Last week we finished with all the
symbolism locked up in the ten water basins and carts alongside the
Temple. Today I want us to draw all the meanings together and see
if we can come to one message portrayed to us today concerning the
water basins and carts.
First of all we had a look at the
number of water basins and what it represents and we came to the
conclusion that it means that we are living under grace and not
under the Law anymore. We are cleansed and received the
righteousness of Christ as a gift from Him.
Secondly we had a look at the oxen
engraved on the panels. They represent Christians who are strong,
loyal, hardworking, groundbreakers, dedicated to Him and Him
alone.
Thirdly we had a look at the lions
engraved on the panels. We found that lions depict to us ruler
ship, boldness and mighty power. We have all of this, because of
His mighty Spirit inside of us! All majesty and power and glory are
due to the Lion of Judah that overcame sin and Who will rule this
world for all eternity.
Fourthly we had a look at the
cherubim engraved on the panels. We came to the conclusion that it
depicts that we must stay close to God, in His presence. We should
be defenders of all that is good and continue praising His holy
Name.
And lastly we had a look at the
palm trees engraved on the panels. We concluded that we must walk
in the victory that Jesus bought at the cross for us. We should
give honor to Him, praise Him and then flourish where we are
planted.
So let us see what message God
wants us to hear loud and clearly through all of this. He wants us
to stay close to Him, clothed with His righteousness, standing in
His victory. There in His presence we are surrounded by mighty
power and the ultimate Ruler ship, equipping us for the road ahead.
We realize that this is all grace and then (and only then) can we
step out and be strong groundbreakers for Him, standing up for what
is right, all the way praising His glorious Name and flourishing
where we are!
Wow, what a powerful message!
In our society we often get the
order wrong. We are well-meaning Christians, trying our utmost
best. But we start running, trying to be strong, groundbreakers,
loyal and hardworking. We try to stand up for what is right and we
try to do the right thing. And when things get tough, when things
are not running as smoothly as we would have hoped, we get tired,
discouraged and run down. But it is because we have it all wrong.
We need to start first and foremost in His Presence. We need to
dwell there, breathe in His heavenly air and soak up His presence.
We need to listen; we need to allow Him to love us and to guide us
on the right route. And in His presence, we need to KNOW that we
are forgiven, righteous and surrounded by His power. We need to
understand that He is Ruler overall and will lead us, we need to
know that He has already won, that He has already brought the
victory for us and that we needn't fight for it anymore.
Then and only then, are we ready to
step out. Our minds need to be renewed with this knowledge, we need
to be filled to the brim with Him, we need to hear His Voice
clearly as to the road we must walk in and then we can step out.
Then we can walk and praise His Name as far as we go. We can break
the hard ground for Him, we can be strong by His power and doing
the right thing will just come naturally. When you flow by His
grace in the wisdom of His Spirit, you will not get run down or
discouraged, because you will be led by Him. He will be beside you,
taking every step with you. He will lead and guide you where He
wants you. And that is super special. A life lived in His will is a
successful life in His eyes. And that is good enough for me.
So come, follow Him, be with Him,
and listen to Him. In His presence you will find everything, all
life's questions answered. He is waiting for you.
Father we glorify and praise Your
Name. You are amazingly awesome. Thank you for everything that You
bought for us. Thank you for Your grace and love towards us. You
gave it all for us even though we are undeserving. We glorify Your
Holy Name and praise You forever. We love You. Amen