I have been reading recently about God's instructions for the Tabernacle in the book of Exodus. I have read this account many times, but God has been showing me some deeper meanings lately. I have been a very shallow Christian up until God woke me up a few years ago. So I have been asking God to help me to look into his word deeper, to find more spiritual meat, so to speak. God does answer prayer! So back to the Tabernacle, I just wanted to share a few "noticings" that I have had.
First of all, God wanted to live among his people. That was the whole idea behind the Tabernacle. That is just a little awe inspiring to me, God wants to live with his people. Hey, guess what? If you are a Christ follower, you are his people. God still wants to do life with me and with you!
Next, God spends more time explaining his house and all the minute details that will go into it than he does explaining the law. God shows his love of beauty, design and symbolism as he describes his house. I remember building our dream house. I had details upon details that I wanted incorporated into this home. Scores of ideas were shared and implemented to make this home our forever home. God did the same when he described the Tabernacle to those who would build it.
God even designed the clothes that his servants, the priests, should wear while they performed their duties. I was amazed by the description of the ephod. In Exodus 28:12 it says, "Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the Lord." I just thought that was so cool. The people that Aaron was to represent to God were right there on his shoulders, written so that he couldn't forget them! "God," I whispered, "Who is written on my shoulders? Who am I representing every time I come to you?" What a question! I thought about that many times through out the day, and I am still mulling it over in my head. Obviously there are people like my husband and kids, their spouses and children. People that I worship with came to mind. Then the many students I have taught over the years. How about my neighbors? So many people. I am left wondering where the cut off is? Or is there a cut off? How many people should we be holding on our shoulders and bringing them to God in prayer? I don't have the answer for that at this time, but I'm sure that God will share those names with me as I continue to meditate and do his will.
A last thing that I noticed, was that God filled each and every workman with wisdom so that they could complete the task of creating the Tabernacle with the most skill and excellence available to them.
With all the detail that God expected in his Tabernacle, I can't help but wonder, what does God expect of me? Does he want to be that involved in my life? Does God work in me to inspire me as I teach my little people? Does he even care about my kiddos learning? Does God want my home to be a place of beauty where others are pointed to him? Does he care that much about what I wear? And if he does, what does my life now look like?
A lot to ponder here on this chilly evening in Northern Michigan. I hope that God is blessing you and that you are growing in his knowledge. He is such a good God, it is a blessing to get to know him.
