“Set up this Tabernacle according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.” Exodus 26:30

In today’s daily Bible reading, you might be inclined to skim read through the Old Testament section due to the fact that it reads like Family Handyman instruction guide. That would be a mistake. Even though this section of scripture is highly detailed, there are large spiritual implications.

First, do you recognize God’s sovereign planning? As the Israelites were leaving Egypt, they were told to ask the Egyptians for their gold and valuables. This was never for their personal wealth. It was in order to have the necessary supplies needed to build the Tabernacle. God had His beloved people bring the necessary supplies to worship Him. Do not forget that the Israelites were slaves for 400 years, so they did not have anything of worth to offer God, however, they would have seen the wealthiest nation in the world’s history at that time–Egypt, and known what wealth was.Which brings me to the second implication.

Secondly, with the Israelites being ex-slaves and being poor, they would have recognized (and highly appreciated wealth). Can you appreciate all the expensive materials God requires of the tabernacle? There is purple fabric, gold rings, acacia wood, bronze, and many more expensive materials that God requires of the Tabernacle (or God’s dwelling place). Are these materials required because God is vain? Does he desire to be adorned with expensive materials? No. The entire universe is God’s tabernacle, so these materials that are used are to help the Israelites understand how special of a place it is when God dwells among his people.

So what can we take from this sliver of scripture? First, that God is always providing what we need to worship him. Look around your life today and take inventory. What are the ways God has provided for you in order to bring you closer to Him in worship. Secondly, understand how precious being in the presence of God is. The Israelites would have felt a special connection to God due to the beauty and expense of the Tabernacle. We need to feel a special connection to God due to the expense of the cross. When we worship God we need to come before Him in awe and wonder.

Let us see the special relationship we have with the Dweller of the Tabernacle today.