Message Notes

28 April 2014

CHURCH PRAYER MEETING
Text: Exodus 27:9-21

THE COURT OF THE TABERNACLE

1. Courtyard was carefully planned

a) Dimensions specifically described

b) Curtains were hung to give it a special sense of enclosure

c) Great care was also to be taken to construct the Courtyard

2. The purpose of the Courtyard

a) To distinguish between the Tabernacle proper and the Courtyard

b) For worshippers

i) When they present their offerings

ii) When the priests would explain and instruct them concerning their offerings

iii) A sense of belonging to the Tabernacle though they were not allowed into the Holy Place

iv) A sense of understanding of the ministry of the Tabernacle

v) A sense of appreciation of the sacredness of ministry of the Tabernacle

vi) A sense of awe may be cultivated because of the proximity to the Tabernacle and the Holy Place

THE CARE OF THE TABERNACLE

1. Involvement of the children of Israel (congregation)

a) They can contribute pure olive oil    Exodus 27:20

b) There must be a strong supply of this oil

c) The lamps must be kept well-lit throughout the day

d) This gives a sense of involvement to the worshippers

2. Involvement of the High Priest and the Aaronic priesthood

a) Aaron was in charge because he was the high priest

b) His sons were to assist him in tending to the lamps

c) The lamps were never meant to go out

d) They are to be tended from evening to morning

3. A perpetual statute for the priests

a) Through all generations

b) They are to be faithful

c) They are to remember they minister on behalf of the children of Israel