Scripture
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. Exodus 25:8
Observation
After God had delivered Israel from their four hundred years of Egyptian slavery,Moses had led them to Mount Sinai. While they were camped at the base of the mountain, God had given Moses the law, and along with it instructions for the building of the tabernacle.
As the Israelites were given the Ten Commandments, I am sure it must have brought conviction to their hearts. Isn’t that what the Law does; convict sinful hearts? But God doesn’t stop there. He immediately gives them the sanctuary; a place where they can go to find forgiveness and atonement. Isn't that interesting...law and grace even in the Old Testament.
The reason stated for the sanctuary; “that I might dwell among them” has always implied that it was for God’s benefit. I suppose that is true, God wanted to be among His people. But since God is omniscient, the sanctuary had to be, at least to some extent, for Israel’s benefit. They knew very little about God, so God sets a schoolhouse in their midst so they can learn about him.
Application
It seems to me that God doesn’t just want to work in my life; he wants to be in my life. Anywhere and everywhere I go, He wants me to know, He is there.
Israel didn’t ask God to dwell with them. God is the one who takes the initiative. All through the Bible I read about a God who is pursuing me!
Prayer
Wow, a holy God living among unholy people! Thank you Lord that you are willing to be a part of my world. Why? So we can be together…here and more importantly…hereafter.
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1 comment:
In Gen. we saw relationship with God and His children severed. here we see a people who weren't sure that God existed. They questioned why they were left to angish for 400 years, even though their father Asbraham had been told they would. Now they get to see a cloud that leads them by day and protects them by night. yet their God wants to be closer yet. He want to indwell them. In this tabernacle the way is shown for them to be prepared for God to dwell with them and in them.
God sometimes I find that I like them question the circumstance and distrust the promise. I have your Bible that tells me what is coming and why yet I too forget that these things must happen and then the end will come.
father show me how to trust the promise and distrust the circumstance.
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