Colossians 2:17. "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
THINGS TO COME. What is coming anyway? Are bad events coming more than we have today? Or is this a reference to things of the past - That were temporary shadows of things that last?
Those shadows and types of generations long ago - Were given that people living at that time might know - Of a reality that was to come when God would bring to light God's love and grace, and redemption through Christ.
In those shadows of offerings and altars and such - People were reminded that God was constantly in touch With all they were doing, what it was and why - Pointing to the reason why the Lord Jesus would suffer and die.
The tabernacle in the wilderness was a visible shadow Of the Person of Christ and the things God does hallow. Whenever the people would come, there would be a sense of awe - That God intended to be reflected by the things they saw.
The Passover would have reminded them of deliverance from captivity. Christ our Passover who was slain, is the reality. That is the same for every shadow and type - Through the coming of Christ things were brought to light.
We have a few shadows for us in our time. Baptism typifies the death and resurrection that was mine. The emblems of bread and wine that sit Lord's Day morning on a table; Are reminders of the One who saved us because He was abundantly able.
"Father God, I thank Thee sincerely for every thing that reveals the value of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am always conscious of the reality of the Living Lord, but I also thank Thee for visible reminders. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."