Samson is not our hero, he himself needs deliverance, but he is pointing forward to the Hero we need. Why is he not? Because the only one that can ascend the hill of the Lord is the man with clean hands and a pure heart… the wages of sin is death and Samson falls short. There will be another whose birth was miraculously foretold by an Angel, who is Spirit-anointed to take on the enemies of God and His people, who is betrayed by his own people and given over to pagan oppressors, who is betrayed by a kiss for silver, who is arrested, not blinded, but blindfolded and mocked and humiliated by a foreign army, who seems to be forsaken by God, who’s victory would crush the heads of his enemies, & would gain greater victory in His death than life. However, this man is no rebel, and this man does not give in to his appetites; this one’s death, unlike Samson’s who’s death killed God’s enemies, will actually rescue and save God’s enemies. This is Jesus of Nazareth!
Most of us love our children, but that is not the issue. The issue is: do your
children feel loved? We will love our children by educating them, and we will grow our children by encouraging them. We must love our children by introducing them to the perfect Father who condescended to our level and who will never leave or forsake us.
Many important parts of the faith begin here in the OT, and introduce categories, which are later filled up with more meaning in the NT. Today, these categories involve the priesthood, the Spirit, and the Sabbath. This theme of work and rest teaches us about the gospel. Here we learn about our Great High Priest who works on our behalf, the Holy Spirit who works in us to do God’s work, and a holy rest that we need.
Here in this passage we will see a God, a Father, who is gracious in Dwelling with His people! His Presence is among them and that should reaffirm that they are His people and they should be about His Mission. This Text is all about God being present with His people, but how can a holy God dwell in midst of sinful people? How can sinful man enter the Holy Place? The Tabernacle shows us the furniture, process, and people which can bring sinner & holy one together (mercy seat, altar, priests, sacrifice, etc), but ultimately these are pointing us to Christ!
This is one of the most powerful, meaningful and memorable passages in the entire Bible. Take note of who the main character is…who the hero of the story is. This passage is primarily about God…His victory, His commands, His law, His blessing, His covenant, and His glory. It is God who delivers victory. It is God who should be obeyed. It is God who provides the blessing. It is God who makes and seals the covenant. And it is God who is holy and just and merciful and should be worshipped forever. It is God who rescues and redeems us. And it is God whom we should follow and worship, trust and obey.
