Exodus 36: An Unlikely Sight in the Desert

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"All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded: the tabernacle with its ten and its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; the ark with curtain that shields it; the table with its poles and all its articles and the bread of the Presence; the lamp stand that is for light with its accessories, lamps and oil for the light; the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense..."

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The last chapters of Exodus provides a wealth of details. In a hostile desert landscape, a tribe of just-liberated slaves built something of exquisite beauty- a portable cathedral, or tabernacle.

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God directed the project personally, specially endowing the crafters with skill and elaborating right down to the color choice of woven yarns, the precise length of curtains and wooden frames, and the design of gold filigree. After their embarrassing display of idol worshipping back in chapter 32, the people of Israel joined together in a flurry of activity, carefully following God's pattern. A ton of gold went into the project, as well as nearly four tons of silver and stockpiles of precious gems and rare woods.

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After describing the tabernacle construction in great detail, the Bible devotes just five verses, the last five in Exodus, to its culmination. On the day the tabernacle was completed, God moved in. His glory filled the new tabernacle. God took up residence with his people. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40: 34-35)

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From then on, whenever the Israelites marched or camped, their portable cathedral stayed in the exact center of the camp, with their tents and personal belongings radiating out from the Most Holy Place and the ark of the covenant. The tabernacle gave them a visible reminder of God's central place. As a turning point in history, God made himself available to his people.

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Life Question: The Israelites used God's tabernacle to find God. Where do you go to find God?

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I've never really felt the absolute need to go to a church building in order to find God. That said, I've always used my music to not only pray to God but also to build a relationship with Him. The words to the songs can be ever so powerful if you sing them with conviction and passion. Running is another instance in which I don't necessarily go out to find God, but rather enjoy everything that He has given us. There's nothing better than an early Saturday morning run through the park...it really can be an awesome spiritual experience.