The Tabernacle & Worship Today
Exodus 25:1-9
The Dwelling Place of God: From Tabernacle to Our Hearts
Have you ever wondered why God seems so distant at times? Or perhaps you've questioned whether He truly desires a relationship with you? The story of God's dwelling place throughout history reveals a profound truth that might just change your perspective.
From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, we see God's desire to dwell among His people. After sin entered the world and humanity was exiled from this perfect communion, God didn't abandon His plan. Instead, He set in motion a beautiful journey of restoration, bringing heaven to earth in increasingly intimate ways.
The tabernacle, described in meticulous detail in Exodus 25-30, might seem like a collection of tedious measurements and material lists at first glance. But hidden within these specifications is a powerful message of God's love and His longing to be close to His people.
When God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle, He said, "Make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them." This portable tent of meeting was designed to be a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. Every detail, from the gold and precious stones to the carefully woven curtains, echoed the beauty of Eden and pointed to God's desire for restoration.
But the tabernacle wasn't just about aesthetics. Its very layout taught profound spiritual truths. As worshippers approached, they first encountered the altar of sacrifice, reminding us that our relationship with God is founded on His grace, not our own efforts at self-improvement. Only after the sacrifice could one approach the basin of water for cleansing – a powerful illustration that we come to God as we are, and He purifies us.
The most sacred area, the Holy of Holies, was separated by a thick curtain embroidered with cherubim – angelic figures reminiscent of those guarding the way back to Eden. This veil served as a stark reminder of the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the high priest could enter this most holy place, and only once a year, carrying the blood of atonement.
But the story doesn't end there. The New Testament reveals that all of these elements were pointing to something – or rather, someone – greater.
John's Gospel tells us that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The Greek word used for "dwelling" is the same one used for "tabernacle" in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, became the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. He is the true tabernacle, the perfect high priest, and the final sacrifice.
When Jesus died on the cross, the Gospel accounts tell us that the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. This supernatural event signified that the way into God's presence was now open to all who put their faith in Christ. No more separation, no more need for a human high priest to mediate – Jesus had made the way.
But the story of God's dwelling doesn't stop there. The apostle Paul reveals an astounding truth: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) And again, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)
This is a staggering reality. The same God who once dwelt in a physical tabernacle, who walked the earth in human form as Jesus Christ, now makes His home within every believer through the Holy Spirit. We have become living, breathing tabernacles of God's presence in the world.
This truth has profound implications for how we live our lives:
We are never alone. The Spirit of the living God resides within us at all times. This should bring us comfort in our darkest moments and guide our choices in our most private ones.
Our bodies are sacred spaces. Knowing that we carry God's presence should influence how we treat our physical selves and what we allow into our minds and hearts.
We are called to be conduits of God's presence. Just as the tabernacle was a place where people could encounter God, our lives should reflect His love and character to those around us.
Corporate worship takes on new significance. When believers gather together, we create a powerful concentration of God's presence – a foretaste of heaven on earth.
Our identity is secure. We are not our own, but have been bought with a price. This frees us from the need to prove our worth or earn God's love.
As we reflect on this journey of God's dwelling place – from Eden to the tabernacle, to Jesus, to the church, and finally to our very hearts – we're confronted with an incredible truth: God wants to be with us. Not because we're so impressive or have earned His favor, but simply because He loves us.
This realization should transform how we approach worship, both individually and corporately. It's not about following a set of rules or performing religious rituals. It's about enjoying the presence of a God who has gone to extraordinary lengths to be close to us.
The next time you feel distant from God or wonder if He truly cares, remember the tabernacle. Remember Jesus. Remember that the Holy Spirit dwells within you. God's desire to be with His people has never wavered, and it never will.
As we go about our daily lives, may we cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence. May we turn our eyes upon Jesus, allowing the things of earth to grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. And may we live as walking, talking tabernacles, bringing the presence of God into every situation and relationship we encounter.
In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, we carry within us the very presence of the Creator of the universe. Let that truth sink in, and watch how it transforms your perspective on everything.