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And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain.
Exodus 25:40
God began His list of furnishings for the tabernacle with the ark. He gave instructions on materials, size, design, and use. He did the same for the table and the lampstand. Then He commanded Moses to make them just as He showed him.
There two things that strike me about this passage. First, the list of items needed. God asked these people who were slaves for four hundred years and now wandering in the wilderness to make an offering of precious metals, dyed yarns and linens, leathers, wood, olive oil, spices, and precious gems (Exodus 25:1-7). All to be used in the construction of the tabernacle.
You may be wondering where slaves would get such riches to offer. But remember, the night of the Exodus, the night of the tenth plague? The Lord instructed Moses to tell the people to ask for riches from the Egyptians as they left (Exodus 11:1-2).
The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
Exodus 12:35-36 ESV
God does not call us to do anything without equipping us for the call. He already provided the Israelites with offerings from the Egyptians to give to Him what was needed for the building of the tabernacle and its furnishings. They didn't know it at the time, but God knew what He was equipping them for.
What is God calling you to do? How has He equipped you to offer what He's given you back to Him in service?
The second thing of note is the design. God was very specific about the items and adamant about the instructions being followed just as He showed Moses. This was not just any community gathering place the Israelites were constructing. The tabernacle was where God's presence would dwell among the people.
God dwells in highest heaven, but He was making a way to be among His chosen people. The design was based on His eternal home in heaven. The earthly tabernacle a copy of the original.
They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."
Hebrews 8:5 NIV
The ark and its mercy seat. The table for bread. The lampstand for light. All these are in heaven. Originals. All used in our approach and worship of God. Jesus ultimately our Ark, fulfilling the law with His life and offering us a place of mercy. Jesus, the Bread of Life, without which we cannot live. Jesus, the Light of the world, our source of truth and the light of life.
The tabernacle was a shadow of the spiritual reality in which we live. And in Christ, we are His tabernacle, His temple, the dwelling of God's Spirit on earth.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1Corinthiasn 6:19-20 NIV
God has a plan for His temples on earth too, for His church. It is found in His Word and understood by the instruction and teaching of the Holy Spirit by faith in Christ Jesus. His instructions are just as adamant, His plans just as clear.
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
1Peter 1:15 NIV
He has a plan for His life in you. Are you following His Way?
You are God's tabernacle on earth through Christ Jesus. Make sure His presence is seen clearly through you. He equips you with what you need to fulfill His call and shows you the way in His Word.
Father God, work in my life to make me a light for You in this dark world.
Work out all the dark in me, so I will live holy like You.
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