The Pattern on the Mountain

These serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle. For He said, Be careful that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.
(Hebrews 8:5)

God showed Moses a pattern for the building of the tabernacle, an eternal blueprint that left no room for error in its duplication, for this tabernacle would become the very house of God on the earth.

This pattern, being eternal, exists today and is relevant for all who would desire the manifest Presence of God in their lives and ministries. Understanding the pattern is critical if we hope to avoid the snares and pitfalls the enemy has laid to keep us out of the place of blessing and provision – the Presence of God.

From the ALTAR to the LAVER (the outer court)

The pattern God revealed to Moses began with the BRAZEN ALTAR. It was here the sacrifices of Israel were offered and accepted. By their daily offerings the people were declaring God’s sovereignty over their lives. There can be no entrance into the Presence of God until He is declared LORD of all we possess or control.

The LAVER was placed at the entrance to the holy place for the washing of the priests hands after ministering before the altar. There can be no entrance into the Presence of God until we have washed ourselves of the idols and other worldly influences the enemy uses to keep us out of the inner court.

From the Laver to the Golden Altar (The inner court)

The Priests would daily offer incense on the GOLDEN ALTAR as a “sweet savor unto God”. It was here the priests would hear God speak His holy counsel for Israel. While prayers may be offered at any time and in any place, hearing the voice of God requires that we set ourselves apart for this purpose.

From the GOLDEN ALTAR to the LAMP STAND

The LAMP STAND provided all of the light in the Holy Place and, once lit by fire from the brazen altar, was to be kept continually burning. God’s rhema word spoken into our hearts ignites the candle of our faith which produces the works through us that will become our testimony (light) to others.

From the LAMP STAND to the SHOWBREAD

Twelve loaves of bread were to be displayed on a golden table each day. Only the priests were permitted to eat from these loaves. It is the power and love of our faith-born testimony that makes our words palatable (as bread) to the nations.

From the SHOWBREAD to the MERCY SEAT (Holy of Holies)

The lid of the Ark of the Covenant was composed of solid gold. It was here, on the MERCY SEAT, the Shekinah Glory of God would appear in a cloud. The highest goal of any child of the Kingdom is to both know and make known the unfathomable riches of God’s mercy and love.

From the MERCY SEAT to the ARK OF THE COVENANT

The ark contained three holy objects – Aaron’s rod that budded, a golden jar of manna, and the tablets upon which God wrote the ten commandments. When I have learned to trust completely in God’s election of me (Aaron’s rod), provision to me (manna), and righteousness in me (ten commandments) then I will have entered into His promised rest (Covenant).