The Tabernacle of Testimony
I am always amazed by the way “themes” repeat over and over when I study a book of the Bible deeply. This month the importance of testimony is presented yet again. The prominent role of testimony in recovery ministry cannot be overstated, and fortunately testimony gathers strong biblical support.
Revelation 15 draws on the context of Exodus. In vv. 3-4 the saints “who won victory over the beast” (v. 2) are singing the “song of God’s servant Moses” which is also “the song of the Lamb” (v. 3). John ties the freedom God granted Israel by way of the Exodus desert crossing to the freedom from sin God offers us by way of our faith in Christ. Freedom from the influence of “the beast” (the corrupting world order) is gained through faith in Jesus Christ!
Revelation 15:2–3 (CSB)
2 I also saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had won the victory over the beast, its image, and the number of its name, were standing on the sea of glass with harps from God. 3 They sang the song of God’s servant Moses and the song of the Lamb: Great and awe-inspiring are your works, Lord God, the Almighty; just and true are your ways, King of the nations.
John notes in v. 5 that he sees “the tabernacle of testimony” opened. He further describes it as the “heavenly temple” (v. 5), a reference to the ultimate and final place of sanctuary—a place of truth and peace. The tabernacle was carried by Israel across the desert in their journey to freedom in the Exodus narrative. It was erected as a dwelling place for God in their camps.
Revelation 15:5 (CSB)
5 After this I looked, and the heavenly temple—the tabernacle of testimony—was opened.
The “heavenly temple” (v. 5) is the place of testimony—God’s testimony. According to G. K. Beale it is the “heavenly equivalent to the tabernacle that was with Israel in the wilderness.” God’s presence in the midst of the cleansing journey of Israel to the promise land stands as a concrete example of our journey with God through sanctification. Your testimony is God’s testimony for the work he is completing in you.
If you would like to share your testimony once you have completed a Step Study please contact our office, a member of our TEAM, or one of our other fine leaders.