What do Israel’s offerings teach us about our relationship with God? This week we conclude our series on the Lord’s instructions to the children of Israel regarding sacrifice. We’re studying the fellowship offering, which demonstrates that we are not meant only to understand God from a distance, but rather to enjoy close communion with Him. May this study of Israel’s fellowship offerings bring you greater confidence in the knowledge that because of our justification by faith, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1)!

We humans are impossibly far from God. We cannot approach Him in our sin; an atoning sacrifice for sin is necessary. This week, as we study sin and trespass offerings in part 2 of our series on the Levitical sacrifices, we see that sin carries heavy consequences, but we also see God’s mercy, as He graciously provided the means of purification to allow His Chosen People to continue fellowshiping with Him. Thank you, Jesus, for fulfilling these offerings through your death, purifying us from our sins not only once, but forever!

If God is truly holy, how could sinful men ever approach Him? We’re studying Israel’s burnt offerings this week as we begin a new series on the Levitical sacrifices God appointed for Israel to come near and worship Him. Considering the many lessons the burnt sacrifices provide, we rejoice today knowing that Jesus is the true whole burnt offering who took on all sin with His once-and-for-all sacrifice; and in response, we surrender and consecrate ourselves to Him. What wonderful truths the burnt offerings can teach us today!

The Friends of Israel (FOI) Executive Director Steve Conover recently returned from a trip to Poland. There he saw the concentration camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau, where many of the unspeakable tragedies of the Holocaust occurred. But then, Steve visited FOI Poland’s camps for Jewish children and their families. This safe, loving community of Jewish children enjoying fun activities together served as a beautiful picture of rebirth in a country once enveloped in darkness. And each day, The Friends of Israel continues to minister joyfully, shining the light of the Messiah in the hearts of these Jewish families and others all throughout Eastern Europe!

After journeying through ancient Israel’s Tabernacle, we finally arrive at the inner sanctum to find the veil, the ark of the covenant, and the holy of holies. This was the Lord’s throne room on Earth, and it demonstrated that God desired not merely to be worshiped from afar but to reign as King in the midst of His people. As we conclude our study of the Tabernacle, remember that the Almighty God seeks to dwell with His people, and He loves you in a deep and personal way!

As we continue exploring ancient Israel’s Tabernacle, we find the sacred furnishings in the holy place: the menorah and the altar of incense. Taken together, these elements provide illumination and worship, reminding us that God not only redeems His people from afar, but also brings them near and welcomes their worship in His presence. Through Messiah Jesus, we enjoy the privilege of His light and worshiping before Him as well. Enjoy learning many lessons about God’s desire to be with His people in part 5 of our Tabernacle series!

What do King David and MLB Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson have in common? A lot of home runs—and a lot of strikeouts. Paul Golden joins the show to share insight from his Israel My Glory magazine article about David’s shortcomings and place of honor in the bloodline of the Messiah. The prominent list of failures that appear in this line demonstrates God’s decision to redeem and repurpose undeserving sinners for His glory. Find renewed motivation this week to serve the Lord as you consider how He loves you and desires to use you for His glory despite your sin!

After studying the altar and the laver within ancient Israel’s Tabernacle in recent weeks, we now continue into the sanctuary, the holy place, to find the table of showbread. After cleansing His Chosen People, He invited the priests inside to fellowship with Him and eat bread on behalf of all the people. The bread demonstrates our God’s desire to dwell with His people. Likewise, He invites believers in Jesus to enter into His presence in fellowship through His Holy Spirit and enjoy His provision, for our Savior is the Bread of Life!

In Israel’s ancient Tabernacle, the Israelites immediately arrived at the altar, where they met the Lord through sacrifice. Just beyond the altar in the courtyard stood the laver, the bronze basin where the priest met God through cleansing. Part 3 of our series on the Tabernacle extracts the truly profound significance of the instrument God used to purify the priests and allow them to enter into His presence. We see through the laver that God not only desires to be near His children; He also seeks to make them ready to enter His presence—a stirring truth for us today!

The altar of Israel’s Tabernacle was a sacred place. Why? Because God Himself established it as a place to meet His people in covenantal faithfulness! In part 2 of our series on the Tabernacle, Chris offers a plethora of valuable truths about the altar, where ordinary Israelites were allowed to go to present their offerings to the Lord. Heaven and earth converged at the altar, the living intersection of divine holiness and human need. Grow your love for God today as you discover His purposes in providing the altar!