Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.
According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it. Exodus 25: 8,9 (NASB)
Every man and woman whose heart stirred within them brought a contribution to the Lord. Gold and silver, incense, acacia wood, and blue, scarlet, and purple threads and fabrics were donated. Lampstands were designed like almond blossoms and branches, fine linen curtains were trailed with numbered loops, and boards were cut and screens made for the tent meeting place. Bells were sewn on the hems of the priests’ robe to signify life in God’s midst. Beauty mattered.
Bulls and rams were slaughtered as a sacrifice at the door of the tent meeting. The blood was dipped, horns marked and the ear lobes of Aaron and his sons touched, and the meat was boiled. And cakes of bread were used in the wave offerings. Detailed instructions were given and kept.
God sought willing hearts to perform His duties and gifted the men and women with skill. There was more than enough workers and supplies to complete the sanctuary.
Today, God looks for homes to dwell in. He pitches His tent within us and we no longer have to work and earn our way or keep to draw near to Him. Whether we meet Him at the break of dawn on our worn couch or we stroll along the river’s edge, Jesus’ shed blood paid our entrance fee. We confess our sins, repent of our waywardness, and seek God’s presence, and it is assured. He remains. He settles in and abides with us. Therefore, we can rest in peace and security.
When I read the text of the tabernacle, and the holy of holies, I am in awe of God, and that He would want to come close to me. He sacrificed His beloved son so I could have access to Him. And I don’t take it lightly.
When I was a child, my father was in part responsible to monitor a mission board’s replica of the tabernacle. My brothers and I often explored the ornate and beautiful room that led to the holy of holies. The intricate carvings and heavy curtains were a bit formal and uncomfortable. So, God seemed unapproachable, and I was intimidated. Fear and doubt intertwined with shame. And I was desperate to please Him. I’m not sure when I gave up, and respect turned to defeat.
However, God didn’t abandon me to my despair and misguided thoughts about Him, and He won’t leave you where He found you. His love and grace transform our beliefs and behavior. And we can be free of performance-based religion. God still looks for willing and able hearts to reside in, and He gifts us with skills and purpose. Bring your contribution and expect His help. Our changed heart and mindset are where miracles become possible.
We no longer have to kill the animals, and dip the blood and boil the flesh, and that is a relief. Some of us have an aversion to handling meat. And others may have been tempted to taste the bread of the wave offering. We can only guess what would have happened.
However, the Word became flesh and the pattern to replicate changed. We follow a risen Lord who is slow to anger and full of love, grace, mercy, wisdom, and compassion. Jesus’ beauty trumps all that we could create or accomplish. So, we bow and acknowledge His radiant glory. He is enough to complete His work within us.
May you seek God’s presence and know His love,
Lily Mae
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1: 14 (NASB)