Moses-Day 25

Friday, October 1

Moses: Called, Challenged, Changed

Day 25—Sanctuary Construction

Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded. From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze, blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.” Exodus 35: 4-9

Suggested reading: Exodus 35-39

One of the things that God discussed with Moses in his 40-day conversation on Mt. Horeb was the detailed construction of the “tent of meeting” (see Ex. 26-29). He said to Moses, I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God (29:44). God WANTED to reside in the midst of HIS people!

Very broadly, here are the things that were to go into the sanctuary: ark of the covenant, atonement cover, curtain, table bread of the presence, lampstands and lamps, altar of incense, anointing oil, altar of burnt offering, basin, as well as the priestly garments. Beautiful and significant detail was attributed to each one of these artifacts.

God told Moses to gather the materials from whomever was willing to give. They were also invited to contribute in the building process in whatever way they were gifted. Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments (35:21).

Here’s the beautiful thing, these same Israelites that had worshipped a golden calf a couple of months prior to this time, were now giving freely from their possessions and their abilities. In fact, they were giving MORE than was needed. Because of this generosity, Moses had to say, “No man or woman is to make anything else as offering for the sanctuary” (35:6).

Thoughts:

I have two take-aways that could be two complete Bible studies on their own. I will keep it simple:

1. The Sanctuary: Every artifact, in its design, color, stone or fabric, and its arrangement in the tabernacle points to JESUS in some way. This is mind boggling to me! I want to have a delightful and detailed conversation with Jesus himself about this when I meet him Face to face someday!

2. The Israelites: Everybody who was willing was invited to contribute to the construction of the temple from what they had. Today, as followers of Christ, we are ALL contributors to God’s kingdom in some unique way. HE never sees one gift as “better than” the other because his eyes are always on the motive of the heart. So here are the questions I ask myself:

Am I willing? And, what do I have?

Let’s mimic our ancestors today and willingly bring what we have to the Lord so that he might be glorified through our uniquely designed gifts.

Going deeper and sweeter: Ecclesiastes 9:10; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11

Dear Lord,

You have certainly called us! Now help us to take the challenge in giving of our possessions and our abilities. Remind us that your heart’s desire is to change us from within so that we can then change all those around us with your love. Amen.