USA (MNN)–“We’re picking up. The cloud has moved to Brighton, Indiana.” That’s Bob Bland with Teen Missions International.
He’s referencing the years the Israelites of the Old Testament spent wandering in the wilderness. And, like the Israelites of the Old Testament, he says they’re on the move with the Tabernacle.
Teen Missions personnel spent three years researching and putting the exhibit together. “We spent three years building the Old Testament Tabernacle, a life-sized replica. Goat skins, all 27-hundred square feet, came from Africa. The ram skins, dyed red, came from New Zealand. Linen came from Czechoslovakia.”
This shrine of the ancient Hebrews, which was built to God’s specifications played an important role in describing a redemptive plan.
Well over 50 chapters in the Bible talk about its construction, appointments and rituals. Each item is laden with spiritual significance.
For example, the Ark of the Covenant itself, was not to be worshipped, but rather served as a reminder of God’s presence among the people. The menorah is another item that served as reminder, but also as light.
In that, Bland says, “Christ says, (John 8:12) ‘I am the light of the world. [Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’]”
The Tabernacle is so much more than a tourist attraction. Bland says it’s a study of the Gospel in hands-on form. “Christ was portrayed in the Tabernacle a thousand years before Christ came. It encourages people’s faith to really see what they’ve studied about.”
The Tabernacle will be ready to show from May 15 through October in Brighton, Indiana, just 13 miles east of Shipshewana on State Road 120.
For details, go to: http://www.oldtestamenttabernacle.org
