Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Exodus 37-40
Once Bezaleel and Aholiab had completed their tasks, God commanded Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the new year. He was to place the Ark of the Covenant behind the curtain in the most holy place, then place the table of shewbread, lampstand, and altar of incense on the other side of that curtain opposite the Ark of the Covenant. God next commanded Moses to place the altar of burnt offering in front of the tabernacle entrance, with the washbasin going between it and the tent. He was to fill the basin with water. He then was to erect the tabernacle border, or courtyard, with its curtain at the entrance. This was amazingly illustrated to us on the super senior trip to the Tabernacle.
The design of the tabernacle allowed for a quick setup and take down, probably in less than a day. The bases probably rested on the bare desert sand, weighing enough to support the entire structure. Moses put each piece in place, then overlaid it with the curtains. He then placed the tablets, or testimony, in the ark, attached the carrying poles, and set the mercy seat upon the ark itself. The ark was placed in the most holy place followed by the other items. Moses lit the first incense and offered the first sacrifice.
God then granted his own approval to all that had been done. He descended upon the tabernacle and filled it with his glory. We could say God took up residence there, although God is not spatially limited. It became the dwelling place of God’s unique presence. From then on, when the people sought God, they would think of the sanctuary or Jerusalem. The way of immediate access to God was not yet available (Hebrews 9:8), but He still was present with His people. They had to rely on the elaborate sacrificial system in order to meet with and please God.
With Adam’s transgression came the fall of man, followed immediately by God’s intervention on man’s behalf. God always desired to share an intimate relationship with man, much closer than meeting with him through a detailed sacrificial and priestly system. But the road to that place would be neither immediate nor trouble-free. The tabernacle served as a temporary “house of God,” moving toward the ultimate goal of dwelling with man permanently.
God would hereafter direct the Israelites in their journeys by means of the guiding cloud by day and fire by night.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to conduct myself in a manner that you are comfortable dwelling within me.
- Lord, please help me to demonstrate a humble heart for the desire you have to dwell with me.
- Lord, please help me to remember that you are a God of details and to learn to be more careful with the details.
Political
- Representative Matt Maddock – District 044 – Milford
- Representative Mari Manoogian – District 040 – Birmingham
- Representative Steve Marino – District 024 – Harrison Twp.