Devotionals by Raul Ries

SUNDAY January 11, 2026

Ordinances of Divine Service

Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary....
Hebrews 9:1-2

In the Old Testament, the tabernacle of God was a tent. When the children of Israel were delivered out of Egypt, Moses was instructed by God to build the tabernacle in the wilderness so they could worship Him. It was placed in the center of the camp where God met with men. The Tabernacle was movable; it was carried with them as they journeyed.

All the items placed in the tabernacle became types and shadows of things to come. For instance, the 12 loaves of showbread represented Jesus as the Bread of Life. In the tabernacle, the lampstand was the only source of light, which points us directly to Jesus––the Light of the World. Interestingly, the seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches throughout church history. The book of Revelation was written to the seven churches which are in Asia (Revelation 1:4). In the vision to the Apostle John, the mystery about these churches is revealed:

“The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20).

Importantly, the Ark of the Covenant was located in the tabernacle behind a thick veil. On top of the Ark were two cherubim, fashioned out of gold, with their wings outstretched toward each other. This is where the High Priest would sprinkle the blood of an animal on the mercy seat to atone for sin. In Old Testament times, this was the way to reach God.

Now these ordinances are no longer of any value. Why? Because Jesus Christ has shed His blood on the Cross for our sins. He has made open a way to be reconciled to God. Jesus came from heaven to earth to advocate for us––to give us salvation. He is our High Priest.

Before a man can be converted, He must first be convinced of sin. Before He can find rest through the Gospel, He must be wounded by the Law.
~John Wesley~

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