THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: GENESIS AND EXODUS (28)

TABERNACLE ERECTED and OCCUPIED

Key Passage: Exodus 40

CHAPTER	35		CHAPTER	36-39	CHAPTER 40
Step 1: Preparation	Step 2: Construction	Step 3: Inspection		Step 4: Erection	Step 5: Occupation
	Tabernacle Completed			Tabernacle	Occupied

OVERVIEW The Book of Exodus closes with a detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle, the new place of residence for the God of Israel as He accompanies His people to Canaan. Notice the many steps involved in the project: Moses organizes the needed workers and materials; skilled artisans do the actual construction; Moses inspects the finished work; the tabernacle is erected and the furniture set in place; and finally the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle, showing God’s pleasure with the structure. From start to finish, the entire project is done "just as the Lord had commanded" Moses.

How many friends would you have left if you started spending as much time with them as you do with God?

OUR DAILY WALK God has always sought to dwell in the midst of people. Think back to the opening chapters of Genesis. There you find Adam and Eve in the garden. And in the cool of the evening God walks through the garden, seeking face-to-face fellowship with His creation.

In today’s reading, God’s glory takes up residence in the tabernacle in order to accompany the Israelites on their journey to Canaan. Later in Israel’s history, God’s presence will reside in Solomon’s magnificent temple. And today God’s Holy Spirit indwells every child of God (1Corinthians 6:19-20). The lesson is clear: God wants to identify Himself with those who are truly His. More specifically, God wants to identify Himself with you, fellowship with you, spend time with you, help you get to know Him better.

How do you go about building a relationship like that? Jot down the first five things that come to mind. Now use your list to help you organize your day and assign priorities to your activities. Place "time with God" at the top of the list. After all, that’s His greatest desire: to walk and talk with you. If that’s your greatest desire, tell Him so right now.

INSIGHT A Long Way to Find Freedom

Exodus begins with a mob of miserable slaves held captive in Egypt, yet ends with an emancipated nation in fellowship with God and on its way to Canaan. No wonder Exodus is called the "book of redemption."