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REVIEW
Throughout our journey in Exodus, we have continually seen God drawing people to Himself. He called Moses, delivered Israel from Egypt, and brought them to Mount Sinai to meet Him. Now the tabernacle—a sanctuary at the center of Israel’s camp—reveals a remarkable shift: He has been bringing people to Himself; now He is bringing Himself to the people.
“Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst” (Exodus 25:8). God wanted to live among those He had rescued. This reflects His heart from the beginning, when He walked with humanity in the garden. The hymn “I Come to the Garden Alone” echoes that closeness through its picture of God walking and talking with His people.
The tabernacle made His presence tangible. Israel lived in tents with tables, bread, and lamps. God’s dwelling included familiar features, communicating His intention to make His home among them. He did not need furniture or light; His people needed a picture they could understand. Each morning, the sanctuary at the center of camp answered their question, “Is God with us or not?”
God invited willing participation. The people contributed as their hearts moved them, using resources He had already provided. Eventually, they brought more than was needed. Their generosity points toward giving that flows from a willing heart and the Spirit’s leading rather than pressure or compulsion.
Through Christ, we have been “tabernacled.” In John 14, Jesus promised that the Spirit would dwell in His followers and that He and the Father would make their home with them. Through His work at the cross, Jesus prepared believers for a shared life with God. We have been made a dwelling place for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Being “tabernacled” shapes how we give, parent, love our spouses, and respond to others. Each morning, we can begin with this assurance: the God who has drawn us to Himself has made His home in us.
REMEMBERIn Exodus we see a remarkable shift – God has been bringing people to Himself, now He is bringing Himself to His people.
REFLECT
God brought Israel to Himself, then chose to dwell among them. What does this reveal about His desire for a relationship with you?
How might your day change if you began it remembering that you have been “tabernacled”—that God has made His home in you?
Where could God’s presence within you shape a specific response this week—in your generosity, relationships, or care for someone’s needs?
Word of the week: TABERNACLE
RESPOND
Father, You have drawn us to Yourselfand made Your home within us.Help us wake with wonderat the nearness of Your presence.
Let our hearts become generous,our relationships reflect Your love,and our ordinary momentsbe shaped by the life we share with You.
Amen.
RELATE
Make your presence a gift. God’s desire to dwell with us reminds us how much presence matters. This week, give someone your unhurried attention: put down your phone, listen without preparing your reply, and let them know you’re glad to be with them.
REHEARSE
Exodus 25:8 (ESV)
“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”
READ
Revisit Exodus 25:1-27:21
Read Ahead: Exodus 28:1-30:38
REJOICE
Be GladWho You Say I Am
Build My Life