Exodus 25:1-40
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "And let them (the children of Israel) make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it." Exodus 25:8, 9.
They built the tabernacle according to God's blueprint. The tabernacle consisted of three parts: one general area, and two restricted areas, separated by a veil. "The veil shall be a divider for you between the holy place and the Most Holy." Exodus 26:33. A thumbnail description of the tabernacle is recorded for us in Hebrews 9:2-5. It does not include the altar of burnt offering and laver of cleansing, which were located in the outer court, the general area.
Different terminology is used in reference to the tabernacle. In Exodus 25:8 it is "a sanctuary." It is most commonly called "the tent of meeting." This expression is used almost 130 times. It signifies the place where God met with Moses and His people. On one occasion it is "the house of the Lord." Exodus 23:19.
In Exodus 29:43 we read, "And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory." The most important thing to remember about the tabernacle is this: it symbolized the dwelling place of the Lord.
Almost five hundred years later this portable sanctuary was replaced by the beautiful temple, which was built in Jerusalem by King Solomon. Again, it represented the presence of God among His chosen people.
In the New Testament we read, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14. In this verse the Word is the Lord Jesus. He became flesh, that is, a human being. It also says that He dwelt among us. That verb could be translated tabernacled. John was saying that in the person of Christ, God Himself dwelt among them.
Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." John 14:23. Christ dwells in our hearts by faith. Ephesians 3:17. The apostle Paul expressed this mystery in three words: Christ in you. Colossians 1:27. A defining difference between those who are saved and those who are lost is the indwelling presence of the Lord. "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:12.
God of glory, You are always welcome in our homes and in our hearts. Sanctify us by Your Spirit day by day, moment by moment. May others see Jesus in us. In His name we pray. Amen!