March 17, 2020
What does it say?
God provided specifications to Moses regarding four layers of curtains that were to cover the tabernacle’s frame and details regarding the veil in the middle of the tabernacle.
What does it mean?
God wove beauty, majesty, sturdiness, and mobility into the structure of His tabernacle — the tent where He lived among His people. There were four layers of fabric: fine linen on the inside, goats’ hair, rams’ skin, and an outer layer made from ‘the hide of sea cows’ (perhaps manatee or porpoise skins). The fabric was held together by metal rings and clasps for easy set-ups and take-downs, and the fabric was supported by a wooden frame. God’s design for His dwelling place protected the people and articles inside from harsh weather and provided royal beauty for the tabernacle furnishings.
How should I respond?
The same God Who designed His own dwelling place with so many wonderful and specific details also designed you. Like the tabernacle, you are protected on the outside with layers of skin and hair. Underneath are muscles, tissue, blood vessels —beautifully and majestically woven together and supported by a skeleton to protect your vital organs. Spend a few minutes talking to God about how you are, as David later so elegantly declared, ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:13-16). God designed and made you beautiful, majestic, sturdy, and mobile. You reflect the glory of the Creator.