February 9th

Exodus 25:1-28:43

God gave Moses His instructions for building the Tabernacle, His desert sanctuary, and all of its furnishings, which included the beautiful Ark of the Covenant and its Atonement Cover (also called the Mercy Seat), the Golden Table with the Bread of the Presence, the Golden Lampstand, the Tent of Meeting with all of its curtains and veils, the Bronze Altar where sacrifices would be made, the priestly clothing, and the courtyard with all of its boards and sockets.

As you would expect, the materials for this project were quite expensive — gold, silver, bronze, fine linens, goat hair, tanned ram skins, acacia wood, olive oil, spices, and precious stones. Where were slaves, in the middle of the desert, supposed to acquire such things? They didn’t have to, for they were already given to them by the people of Egypt (Exodus 12:35, 36). God had already provided for His tabernacle; now, He called the people to give offerings for it.

What was the Tabernacle? What was its purpose? The word “tabernacle” simple means “dwelling place.” We might use the word “tent.” It was a physical and portable dwelling place for the Lord to be among His people. Later, Solomon replaced the Tabernacle with the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle was the place where God’s people and their priests could worship Him at all times with their sacrifices and offerings. It was also the place where He would forgive their sins, once a year, on the Day of Atonement.

While it is easy to get lost in the details that were described in today’s reading, it is important to step back and see the significance of this place. It is a symbol or type of Christ, perhaps the most clear representation in the Old Testament of what Jesus will do when He comes. Every measurement, every material, and every activity related to the ministry of Jesus.

Since the Tabernacle would be the place where God’s people would be reconciled to Him, it is important to note that they had to follow His instructions with no exceptions. Four times the Lord reminded Moses to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly “according to the pattern that I will show you” (Exodus 25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8).

What’s the point? It is simply this — it is God, not man, who determines when and how He will be approached and worshiped. We do not get to choose our own path to God. We come into His presence His way, not ours. Salvation is a work of God, not of our own doing. Therefore, the Lord gives the guidelines for how to be made right with Him.

Daily Reflection

What are some of the ways that men have tried to worship God or earn His favor in their way?

Are you guilty of forcing your way with Him? You must be cautious. He must be worshiped in truth, as He has prescribed in His Word; and, how you are made right with Him is not left to your own wisdom or preference. Salvation is found in one way, Jesus Christ. Be careful that you do not presume too much of God. Remember His warnings — if the people did not follow His instructions regarding the Tabernacle, they would be cut off; they would die.

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).

BiAY.org | Day 40 — 325 Days to Go