Acts 1:1-5 says,

​1  The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Yeshua began to do and teach, 2  until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. [Notice that even Yeshua functioned by or through the Holy Spirit, how much more do we need to be and stay filled with the Holy Spirit]  3  To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of Elohim. 4  Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for  what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; The IVP commentary on verse four is very interesting, especially to the one who participates in an Erev Shabbat celebration with family each week. “Gathering together” (NASB) is literally “took salt together,” an idiom for table fellowship. This act was the ultimate sign of physicality and intimacy.” Salt on the table is a covenant symbol.  The table in the ancient near eastern mindset is considered to be like an altar.  Therefore, having salt on the table would be a fitting covenant symbol to have.  This is why Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 5:11 that “we’re not to even eat with such a one” who is a so called brother (believer) if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler (one who expresses scorn or criticism) or a drunkard, or a swindler.” This is a sign of being in covenant. He makes it clear in verse 10 that he’s not talking about people of the world or we would have to leave out of the world, but those who once walked in it and turned away. Not being allowed to “gather together” was considered a great punishment, therefore the hope was that they would feel the pain of separation and desire to return to right standing.  This truth is still valid today, and the Holy Spirit is awakening us to this understanding so that we will not end up on the outskirts or fringe and get picked off by the enemy. 5  for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit  not many days from now.”

Following the vision and interpretation that Peter was given in Acts 10, he went to Caesarea and met with Cornelius and his relatives and close friends. Peter began to teach them about the necessity and the value to be immersed in the Holy Spirit.  These were believers in Yeshua already, but this would be another level that the Father wanted to give to them.  Acts 11:14-18 says, “​14  and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15  And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16  And I remembered the word of Yeshua, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17  Therefore if Elohim gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Master Yeshua Messiah, who was I that I could stand in Elohim’s way?” 18  When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified Elohim, saying, “Well then, Elohim has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”

Our late pastor, who was also my father, would teach us a pattern concerning the whole Tabernacle/Temple proper. There was the Outer Court, Holy Place and Holy of Holies.  In the outer court was the brazen altar and water laver.  This is equivalent to receiving Yeshua as Messiah as the payment or sacrifice for sin.  You would then be water baptized which connects to the water laver that is in the Outer Court and this had to be done before one could go inside the Tabernacle/Temple.  As you move inside, you have now come into the Holy Place.  This is where the menorah, table of showbread and altar of incense is placed.  The sanctification process is symbolized in here.  The Holy Spirit is given to us to shed light in our hearts and lead us in the right way.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us to remind us that Yeshua is our Bridegroom and will come back for His bride. It also helps us to navigate through this life so that we will be a pure vessel of honor and a light to the nations for His truth!! And of course, the Holy of Holies is where the presence dwelled and only the High Priest could go in here. Yeshua is our High Priest who is ever making intercession for His people. It truly would take a book to write all of the beautiful symbolisms of each and every element of the Tabernacle/Temple, but today’s connection is for the purpose of showing that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is beyond the outer court.  It is another level for the believer in Messiah and if we will yield to the Spirit each day it will be of great value to us and the kingdom!!

Have a blessed and shalom filled day!!

Tammy

Courtesy of
River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a