Today’s Readings: Exodus 25-27; Psalm 90; Philippians 1
And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. Exodus 25:8–9, ESV
Good Monday morning!
Exodus 25-27 describe God’s plan for the temporary tabernacle that would serve as the center of Israel’s worship until a more permanent temple could be built in the land that God had promised to them. There is much symbolism associated with the tabernacle and its furnishings because they are meant to be models of spiritual truth; however, I’d like to focus on the “big picture” this morning.
The tabernacle was often called the “tent of meeting” because that’s where Moses would meet with God. It was the place of God’s presence and it reflected God’s desire to be with His people. You may recall from Genesis 11 that men had attempted to build a tower that would ascend to heaven, but God destroyed it because it was built on human hubris. It was made according to their plans. The tabernacle was built according to God’s plan. Think about what that means: We cannot ascend into God’s presence through our own efforts and ideas, but He has descended down to us!
God’s desire is to have fellowship with His people. He wanted a tent of His own among the many tents of Israel—a place where they could meet and be together. The first half of Exodus was about God making a way to save Israel out of Egypt. The second half is about God making a way for them to live in His presence. He brought them out of Egypt, and brought them to Himself. God doesn’t simply save us from sin; He saves us for Himself. His desire is to have fellowship with us—a relationship in which you are no longer a slave to Satan, but rather a son (or daughter) of God!
The tabernacle represents this meeting place where we give to God our sincere devotion and receive from Him His benevolent grace. In Exodus it was a literal tent, constructed according to God’s pattern with the materials that His people provided. That tabernacle was replaced by the Temple, which in turn was made obsolete by Jesus because John said, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus was the tabernacle of God among men and it was in His physical body through death that we are reconciled to God (Colossians 1:22). Now, Brothers and Sisters, we are the temple of God because Christ dwells in us by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16)!
You may recall reading in Ephesians that we are God’s workmanship. We are saved by grace through faith. “This is not your own doing,” Paul says, “It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (2:9). What we can do and what we should do is learn to cooperate with what God is doing. Walk in the good works that God has prepared (2:10). God is building in each one of us a place for His glory. Be encouraged! He has a plan. There is a purpose and a place for everything in your life and God has it all sorted out. He knows the details and He will finish the work (Philippians 1:6). Just make room for Him to do His thing. Create a sanctuary in your heart for His presence. Stay filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Abide in Christ and follow the pattern of sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13).
And never forget: He will never leave you or forsake you!
Great message Pastor Tim! You are still my pastor!