Practicing the Presence
“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” - Exodus 25: 8-9 NIV
The Tabernacle, described in Exodus, is a powerful symbol of God’s longing to be with His people. When God instructed the Israelites to build this sanctuary, He wasn’t just giving them a task; He was inviting them into a relationship. His desire was to dwell among them.
The Tabernacle was designed as a sacred space where God's presence could be felt. Each element, including the Ark of the Covenant, had a purpose and meaning. (Cue the Indiana Jones theme!!)
Worship in the Tabernacle wasn’t about following strict rules. It was about coming into God’s presence. Today, it’s so easy to focus on the format of worship instead of the heart behind it. The Tabernacle teaches us that worship is an invitation to meet with God. When we gather in church or pray alone, we are continuing that ancient practice of drawing near to Him.
In the Old Testament, God’s glory was a visible sign of His presence. It filled the Tabernacle, showing that He accepted the worship of His people. This glory wasn’t something to fear; it was an invitation to experience God’s love.
In Jesus, we see that glory fully revealed. John 1:14 NIV says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Through Jesus, we have direct access to God. No longer do we need a physical structure; we have a personal relationship with Him.
The ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle was to bring God closer to His people. This theme is woven throughout the Bible and reaches its fulfillment in Revelation 21:3 NIV, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
JOURNAL: Today, think about how the elements of worship resonate with you. How does the idea of God dwelling with you change your perspective? As you seek to encounter Him, remember that He is always inviting you closer.
As we reflect on the significance of the Tabernacle, we should ask ourselves how we can create space for God in our everyday routines. How can we invite His presence into our lives? Each time we seek Him, we are living as a tabernacle, allowing His love to shine through us.
PRAYER: God, thank You for wanting to dwell among us. Help us create space for You in our lives and recognize Your presence in our worship. May our hearts be open to Your love, and may we reflect Your light to those around us. Amen.
The Tabernacle, described in Exodus, is a powerful symbol of God’s longing to be with His people. When God instructed the Israelites to build this sanctuary, He wasn’t just giving them a task; He was inviting them into a relationship. His desire was to dwell among them.
The Tabernacle was designed as a sacred space where God's presence could be felt. Each element, including the Ark of the Covenant, had a purpose and meaning. (Cue the Indiana Jones theme!!)
Worship in the Tabernacle wasn’t about following strict rules. It was about coming into God’s presence. Today, it’s so easy to focus on the format of worship instead of the heart behind it. The Tabernacle teaches us that worship is an invitation to meet with God. When we gather in church or pray alone, we are continuing that ancient practice of drawing near to Him.
In the Old Testament, God’s glory was a visible sign of His presence. It filled the Tabernacle, showing that He accepted the worship of His people. This glory wasn’t something to fear; it was an invitation to experience God’s love.
In Jesus, we see that glory fully revealed. John 1:14 NIV says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Through Jesus, we have direct access to God. No longer do we need a physical structure; we have a personal relationship with Him.
The ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle was to bring God closer to His people. This theme is woven throughout the Bible and reaches its fulfillment in Revelation 21:3 NIV, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
JOURNAL: Today, think about how the elements of worship resonate with you. How does the idea of God dwelling with you change your perspective? As you seek to encounter Him, remember that He is always inviting you closer.
As we reflect on the significance of the Tabernacle, we should ask ourselves how we can create space for God in our everyday routines. How can we invite His presence into our lives? Each time we seek Him, we are living as a tabernacle, allowing His love to shine through us.
PRAYER: God, thank You for wanting to dwell among us. Help us create space for You in our lives and recognize Your presence in our worship. May our hearts be open to Your love, and may we reflect Your light to those around us. Amen.
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