Week 6: The God Who Dwells with His People
The people of Israel were to be a people who themselves mediated the presence of God to the world. The Lord would dwell in the midst of his people. Their camp would be set up around a special meeting place called the tabernacle, or tent of meeting.
In Exodus, we find the instructions on how to construct the tabernacle and its furniture. The specifications of the architecture of the tabernacle were exacting in their precision: the materials to be used, the dimensions, and even the colors. Each piece of furniture had a specific purpose in the worship of Yahweh.
Special craftsmen would use their gifts and talents inspired by God to complete this magnificent structure. God would pour out his Spirit on special people for special tasks. The instruction manual on how to use the tabernacle and its various accoutrements would be revealed in the third book of Moses, Leviticus.
The writers of the Gospels would reveal that Jesus’ body is the true tabernacle (See John 1:14, 2:21). He is a tabernacle of God. As he walked the earth with God’s glory manifested in his person, and with his ascension to the right hand of the Father, his Holy Spirit fills the Church as a living temple of the Lord where his glory is pleased to dwell.