The first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. – Hebrews 9:1
Many of us can remember watching our mothers make clothes when we were children. Patiently, Mom would cut out a pattern, pin it to the fabric, and then carefully cut out the pieces so they could be sewn together. The pattern was a guideline for something greater—a dress, skirt, pair of slacks, or blouse.
Similarly, before we construct a building, we draw a blueprint. It becomes the pattern we follow in building the structure. Anyone who has ever undertaken a building project knows the importance of architectural drawings. The goal in using these is to achieve a greater result.
If we’re going to do anything well in this life, we must begin with a design. The same is true of worship. God outlined a precise pattern for Israel to follow in their worship of Him. The nation had seen God miraculously deliver them from Egyptian bondage. However, they eventually forgot His goodness and waned in their devotion to Him. The pattern He had given them was meant to lead them to a greater, closer relationship with the God of the universe. But they didn’t understand this principle, and they strayed.
The same is true for us today. God loves us with an everlasting love and has provided a pattern for our worship. If we use it, it will guide us into a close, personal relationship with the Savior. We find His pattern for worship in His Word and through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
