God Desires to Dwell with Us
God’s determination to build a tabernacle to dwell with His people reveals an astounding truth – God actually desires to fellowship with us. This passage beckons us to consider His unwavering mercy and astounding grace.
Author
Thomas Willoughby
God
God Desires to Dwell with Us
God’s determination to build a tabernacle to dwell with His people reveals an astounding truth – God actually desires to fellowship with us. This passage beckons us to consider His unwavering mercy and astounding grace.
Thomas Willoughby
Background
- God created us to dwell with Him (cf. Genesis 1-2).
- Mankind broke that fellowship in the Garden (Genesis 3).
- Abraham shared a meal with the LORD in Abraham’s tent (Genesis 18).
Observations
- God had the people build the Ark of the Testimony first (10).
- The ark that contained the instruction of God served as the base for the Mercy Seat (10-16).
- The Mercy Seat is surrounded by Cherubim and served as the place of communication with God (17-22).
- God had them set a table with dishes and perpetual bread so the LORD could share a meal with the priests, unlike other religions where the priests were not allowed within or to eat (23-30).
- A lampstand that resembled a tree with branches and almond blossoms served for light and as a reminder that God would “watch over” His word (31-40; cf. Jeremiah 1:11-12).
Applications
- Jesus is the ultimate Tabernacle; you need to remain/abide in Him (John 1:14).
- You need to ask Jesus to forgive and cleanse you so that you can remain/abide in Him (cf. 1 John 1:5-10).
- If you remain/abide in God, you will gather with His people (cf. Hebrews 10:25).
