The LORD gave Moses specific instructions about the building of the Tabernacle and all of the accoutrements which were to be used in the services performed therein. HE left nothing to chance, nor did HE rely upon any ideas that Moses or any of the rest of the children of Israel had about the best way in which daily worship was to be carried out. HE precisely ordained all things to be done according to HIS will and purpose. No doubt, many of these instructions seemed unnecessary to those who would be carrying them out. It was impossible that they could have understood the complete import of these things because it pleased the LORD to hide them from the natural understanding of men.
It was not until the LORD JESUS CHRIST, came into the world, and suffered as the SIN SACRIFICE for HIS people, that the veil of the Temple was rent in twain and then could be seen the WISDOM of GOD in painting a perfect picture, by types and foreshadows, of the redemptive work of CHRIST in all of these commands. Thus, we see the fulfillment of that prophetic vision of John, which stands as an explanation of the unfolding of all prophecies, and the revelation of all mysteries, by the hand of HIM who is the sinner’s SUBSTITUTE. “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev 5:5-10)
It was revealed unto the Old Testament prophets that they were yet in the dark concerning their prophesyings, awaiting the coming of those who would see the MYSTERY of GOD revealed in the clearest manner. “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels (i.e.; messengers) desire to look into.” (1Pet 1:10-12)
We can now clearly see that the LORD has sent HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, into the world to die for sinners in order to bring glory to HIS NAME, which is above every name. Thus, we see that all of the details of the Law, which included every jot and tittle of the design of the Tabernacle, its accessories, its services, and its ministers, were given to manifest the glory of CHRIST. We cannot read these things and not see JESUS CHRIST and HIM crucified, bringing life and immortality to light in HIS declaration, and lifting HIS children from the dunghill of sin, setting their feet upon a SOLID ROCK and causing them to love one another.
One of those precious details is seen as the LORD commanded Moses to make, “a holy anointing oil.“ “Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.” (Exo 30:23-25)
Can anyone doubt that this “anointing oil” is CHRIST? This is an “OINTMENT” which is of a sweet smell, whose fragrance filled the Tabernacle as the LORD commanded Moses to anoint all of the furnishings and instruments of the Tabernacle with it. Most importantly, he was to use it to “anoint” those who were the priests of GOD, most notably Aaron, the high priest. It is interesting to point out that this oil was “reserved” unto this use. “Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.” (Exo 30:32) It was not to be profaned nor copied. “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Rom 9:16) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Eph 2:8)
The Psalmist begins the 133rd Psalm extolling the glory and pleasantness of the unity of the brethren, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psa 133:1) This glorious unity only occurs in the LIGHT of that which Paul declared, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Eph 4:4-5) Just as the “precious ointment” was poured out upon Aaron’s head, so that it ran down his beard and soaked his garments, so too do the sons of GOD love one another as that HOLY OINTMENT of CHRIST is poured out upon their heads. The LORD told HIS disciples that this is the evidence of their sonship. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)
Is this not the very legacy that the LORD would leave with HIS church until HE comes to receive that bride which HE purchased with HIS own blood? Can we say that we love the LORD if we do not love those upon whose head HE has poured forth this sweet smelling savor which lends its fragrance all around? Do not the sons of GOD rejoice to hear their brethren extolling the NAME and finished work of their SAVIOR?
Those whom the LORD calls by HIS grace HE also makes “kings and priests” (see Rev.5:10) “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (1Pet 2:9) Those so anointed with this “PRECIOUS OINTMENT” are enabled to bring the sacrifice of praise unto the LORD, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”(1Pet 2:5) “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” (Mal 3:3) That OFFERING is CHRIST who manifests HIMSELF in the unity of the brethren even as HE prayed, “that they may be one.” (John 17:11) “When is it Christians all agree, And let distinctions fall? When, nothing in themselves, they see. That Christ is all in all. But strife and difference will subsist While men will something seem; Let them but singly look to Christ And all are one in him.” (# 816 Gadsby’s Hymns by Joseph Hart)
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