An Inside-Out Kingdom
Exodus 25:8: "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst."
As we move into Exodus 25-28, we read the Lord's instructions for the building of the tabernacle. Once again, it is easy to skim through these chapters as they are highly detailed and technical. However, these details provide the blueprint for God's dwelling place among his people. The Lord purposed to dwell in their midst and have intimate fellowship with his people. This earthly tabernacle would come to represent the heavenly courts of the Lord.
Think of the tabernacle as a portable throne room to approach and gain a hearing with the Lord, the Great "I Am." Just as the Lord was moving, so the people would move with him. Every place the Lord led the Israelites, they set up camp. Each family had their tents that served as their temporary dwelling places. In the center of the camp was the tabernacle. Israelite life and community revolved around that tabernacle. This physical structure modelled what the Lord wanted to be an internal structure. He was to be the central focus of their life in worship, fellowship, and work.
The Lord's commands for the tabernacle are given from the inside out. Instructions start for the Most Holy Place, then move to the Holy Place, and then to the outer courtyard and surrounding gate. The focus of the tabernacle was on the presence of God. His throne room was the Most Holy Place. It was there that his feet would descend upon the mercy seat. From heaven, the Lord came down and dwelt among his people.
The Lord's desire for his covenantal people was for them to truly love him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. He dwelt with them to enjoy fellowship and relationship with them. That relationship was intended to transform them from the inside out; their love and honor of God would translate to holy living. When Jesus came and taught the Sermon on the Mount, he took the Ten Commandments even deeper into the hearts of the people. It is not just about what God's people say or do. The Sermon on the Mount challenges their motives, their thinking, and their true devotion to God. Tim Keller explains that in this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is proclaiming an inside-out kingdom. The kingdom of God begins in the heart.
The Lord still wants his presence to be at the center of our lives. He still wants his people to love him with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. While our physical communities may not demonstrate this reality, we can align our hearts to his so that it is our spiritual reality. Jesus alone is worthy to be the center of our lives, our worship, and fellowship.
Reflection:
Consider your schedule and your affections. Is Jesus at the center of all that you do and all that you are? If not, how can you realign your life today to enthrone him at the center of your being?
As we move into Exodus 25-28, we read the Lord's instructions for the building of the tabernacle. Once again, it is easy to skim through these chapters as they are highly detailed and technical. However, these details provide the blueprint for God's dwelling place among his people. The Lord purposed to dwell in their midst and have intimate fellowship with his people. This earthly tabernacle would come to represent the heavenly courts of the Lord.
Think of the tabernacle as a portable throne room to approach and gain a hearing with the Lord, the Great "I Am." Just as the Lord was moving, so the people would move with him. Every place the Lord led the Israelites, they set up camp. Each family had their tents that served as their temporary dwelling places. In the center of the camp was the tabernacle. Israelite life and community revolved around that tabernacle. This physical structure modelled what the Lord wanted to be an internal structure. He was to be the central focus of their life in worship, fellowship, and work.
The Lord's commands for the tabernacle are given from the inside out. Instructions start for the Most Holy Place, then move to the Holy Place, and then to the outer courtyard and surrounding gate. The focus of the tabernacle was on the presence of God. His throne room was the Most Holy Place. It was there that his feet would descend upon the mercy seat. From heaven, the Lord came down and dwelt among his people.
The Lord's desire for his covenantal people was for them to truly love him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. He dwelt with them to enjoy fellowship and relationship with them. That relationship was intended to transform them from the inside out; their love and honor of God would translate to holy living. When Jesus came and taught the Sermon on the Mount, he took the Ten Commandments even deeper into the hearts of the people. It is not just about what God's people say or do. The Sermon on the Mount challenges their motives, their thinking, and their true devotion to God. Tim Keller explains that in this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is proclaiming an inside-out kingdom. The kingdom of God begins in the heart.
The Lord still wants his presence to be at the center of our lives. He still wants his people to love him with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. While our physical communities may not demonstrate this reality, we can align our hearts to his so that it is our spiritual reality. Jesus alone is worthy to be the center of our lives, our worship, and fellowship.
Reflection:
Consider your schedule and your affections. Is Jesus at the center of all that you do and all that you are? If not, how can you realign your life today to enthrone him at the center of your being?
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