offer our own. At the cross, we too must die to self. We focus on Jesus, allowing the distractions of the world to fade away. We release our burdens, surrender our pride, and confront those areas still needing forgiveness.
An old preacher once said, "The good news of the gospel is come and die, so you can live again." The cross must complete its work in us.
Don't rush this spiritual stage. Remain at the foot of the cross until God thoroughly addresses your sin, until grace and mercy wash you clean, until every part of you surrenders, until joy rises within you at Christ's victory.
Only then, cleansed and forgiven, are you ready to move forward to the laver—the next station in this sacred journey toward intimacy with God.
This pattern—recognizing God's glory, encountering Christ's sacrifice, dying to self, and pressing deeper into God's presence—isn't a one-time event. It's the rhythm of authentic spiritual life, drawing us ever closer to the heart of God.
Today, where do you stand in relation to the tabernacle? Are you observing from a distance, bringing offerings from the periphery, or pressing in with your whole heart? Wherever you are, God invites you closer.