GOD’S DWELLING
Today’s Reading: Exodus 25
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The High Priest performing his duties in the replica of the Tabernacle of Moses at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario during the summer of 2012. Pictured are the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Ark of the Covenant.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photos, click HERE.
Key Verse: Exodus 25:8
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
This chapter starts with an offering. The word “willingly” reminds us of 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” The gifts to God were gold, silver, bronze, etc. Out of these offerings to the Lord, the artisans were to make the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand and the rest of the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The imagination of the people was fired by the stories told by the craftsmen and the priests. The lid of the Ark was known as the “Mercy Seat.” God was “mercy seated” toward His people as a result of the blood of the sacrifice which was sprinkled on the golden overlay of the Ark. For a commentary on these powerful symbols, let’s find the time to read, if possible before we sleep tonight, Hebrews chapters 8, 9, & 10, the faith chapter 11, and then 12 & 13 (click here to read). This will be most worthwhile in understanding what all this means for us.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, thank You for being mercy seated for me. I pray with the publican in the Temple, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). According to Your Word, I am forgiven and my sin is gone. Amen! (1 John 1:9)
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The pictures today are not taken in Israel but in the back parking lot of the Crossroads Centre, in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. During the summer of 2012, thousands of people visited this amazing replica. It was created by Teen Missions International of Florida and transported to us here in Canada in a huge tractor trailer truck. When visitors entered the full-sized replica, the Outer Court, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, there was silence, except for the High Priest who says appropriate prayers in Hebrew. Crossroads erected a “Tent of Meeting” where a pastor/teacher shared how Jesus of Nazareth took the symbols and made them reality in His life and in His sacrificial death on the Cross. Many made decisions to become believers in Jesus, receiving Him as Saviour and Lord.
Yours to help us all assimilate (make part of ourselves) God’s revelation to the human family,
David
P.S. The Tabernacle project has been at the Crossroads Centre in 1997 as well as in 2012. Crossroads continually seeks to initiate creative ways to bring thousands of precious people to Jesus. Dr. John Hull, our Global Chief Executive Officer, and Bruce Stacey, our Chief Content Officer, recently shared a vision for the future (click here). Ron Mainse, our Chief Ministry Officer came up with a comprehensive slogan for Crossroads, “A History of Caring for the Future.” The prayers and support of every blog reader are so very important moving forward (for giving info, click here).
Such an inspiration to read the recommended Hebrew chapters which so clearly summarize Old Testament covenant. Help us all to praise God in all we think and do. May His strength and future promise be held closely as we live our life this new day. Amen.
One word comes to mind after reading the Lord God’s instruction to Moses, and seeing the replica at the Crossroads Centre in 2012–mindblowing! Blessings to all, today.
Thank you for your continued teaching of God’s word Rev. DM et al.
Blessings on all this busy Tue.
” A History for Caring for the Future”– a very apt slogan– since that is what God has been doing since the Garden—and the Bible illustrates each step along the way in His plan, including the foreshadowing of Christ’s role being recorded in the God’s instructions on building the Tabernacle—-Just amazing, all this rich history pointing to God’s plan to save our eternal future. So yes, your new slogan definitely sounds inspired by the Holy Spirit.
I remember hearing about the “Tabernacle” project in the 90’s and 2012.I ,unfortunately,didn’t get to see it, but thought about it while reading Exodus 25.I was happy to see some pics anyway!!! Good job, David and Crossroads! You are a wonderful ministry,
truly caring for a mostly lost and dying world!! God Bless!!
The ministry with the Tabernacle in 1997 was wonderful. I did not attend the second Tabernacle in 2012 but I will always remember the first one. It is truly amazing how God’s plans are woven throughout the Bible from the Old Testament into the New Testament and the final Perfect Sacrifice.
We saw the Tabernacle at Crossroads in 1997 truly inspiring and well taught. God is a god of detail and everything He instructed Moses to do is culminated in the chapters of Hebrews. I always feel there really are no words to describe His majesty appropriately. As Beverlee said “mind blowing!!!”
Blessings fellow saints!
what comes to my mind is God told them to make every little detail the way he wanted
it and God cares for every little detail in our own lives.
I wish I saw the Tabermacle that was there at Crossroads.
Lianne Hogg
In today reading, when the instructions were given for the gold, silver, I immediately thought of the instructions to the children of Isreal , just before they left Egypt.
Ask their Egyption neighbours for gold, silver and jewelry ect. And how God gave them favour with the people.
God was making a provision for them, for as slaves I doubt if they had many valuables and where would they have found them in the wilderness.
God goes before us and provides all our needs, even before we are aware of how they can be used for His Glory. Have a great day everybody. Mary.
Lord help those who are struggling with bills and families in distress do not forget these people Lord forgive me Lord but I feel very sad when commercials advertise to rescue animals! What the children right here in Canada! Thousands need to be rescued. Please do not forget them!
I praise God, His Mercies are new every morning…goodness and mercy follow me all the day of my life and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever…
I’m encouraged by those precious words today.. Thank you Lord!
our Wednesday morning home bible study group…studied the book of “Hebrews” through the past year…
I remember when the Tabernacle was erected at Crossroads…what a wonderful way of presenting the Bible and its truth!!!