He Lives with You

 Read Exodus 25-28
 
Exodus 25:8 “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary, so I can live among them. 9 You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.”  
 
GOD’s promise to live among his people is the essential covenant of the entire Bible. The LORD God’s will is to be with his creation. He walked with Adam in the Garden. Then he promised in Eden he would destroy Satan and sin through a Savior. Those saved from sin will walk with God again.
   In the Desert of Sin (sine) El Shaddai directs his people to build his personal dwelling place on earth. It is called a Tabernacle because “to tabernacle” means “to dwell with.”  
   This is a display of God’s grace. Almighty God dwells in heaven and has the universe for his use. Still he wants to be with his own special family on earth. He’s a loving Father who desires to enjoy his children. The Tabernacle is also to be Israel’s worship center. It is good and right to worship God who dwells with us.
   Why do you think God is so very specific with his instructions? Some may find this too much to read. But look! God has said to build the dwelling exactly according to the pattern! When God speaks, we need to obey. The LORD God’s exact blueprint is an image of his perfection - his holiness. He has determined the Tabernacle will display who he is. There cannot be any deviation from the directions. You must know what God requires to make room in your life for him.
   Our righteous God commands perfection. Then he graciously empowers his people to precisely complete his commands. We will later read that God gifted Bezalel and his assistant Oholiab to build the Tabernacle. Then the LORD defines specific worship requirements for the priests and the people, so his Presence could be with them. When all was done, the righteous LORD came from the mountain to the Holy Tabernacle to dwell with Israel.
   Today, through Jesus Christ, you can become God’s living Tabernacle. He has commanded the way to him through Jesus. And Jesus came to be the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit graciously gifted you to meet the Father’s commands. Made holy in your confession of Jesus’ saving blood, you can welcome God from heaven into your heart.
     And now, if you haven’t invited God to dwell with you, it is time for you to do so. Confess your sins. Confess Jesus is risen. Confess Jesus is your Savior. Receive the God who wants to dwell with you.
  
It’s True: In God’s perfect plan, his purpose is to be with you.