Scripture: Exodus 25-40
Introduction: The story of the Tabernacle in the Book of Exodus is a remarkable portrayal of God’s desire to dwell among His people. God provided Moses with specific instructions to construct the Tabernacle, a sacred meeting place where His presence would be known. Every detail of the Tabernacle reflects God’s holiness, His love, and His desire to draw near to His people. Today, we’ll explore the purpose of the Tabernacle and what it means for us to make room for God’s presence in our daily lives. Just as God dwelt among the Israelites, He desires to dwell with us, to be part of every aspect of our lives, and to lead us into worship and holiness.
1. God’s Desire to Dwell Among His People
“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)
The Tabernacle wasn’t just a structure; it was a symbol of God’s presence and a way for the Israelites to draw near to Him. God instructed His people to build a holy place so that He could live among them. This demonstrates His deep love for His people and His desire for a relationship with them. God longs to be close to His people, to walk with them, and to be involved in their lives.
Application: God desires to dwell with us too. He is not distant or detached; He wants a close and personal relationship with each of us. We can make room for God by inviting Him into our lives, creating space for prayer, worship, and time in His Word. Just as the Tabernacle was a physical space set apart for God, we can dedicate parts of our lives to His presence.
2. Worship as Our Response to God’s Presence
“They are to make an ark of acacia wood… and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.” (Exodus 25:10-16)
At the heart of the Tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence, promises, and covenant with His people. This was where worship and reverence were offered to God. The Tabernacle was a place where the Israelites could remember His goodness and holiness, where they could come and worship in awe and gratitude.
Application: Worship is our response to God’s presence in our lives. When we make room for God, we naturally turn our hearts toward Him in praise and gratitude. Worship allows us to remember who God is and what He has done. We don’t need a physical Tabernacle; we can worship God anywhere. Our lives can be places of worship, where we honor and glorify Him with our words, actions, and thoughts.
3. The Holiness of God and Our Call to Holiness
“Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker.” (Exodus 26:31)
The Tabernacle was carefully designed to reflect God’s holiness. It was made with precision and reverence, using specific materials that pointed to God’s majesty and purity. The Holy of Holies, separated by a veil, was a place where only the high priest could enter, emphasizing God’s holiness and the need for purification.
Application: God calls us to live lives of holiness, dedicated to Him. We, too, are His tabernacle, as His Spirit dwells within us. Just as the Tabernacle was made with purity and intention, we are called to live with purity and integrity, setting ourselves apart from sin and drawing closer to God. By prioritizing holiness, we make room for God to work in and through us.
4. Dedication: Offering Our Lives as Sacred Spaces
“Take the finest spices… and make a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.” (Exodus 30:23-25)
The anointing oil and incense used in the Tabernacle represented dedication and sanctification. The Tabernacle and all its furnishings were anointed as a way of setting them apart for God’s work and His glory. This dedication wasn’t casual; it was a serious commitment to honoring God’s presence.
Application: Just as the Tabernacle and its items were dedicated to God, we are called to dedicate ourselves fully to Him. We can make room for God by committing ourselves, our gifts, our time, and our talents to His service. Our lives become sacred spaces when we intentionally set them apart for God, allowing Him to shape us, use us, and dwell within us.
5. God’s Presence Today: The Tabernacle of Our Hearts
“And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezekiel 36:27)
While the Israelites needed a physical Tabernacle, we have the privilege of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice and fulfilled the law, making it possible for us to be in constant relationship with God. Today, we are God’s dwelling place, His living Tabernacle, and He lives within us through His Spirit.
Application: We no longer need a physical structure to experience God’s presence; He is with us wherever we go. By nurturing our relationship with Him through prayer, study, and fellowship, we become aware of His constant presence in our lives. We can make room for God each day by turning to Him in faith, surrendering to His will, and inviting Him to guide us.
Conclusion: The Tabernacle was a place where God’s people could experience His presence, worship Him, and understand the importance of holiness and dedication. God’s desire to dwell with His people remains the same today. He wants to be with us, to walk with us, and to fill every area of our lives. The question is, are we willing to make room for Him? Are we prepared to dedicate our lives as sacred spaces where He can dwell?
By opening our hearts to Him, prioritizing worship, living in holiness, and dedicating ourselves fully, we create a dwelling place for God. May we all strive to make room for His presence and experience the joy, peace, and guidance that comes from a life lived with God.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for desiring to dwell with us. Help us to make room in our lives for Your presence, to live in holiness, and to worship You in spirit and truth. May our lives become sacred spaces where You are honored and where others can see Your love and grace. Fill us with Your Spirit and lead us to live each day dedicated to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
