HIS TRANSCENDENT WAYS, PATTERNS, AND ANALOGIES
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.” Hebrews 9:3-5a, ESV
Theme: God’s holiness is beyond our comprehension or ability to attain. Only God could make a way save us by His mercy.
TEMPLE, TEMPLE
Temple – the building. Temple – the person, me. Before this series, the sections in the Old Testament describing the temple seemed out of date and irrelevant to me. I know that all sections in the Bible are important. However, some are difficult to understand and apply. The detailed instructions and measurements used to describe the temple configuration seemed to be for someone else. Someone who builds things. Someone who measures things and sees patterns.
The past few weeks, we have received diagrams of the temple/tabernacle in the program for the weekend service. This helped me to consider that the temple can be seen as an analogy for a person. The way it faces, the décor, the holy parts, the ordinary parts, the purpose for each – all significant. I held the diagram up for my family to explain how it was starting to make sense. The next thing I know my husband enthused, “Doesn’t the temple look like the Mandelbrot Set?”
MANDELBROT SET
If he had said, “Doesn’t the temple look like a fractal?” I would have known what he was talking about. Unfortunately, even though it is the most famous fractal among mathematicians, I must admit I had to google it – or humbly request an explanation. The temple looks like it contains smaller and smaller copies of its configuration as you move from the outer perimeter to the Holy of Holies. It appears to have the mathematical trait known as "self-similarity," where an object is exactly or approximately similar to a part of itself. (Check out this wiki link.) The beauty and order in creation and the temple remind me that God’s holiness, creativity, purpose, and methods are beyond my ability to comprehend. It is possible that the sharpest minds in all humanity may see the pattern? However even the brightest and most thoughtful don’t comprehend His purpose or ways.
IT IS FINISHED
Only God could make a way to save us. On this Maundy Thursday, followers of Jesus traditionally remember The Last Supper, Jesus’ instruction to serve others, and His example by washing His disciples’ feet. Today is an appropriate moment to reflect on the beauty, horror, and awe of the method God used—the only possible way—to redeem us. Sometimes I question God’s plans, just like I questioned the utility of the temple configuration in my own life. Whether or not I understand now, I believe that God is good. Just because I don’t understand His finished work in redeeming humanity, that does not diminish its perfect, holy, and comprehensive value.
Make It Personal: What patterns of beauty and complexity do you see in creation or in the Bible? How has this series, “The Temple Within,” helped you to consider some of the more obscure sections from the Old Testament as applicable to your contemporary life?
Pray: God, thank You for creating everything intentionally and with purpose and pattern. You are a master Creator and artist. I am in awe of Your limitless ability and attention to detail. Please continue to draw me into a deeper understanding of Your power and help me to fear and respect You appropriately. Help me as I love others with a servant’s heart, the same way that Jesus did – even though He was Your Son, and due all honor and authority. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for choosing us, redeeming us, and making us worthy of Your friendship. Amen.
Read: Matthew 26:17-56
Weekly Memory Verse: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Matthew 27:50-51a, ESV