428. PSA 61:4. THE TABERNACLE A TYPE OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Psa_61:4. The Tabernacle A Type Of The Christian Church
"I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings."’97Psa_61:4.
Our text contains the expression of David’s devoted attachment to the tabernacle of the Lord. Among the very numerous excellencies which distinguished the psalmist, this was one peculiarly prominent. He loved the house of the Lord, and desired above all other things to dwell in it all the days of his life, that he might behold the beauty of the Lord, and inquire in his temple. Here he affirms the resolution of his soul, "I will abide in thy tabernacle," &c. Is it not our duty and privilege and interest to cherish a spirit like that of David! Our souls ought to be glad when we are invited to go up to the house of the Lord Here God manifests himself, &c. Here we have the rich provisions of his grace Here we behold the divine glory, and have fellowship with God and the excellent of the earth. But let us consider the subject typically, and view the ancient tabernacle as a symbol of the church of God on earth The tabernacle was a spacious movable tent, created for the celebration of Jehovah’s worship. It was built in the time of Moses, was of divine origin and construction, and the cost of the materials, &c., was provided by the voluntary liberality of the people. In many things it very much typified the person of Christ. In some things the heavenly state. But more fully and clearly it was a type of the church of Christ on earth.
1. It was so in its divine origin and construction.
God called for its erection. It was not of human devising. And in all things it was made according to the pattern which God showed to Moses in the mount. Such too is the church of God. A spiritual house or tabernacle formed for Jehovah’s praise, and in all things fixed and established by the infallible wisdom of God. Not an angel would interfere. The plan is perfect as its author. The materials the order, and their use, are all settled by the unerring skill of God.
2. It was so in its design.
It was to be the depository of holy things The place of holy exercises. The scene of holy manifestations. Here was the ark, the mercy-seat, the oracles, the golden pot of manna. Here sacrifices were offered. Incense burned. Praises and supplications presented. Here the glory of God was seen. The blessings of his love imparted. How truly applicable to the church of Christ. Here is deposited all the riches of his grace, &c.
3. It was so in its costliness and worth. The most valuable materials were employed,’97gold, silver, and precious stones. Herein we see shadowed forth, &c., preciousness of believers, the true and only materials of which the church of Christ is constructed. See 1Co_3:12. All the members of Christ’s church are precious but in different degrees of value; 2Ti_2:20. All the materials are blood-bought’97highly prized of God and endued with immortality.
4. It was so in the voluntary spirit of those who erected it.
Exo_35:4-5, Exo_35:20-21; Exo_36:56. What an astonishing instance of zeal, and liberality, and devotedness to the service of God. In this we have a typical resemblance of the voluntary character of all those spiritual services which God will accept. In Christianity our profession, our baptism, our regard to all the ordinances and duties must be voluntary, &c. "We are to present our bodies and give ourselves to the Lord," &c., serve him with a cheerful and willing heart.
5. It was so in its movableness from place to place.
Notwithstanding the great excellence of the tabernacle, yet it was easily taken down, and went in all sojournings. Now God has ever had his church in the world, yet not always in the same locality. Once a flourishing church in Jerusalem, Corinth, &c. It moved from the eastern to the western world. It has never been fixed and stationary, but ever changing and in motion.
6. It typified the church as it was superseded by the temple at Jerusalem.
So the church of Christ on earth shall be consummated, and all its members be removed to the celestial temple in heaven. Of that temple John had a sublime vision. Read Revelation 20. Such are the chief points of typical resemblance. Notice,
II. The Psa. ist’s pious Resolution.
"I will abide in the tabernacle," &c. Now what does this imply and include?
1. That, he was already a resident in it.
No abiding without first being in it. He had chosen it as the place of his spiritual abode, and "Blessed are they who dwell in thy house," &c. The Christian has been born into the church and kingdom of Christ. He lives in it; it is his spiritual home.
2. It implied fare-eminent attachment to it.
He was not weary of it. Not indifferent to it. Full of love to it. It was nearer his heart than his own palace. He preferred it to his chief good. How dear is the church of Christ to the believer. How he loves the assembly of the saints. He rays for her peace, and labors for her prosperity. It is his banqueting house.
&c., and he had rather be a doorkeeper &c.
A desire to enjoy its meetening influences for the heavenly state Communion with God on earth will prepare for communion above. Plants of righteousness, we must bear fruit till we are meet for being transplanted to the paradise above. O yes, there is a delightful nearness and connection between the church on earth and the church above! Like the holy and the most holy place. So says the Christian poet,’97
"The holy to the holiest leads,
From thence our spirits rise," &c.
It is desirable to die in visible union with Christ and his people. Well may we say, "I will," &c. Wherefore should we forsake it? Where shall we go, &c. Observe, he also resolves to trust in the shadow of the divine wings. God’s house is his joy, and God’s outspread wings his defence. Happy the people in such a case, &c.
Application
1. How satisfied the Christian should be with his portion as a citizen of Zion. A member of God’s family.
2. Improve your privileges. Be diligent, devout.
3. Promote its welfare. Do all you can by your example, influence, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS