In October my wife and I, along with over one thousand other guests attended The Bible League of Canada’s Banquet of Praise. One of the highlights of that evening was to hear Dr. Joel Nederhood talk about the importance of the Word of God. He warned us not to be hypocritical in our approach to that Word. We often say that it important to place the Word of God in the hands of the peoples of the world while we ignore the Bible that is in our own home.
At the Ontario BFM Regional Meeting the director for the Bible League of Canada told us that the Bible League makes an effort to promote placing the whole Word of God.
If we are to have a Biblical worldview then we must begin at the beginning with creation and the fall of man and then we can trace the story of redemption from the Garden of Eden to the end of the Revelation. The Old Testament is vital to our understanding the story of redemption.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that the Gospel was preached to those in the past. (Hebrews 4:6). Jesus told the people in His day that the Scriptures spoke about Him.
This truth came very real to me as I recently lead a study on the Tabernacle. John tells us that the Son became flesh and dwelt (or tabernacled) amongst us.
Everything about the Tabernacle pointed to the Son. The materials (gold, silver, bronze and wood), the colours (blue, scarlet, white and purple), and the very structure all showed an aspect of our Saviour.
To enter the Tabernacle you had to go through the gate. Jesus said that He was the gate and no one could come to God except by Him. After you entered through the gate you came to the bronze altar where sin and trespass sacrifices were offered up to God. As we come to God we must come by the cross. Before anyone could go into the Holy place he had to stop at the laver for cleansing. Though we have been cleansed from our sins we still have to come daily for cleansing (1 John 1:9).
Then we come to another door or curtain. This door invites us in to dine with Him. On the one side we see the golden lamp stand reminding us that He is the light of the world and on the other side is the table of showbread reminding us that He is the Bread of Life. At the veil that separated the Holy place from the Most Holy place was the altar of incense that speaks to us of prayer.
Finally, we come to the veil which in the time of Moses said, “Keep out!” but today has been removed so that we can come with confidence into the very presence of God (Hebrews 4:16).
My study of the Old Testament has helped me see that all Scripture speaks of Jesus and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and instructing in righteousness. If you have never read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation then why not begin right now. Ask God to open your eyes so that you can see Him and the story of redemption. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
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