March 16, 2020
What does it say?
God gave specific instructions to Moses and Israel to collect materials out of which the tabernacle, God’s dwelling place, would be made, so God might live among them.
What does it mean?
On the one hand God lives in Heaven, a place described as having gold streets, pearl gates, and many bright, precious stones (Revelation 21-22). On the other hand God lived among the Israelites in a special tent called the ‘Tabernacle’ that they and Moses built according to God’s specifications. The author of the book of Hebrews even wrote that the Tabernacle in Moses’ day was built the way it was to resemble the way things look in Heaven (Hebrews 8:5). In this chapter God gave Moses specific instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Golden Lampstand.
How should I respond?
Imagine what it would be like to live back in the days of Moses when the God of Heaven personally lived in the Tabernacle of Israel. The very presence of God was living among His people! Did you know that God tells us today that we are His tabernacle, and God’s Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)? Imagine that — God’s Spirit lives inside of His followers! If God visited His tabernacle in your heart today, would He find it in order—neat and tidy according to His specifications; or would He have to do some demolishing and renovating? Is your heart prepared for God’s dwelling inside of you?