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88_The dwelling place of God

Ex 25:1-9 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. 3 And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair, 5 tanned rams’ skins, goatskins,[a] acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.

Imagine a family planning their dream home. Every detail reflects their lifestyle, values, and vision. The design is not just about structure—it’s about identity. The God who created the universe also designed a dwelling place to reveal His character and teach His people how to enjoy a deep relationship with Him. This is the tabernacle – not just a structure but a blueprint with eternal significance.

Exodus 25:1-9 introduces us to God’s command to Moses to build a tabernacle—a sanctuary where He would dwell among His people. The Creator of heaven and earth is enthroned in the heavens and the earth is his footstool. Why does he choose to put his name on a tent made by human hands? The answer lies not in His need but in ours. God, the master teacher, was revealing lessons about relationships, worship, and redemption in a tangible, experiential way.

The Israelites were no strangers to God’s power. They had witnessed His might as He redeemed them from slavery in Egypt. The ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the pillar of cloud and fire—all were dramatic displays of His sovereignty. But redemption was not the end of their story; it was the beginning. God’s purpose was not merely to free them but to form them into a holy people who would live in communion with Him. “Let my people go, so that they may serve me,” He declared to Pharaoh. Redemption was always meant to lead to a relationship.

After their exodus, God brought the Israelites to Mount Sinai, where He revealed His law through Moses and established a covenant with them. This covenant, dedicated through blood, was sealed with a fellowship meal, symbolizing their relationship with Him. God wanted to dwell among them as they journeyed through the wilderness. He was their leader and fellow traveler on their long and weary journey. The tabernacle would be the visible representation of His presence. Its structure, furnishings, and ceremonies were rich with meaning, teaching the Israelites about His holiness, their sinfulness, and the way into his presence.

However, the Tabernacle was not God’s literal dwelling place. The Apostle Paul, in Acts 17:24-25, reminded the Athenians that “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything.” Similarly, Stephen emphasized that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands.” (Acts 7:48). The Tabernacle, and later the temple, were not physical abodes of God’s Majesty. They pointed to a greater reality—the presence of God with His people.

God’s instructions for the Tabernacle began with a freewill offering. He did not demand tribute but invited the Israelites to give willingly from their hearts. Gold, silver, bronze, fine linens, and precious stones were among the materials required, but what mattered most was the willingness of the giver. This principle still holds true today. God loves a cheerful giver, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Whether we give our resources, time, or talents, it is the heart behind the offering that pleases Him.

The tabernacle’s intricate design reflected God’s heavenly pattern, as He instructed Moses: “Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle and all its furniture, so you shall make it.” (Exodus 25:9). This was not a project for human creativity or innovation. Every detail was an earthly representation of a higher heavenly reality. Similarly, the building of the Church—the dwelling place of God—is not based on human wisdom or methods. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19-22, “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” The Church grows into a holy temple in the Lord, built together as a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tabernacle’s construction was the role of Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God specifically called and filled with His Spirit. These artisans were equipped with skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship to carry out the work. This reminds us that building God’s house requires both divine empowerment and human cooperation. Whether through preaching, teaching, serving, or creating, God equips His people with the gifts and skills needed to glorify Him and build up His Church.

The Tabernacle was a place of extraordinary beauty, adorned with rich embroidery, carvings, and gold. Yet, it was not the materials or craftsmanship that set it apart—it was the presence of God. From the entrance to the Holy of Holies, every element of the tabernacle pointed to Him. The altar of sacrifice, the lampstand, the table of bread, and the Ark of the Covenant all spoke of His provision, holiness, and desire to dwell with His people. This is a powerful reminder for us today: in all that we do as the Church, Christ is the focus, the way and the captain. We preach Christ crucified because He is the fulfillment of every promise and the reality of God’s presence among us.

The ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle’s purpose is found in Jesus Christ. John writes, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us, and we have seen His glory.” (John 1:14). In Jesus, God came to dwell among His people, not in a tent or temple but as a man. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He accomplished the impossible, that the Tabernacle could only foreshadow. Anyone who comes to Christ, in the humility of repentance and the obedience of faith, is forgiven all things, and comes into the presence of God, receiving the Spirit of God. Through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within His people, building His temple.

Isaiah 57:15 beautifully captures this truth: “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” This is both a promise and a challenge. It calls us to examine our hearts and lives. Are we making room for Him? Let us repent of our sin and rebellion. Let us humble ourselves to seek God in trembling obedience, so that he may revive our hearts.

The Bible culminates with a glorious vision of God’s eternal dwelling with His people. In Revelation 21:3, John writes, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.’” This is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan—a restored relationship where He and His people live together forever.

Let us remember that God has always desired to dwell with His people. He is not distant or aloof; he is at the heart of our lives. The Tabernacle reminds us of His holiness but also of the grace of atonement. By coming to Christ as the Son of God, we come to God and enter into an eternal relationship with him. We dwell in him and he in us.

Let us respond to God’s desire with willing hearts, offering ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. Let us build His Church according to his pattern, relying on His Spirit to guide and equip us. Let us look forward with hope and prepare ourselves in holiness for the day when his dwelling place will be with man forever, and we shall behold His glory face to face. God bless.