Law – Exodus 25-28

Our God is a God that thinks of EVERYTHING!

That’s the thought that came to my mind as I read today’s passage in Exodus. The Israelites were now in the wilderness for some time already. The euphoria of escaping from the land of slavery is now a distant memory.

Despite the miracles and grace God showed them after the crossing of the Red Sea, murmurings over small discontentment began creeping in. Inspite hearing the 10 Commandments and being given instructions from God on how they ought to lead their lives (last week’s passage), they still lacked one thing – a place to worship.

And that is what God gave them today…

Bible Passage: Exodus 25-28

The Tabernacle. The Tent of Meeting. The Sanctuary.

Whatever name you choose to use, the significance is very clear.

• It is the place where God dwells (not that He really needs any physical place to live in)
• It is a place where we meet God.
• It is a sacred place of rest.

God gave them detailed instructions on how they are to build this tabernacle, including the design of the priestly garments. And not too long ago, Bro Vincent gave an excellent sermon about what the different elements of the tabernacle means to Christians today. So I won’t go along that direction and instead focus just on the tabernacle.

Do You Take Church For Granted?

This might seem a strange question – especially for us in Singapore as we have the freedom and convenience of coming to Church almost every day.

Some of us attend three to five services a week. Some of us just come for Sabbath worship. But whatever it is, we have a place where we can go to worship God.

But what if one day, the Church is no longer so easily accessible?

My job requires me to travel. And for some of these travels which last up to 3 weeks – they are to places where they are no churches nearby and I have no where to go on Sabbath.

I still pray. I still read the Bible. And I still sing hymns.

I do it in my hotel room. I do it on the mountains. I do it by the lakes. I did it once with sheep grazing around me!

But… it is different. Very different. Extremely different.

And it is during such times that I yearn and long to be able to able to go to church. It is times like these that I fully appreciate the heart of David when he said…

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Psalm 122:1

That is why I no longer take going to Church for granted anymore. For that is where God dwells. For that is where I meet Him.

God knows the hearts of man.

And even though He was clearly leading the Israelites in the wilderness and the people could see it – God knew that there was a need to have a central place of worship for the people. There was a need to have a place where the people can focus on worshiping, offering sacrifices and in general, just meet God there.

This need is all the more evident today.

I sometimes wonder what if there was no tabernacle in the wilderness?

What if there was no Church today? What would your life be like?

Oh… you believe in God and worship Him. You have seen His mighty acts before. But no Church.

What would your life be like? What will your faith be like? Do you think you can maintain or even improve your spiritual life?

I remembered when I was backpacking with some University friends around Europe for 5 weeks after my final exams. It was loads of fun and the days went past quickly. The 1st Sabbath came – and I remembered it and tried to sing some hymns, pray and read the Bible (not very successfully). When the 2nd Sabbath came, I am ashamed to admit that I hardly thought about it anymore. Needless to say I did not even know that the 3rd Sabbath passed me by.

Long story short – thank God I came to my senses through a series of events that happened during the trip that led me going through great lengths to get to a church for the 4th Sabbath. But that is a testimony for another day.

Without Church, it is easy to forget God. With no central place of worship, it is easy to lapse into a pattern where you do not even think about Him anymore.

God knew that. And hence the tabernacle.

It is indeed a great grace we have a church that we can always come and worship Him.

Do You Willingly Get Involved In The Church?

One of the other thing that struck me was this: When God gave detailed instructions for the tabernacle to be built, He said this…

“Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.

Exodus 25:2

Being part of building up God’s house is a glorious thing.

And here, God told Moses to take offerings from only those who gives willingly.

Did you read that carefully? God wants to only take offerings from those who gives it willingly.

What follows is a whole series of instructions on the construction of the different parts of the tabernacle. And I am sure many people were involved in all the different areas.  It was a major project for them.

Just like the church today. There are lots of areas where we can get involved – NOT just making monetary offerings. We need people to help cook the meals. We need people to help conduct Bible Study classes. We need people to help receive guests. We need people to speak sermons. The list just goes on and on…

We need people who want to get involved in the Church.  Willingly.

Do You Remember You Are A Royal Priesthood?

When I read Chapter 28, I marvel at how elaborate the priestly garments were.

Why did God spend so much time giving them minute descriptions of how Aaron and his sons should be dressed when they serve in the tabernacle?

I am sure Aaron and the rest of the priests felt very special.  And it is very special being able to serve the living God in His holy temple.

Then I remembered 1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

We too have this holy appointment.  We too are priests.  Not just ordinary priests but a royal priesthood.

And therefore, in our life in Church, we must make sure we remain holy in everything we do or say.  Or the sin of iniquity will be upon us.

And that refers especially in our service to God.

May God grant His mercy and grace upon all of us.