Faithful on Fridays Blog

In the beginning God created man, planted a garden, placed him there, and brought him a woman to be his helper. He enjoyed them, had fellowship and conversation in that garden … until sin and separation entered our world. That intimate time with God was severed but have no fear; God had a plan.

Intimate fellowship with God began in a garden but continued throughout the history of Israel as they traveled back to the Promised Land from Egypt. That’s where the story begins; God’s desire to fellowship with His people continued but now it would be as a united group, His chosen people together at one time and in one place: at the Tabernacle.

Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you. Exodus 25:8-9 NLT

This tent, the lower story, was described in detail by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai and would be His dwelling place on earth. God was manifesting Himself in our world, meeting with mankind again. We also see this in the New Testament:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory … John 1:14a ESV

Jesus, the Word of God, literally tabernacled among His people, however, that’s not the end; there’s an upper story. Now, by the Spirit, God is dwelling individually with believers again.

In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 ESV

Do you see it? God’s desire remains, as it was in the garden, to dwell with His people; He loves us and enjoys spending time with us. With a little help we can find Jesus at every turn, in every room, and in every piece of furniture pictured for us in the Tabernacle, where God meets and speaks with man.

It was necessary for this temporary tent to be movable, at a moment’s notice, and for the people to move only when He did; may we be so obedient.

Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. Numbers 9:22 ESV

Every aspect of this teaching will point you to Christ’s love since He remains the same. He desires fellowship so tabernacle with Him and allow Him to speak to you as you meet together. Join me in this cry of Moses over any trials or temptations you’re going through today:

And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” And when the Ark was set down, he would say, “Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel!
Numbers 10:35-36 NLT