Read Exodus 40:16-38

“So Moses finished the work.” (Exodus 40:33)

Moses was the prophet and the mediator of the Old Covenant. To Moses was given the Law to preach to the nation of Israel (see Exodus 19:20-21). To Moses was given the plans of the tabernacle (see Exodus 25:40) where the LORD’s presence would dwell among the people (see Exodus 25:22, 40:38).

But most interesting of all, it was Moses who personally finished the work of the tabernacle (see Exodus 40:33 again).

Moses hung all the curtains and placed all of the furnishings in their appointed locations (see Exodus 40:28). Moses lit the Golden Candlestick (see Exodus 40:25) and set the Showbread on the Table (see Exodus 40:23), and burned the first batch of sweet incense at the Altar before the LORD (see Exodus 40:27). Moses even was the one who hung the great Veil which separated the Most Holy Place and moved the Ark of the Covenant into its sacred position (see Exodus 40:21). Thus, Moses had personally finished the work.

It wasn’t the Levites, nor was it the priesthood which God had appointed. It wasn’t even the high priest, Aaron. None of these appointed men were involved in the finishing work. It was Moses and Moses alone — the mediator of the Old Covenant — who moved the Law into completion and thrust the service of the Law into action.

But Moses wouldn’t be the last mediator for the people— he was only a type of a greater Mediator which was to come:

“What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.” (Galatians 3:19)

Who is the Seed, the great Mediator to come? It’s none other than Jesus the Christ, the Son of David, and the declared Son of God. And He is no longer to come, but has come as the Mediator of the New Covenant.

“[The priests of old] serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But now [Jesus] has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:5–6)

A more excellent ministry! A better covenant! Better promises! As surely as Moses personally finished the work of the old, we are assured that Christ Jesus personally finished the work of the new!

“…Jesus said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30)

Jesus has furnished the New Temple of the Holy Spirit that lives within you with His own precious blood, and has washed you with His own perfect Word. The mercy seat of God’s presence dwells within you — it is no longer hidden away in a room built by man’s hands.

Even more, Jesus is our All in All! All things of old were a shadow, but Christ is the substance (see Colossians 2:17). Jesus is both High Priest and Mediator! (see Hebrews 8:1-2; 9:15; 1 Timothy 2:5) Jesus is both the Sacrifice and the Veil! (see Hebrews 9:26; 10:20) And Jesus both the Author and the Finisher! (Hebrews 12:2)

Beloved, never lose heart. Christ is your Finisher! Though your outward man is perishing, your inward man is being renewed day by day by His Spirit! (see 2 Corinthians 4:16) God will personally complete that good work which He started in you through Christ by His amazing grace! (see Philippians 1:6)

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

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