The Dying Discipline of Daily Devotions

by Dennis Michelson
(Novelty, Ohio)

Exodus 25-40 and John 1:14

Introduction: The Christian life is a life of daily discipline. One either draws closer to the Lord on a daily basis or they fall away on a daily basis. You cannot coast and you will not remain neutral. There is an old saying "If you are not as close to the Lord today as you were yesterday - guess who moved?"

Has your heart grown cold toward God? Do the things of this world have more attraction for you than eternal things? When is the last time you really worshipped the living God? This message is an exhortation to the daily discipline of devotions in a very particular form patterned after the Tabernacle in the wilderness.

The Tabernacle - and subsequently the Temple - were the meeting place with God. These are certainly types pointing to Christ. They serve as instructive patterns for us if we wish to meet with God on a daily basis.

1. The Brazen Altar - The Place of Salvation

There is no need to proceed beyond this point if you have no assurance of salvation. This is a bloody place and a reminder of the supreme sacrifice offered by the Lamb of God. There is no sacrifice you will be called upon to give on this day that remotely compares to the Sacrifice already offered on your behalf.

We do not go forth to work today in order to obtain grace. We work because we have received grace. Take time to be thankful for God's grace in salvation. Remember, if it were not for His grace then you would have no time for anything.

2. The Brazen Laver - The Place of Sanctification

No priest would think of serving God in any acceptable way apart from this cleansing at the laver. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. The Golden Lampstand - The Place of Illumination

If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another. Believers love the light. Unbelievers love darkness rather than light. This was the only source of light inside the tent. If your sonship has been settled at the brazen altar then the matter of fellowship with the Lord (and others) needs to be examined daily.

By the way, the reason unbelievers love darkness more than light is because their deeds are evil and the light reveals and reproves them. Many see the lampstand as symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Seeking to live for Christ without the clear direction of His Spirit is like walking in a very dark room. Not only can you hurt yourself but you will likely step on someone else!

4. The Table of Showbread - The Place of Revelation

His delight is in the law of the Lord and he meditates in it day and night. For some people, daily devotions begin here. We are not opening a textbook for an exam - we are opening the Word of Life for a meal. There is a reason that this is the 4th stop on our way to worshipping the Lord in the Holy of Holies.

5. The Golden Altar of Incense - The Place of Intercession

Guided by the Spirit of God and the Word of God, you can now make your requests known unto God. Think about that. Can you really make anything known to God? Prayer is not trying to get God to agree with us but it helps us understand how closely we agree with God.

6. The Ark of the Covenant and
7. The Mercy Seat - The Place of Propitiation

We started with grace and end with mercy. We worship God for His grace and bask in the blessing of His mercies (they are new every morning). Yes the broken law is there but thank God it is covered by the blood.

Now that you have been face to face with God you are free to face the world.