THE DOOR.
Exo_26:36-37; Joh_10:9.
Why should there be a door between the ministry of the laver and the service and fellowship of the holy place? Perhaps to teach us that the work of the one was just to fit us for the enjoyment and privilege of the other. To grow in grace means receiving to the full the blessings offered us in Christ Jesus. Those who walk in the light they have shall receive more light "The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more" (Pro_4:18). In the experience of the Christian there is always more to follow.
The hangings which formed the door, like the gate outside and the vail inside, were made of "fine linen- blue, purple, and scarlet." Here, again, we have Jesus as the Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Mediator between God and men. It must be Jesus in His threefold character all the way with the believer. We live by faith on the Son of God. The door had five pillars, made of shittim wood overlaid with gold, the wood and gold again pointing to the human and divine nature of Christ. He Himself said, "I am the Door" (Joh_10:9). The five pillars may represent His fivefold name as given in Isa_9:6, "Thou shalt call His Name JESUS." He is the (1) King, (2) Eternal, (3) Immortal, (4) Invisible, (5) the only wise God (1Ti_1:17). If at the altar we have to do with the work of Jesus Christ, here it is Himself in all the riches of His glorious character that is presented before us. The truth about the "fuller" or "higher Christian life" so freely taught in these days is here in type before us at the door. It is a definite acceptance of or entering into all the fulness of Jesus Christ, purchased for us by His atoning blood, offered to us in His Word, and accomplished in us by faith through the Holy Spirit. Having come under the power of the laver cleansing, we may now behold and enjoy the unsearchable riches of Christ. The Door was-
1. The Way into Acceptable Prayer. Through the door, right in front, stood the golden altar of incense, the type of intercession. When Christ Himself becomes the chiefest among ten thousand to our hearts, then prayer will become a delight. Being now filled with His love and Word, we ask and receive (Joh_15:7). The ministry of the Holy Ghost (laver) is needed to fit us for this holy and blessed privilege (Rom_8:26-27). This is also-
2. The Way into Continual Light. Within the door was the ever-burning candlestick, the light that was "never to go out." When the door is entered, or when Christ is received in all the fulness of His grace and power, then the soul enters into the sweet experience of walking in the "light of the Lord." Many Christians know nothing of this continual shining. Christ is seen by them only at the altar of atonement. They know their sins forgiven, but they don’t know what it is to be "filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph_3:16-20). The teaching of the laver is neglected. O that men would believe in the Holy Spirit and submit to His power and teaching, then would Christ be glorified in them, then would they walk in newness of life.
3. The Way into Abiding Fellowship. When the priest went through the door he also came into the presence of the "table of shewbread." The table speaks of "fellowship." Here we have fellowship with God in His Son, who is the "Bread of Life." This fellowship with Christ at the table of bread is a fellowship which strengthens and satisfies. This precious blessing, too, comes after the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, represented in the laver. Every unclean thing must be put away if we would abide in the soul-satisfying friendship of the holy Son of God. How can two walk together except they be agreed. This privilege does not come to us every now and then like the ordinance of the "Supper." There is no necessity why we should ever go down from this holy mount. Abide in Me.
4. The Way into Nearness to God. In passing through the door the priest must have been conscious that he had approached nearer to God. Now there was only the vail between him and the glory which rested on the mercy-seat within.
This is the solemn experience of those who, through the power of the Holy Ghost, walk in the light of the fellowship of Christ. Only the vail between, only this vail of flesh between us and the immediate vision of the glory of God. "Absent from the body,… present with the Lord" (2Co_5:8). When we think of our own sinfulness, well may we, like Ahab, "walk softly" (1Ki_21:27). When we think of the grace of God by which we have been brought into this privilege, well may we rejoice and adore. Let us fall down and worship.
5. The Way into the Calm of Divine Safety. No matter how stormy the day might be, within the door there was always calm and quiet. Here the worshipper had the conscious assurance that he was specially sheltered under the wings of Jehovah’s presence. General protection was promised to all who abode under the cloudy pillar. This was a special blessing enjoyed only by the priests, the hidden ones; those only who had to do continually with the work of the laver, the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The importance of this truth is the only excuse for repeating it so frequently. We may be Christians living under the pillar of promise, and enjoying pardon through the altar of His Cross, yet all the while utter strangers to the calm and quiet of those who live and serve in the holy place. Here we are "hidden," hidden from the strife of tongues (Psa_31:20), from trouble (Psa_27:5). Here we are strengthened with "hidden manna," taught with "hidden wisdom" (1Co_2:7), and satisfied with "hidden riches" (Isa_45:3). Your life is hid with Christ in God. How calm, how quiet, how safe, how full, how holy, how happy, how thankful, how praiseful we should be! Through the door was also-
6. The Way into the Sphere of Holy Service. Here, by priestly hands, the incense was put upon the coals of the altar, the lamps were trimmed, and the bread renewed. Holy work indeed-praying, testifying, teaching. Praying unto God; offering up, not cold, formal petitions, but desires, like incense from the burning coals of a holy, self-consuming zeal. The incense sent up no sweet perfume till it came into contact with the burning coals. The coals of our affection must be burning if our prayers are to ascend. Here the lamp of our spiritual life is kept regularly replenished and constantly shining, so that a steady, God-pleasing testimony is borne. Here the bread of His presence, ever fresh, is given and received. If we would minister to others in holy things, we must know what it is to minister "before God." This fitness for holy service, let me repeat it, comes through personally participating in the power and grace of the Holy Ghost. Yield yourselves unto God.
There was no floor in the holy place. The bare feet of the priest still walked on the sandy desert. He was reminded that, although he was in the place of holiness enjoying heavenly things, he was still on the earth. The lesson here is obvious. These great spiritual blessings and privileges are for us now in our present earthly state. Many Christians relegate their possessions to Heaven instead of entering into the enjoyment of them now. "I am the Door; by Me if any man enter, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture"-strength for service (Joh_10:9). "Behold, I have set before thee an open Door" (Rev_3:8).
Autor: James Smith