You shall put in the ark of the Testimony, and partition off the ark with the veil. Exodus 40:3
First, we trust in Jesus, then His Spirit comes to live inside us!
These life-altering moments are in harmony with God’s perfect order.
After nine months creating the articles, Moses set up the Tabernacle according to God’s prescribed order.
First, the Most Holy Place – the Holy of Holies – was set up. The ark of the Testimony was placed inside, and the veil hung over the doorway. The ark represents the very presence of God. The Tabernacle is a picture of heaven. John, in Revelation, described heaven beginning at the throne of God and working outward, so too, the Tabernacle is described beginning in the Holy of Holies and proceeding outward.
Secondly, came the table of showbread. The bread is a foreshadowing of Jesus who is the bread of life (John 6:35). Then he placed and lit lampstand. Because the lamp is lit with oil, it represents the Holy Spirit (Ex. 30:32).
These three pieces of furniture were positioned in a perfect triangle, displaying he triune God. God the Father (the ark) in the Holy of Holies. God the Son (table of bread) and the Holy Spirit (lampstand) opposite each other in the Holy Place.
Their arrangement is important. First, God the Father on His mercy seat. From Him comes God the Son. After God the Son comes God the Holy Spirit. Isn’t that beautiful?
The next piece of furniture that Moses set in place was the golden altar of incense, which is the prayers of the saints (Rev. 5:8). Moses set up the golden altar of our prayers right in the middle of that Holy triangle.
God’s order is significant. First, we receive Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Only then can we pray effectively in the center of the trinity.