It was more than a place it was a picture. Moses was to carefully follow the pattern God gave him for the tabernacle because it was a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. Blue, purple and scarlet cherubim were woven into white linen on the holy place's ceiling. David responded to what this picture represented when he said, "Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!" (Psalm 61:4)
Thinking about this pattern God gave Moses I am reminded of what I have read in Psalm 91."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." However, this was more than simply a place of refuge it was a place of intimacy, a place to experience God's unfailing love. "How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." ( Psalm 36:7)
When the Word became flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ, and took up residence among us we observed the glory as of the one and only son of the Father. He was in the world and it didn't recognize Him. He came to His own and His own people didn't receive Him. At the end of Jesus' earthly ministry He cried out this lament, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wing, and your were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37,38)
The tabernacle was built in the wilderness but God came to His people and invited them to find refuge under His wing. Jesus came to a broken and hurting world and opened His arms and spread wide His wings of love and protection. All who came to Jesus were invited to sing in the shadow of His wings. To those who received Him He gave them the right to be children of God.
Lord Jesus, in the world around me I often encounter hurt and suffering but I come to You and find refuge. Sheltered in You faithfulness I experience Your unfailing love. Beneath Your wing I feel the beat of Your heart.
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