God with us
During Christmas, every year we sing songs using the name, Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” This, of course referring to the birth of Jesus, reminds us that God came in the form of man to live among us and to die in place of man and pay the penalty incurred through sin. As we have seen through this whole series, we have been for the last three months, this event was foreshadowed and set in motion long before Jesus was born to Mary. Since Adam walked with God in the garden, man has not had the presence of God with him in a very real and tangible way. This is all about to change with God’s instruction to build the tabernacle. This is where the presence of God will rest on earth and be an example for the world to see the cost of sin and the way to forgiveness of sin.
When you read the account of the instructions given by God for building the tabernacle, (Exodus 25-30), you realize that God is extremely specific and leaves nothing to the interpretation of man to figure out even the smallest details. This is intentional and should serve to remind us today that the sacrifice that was made by Jesus was so much more than a good or morally pure life, it was perfect. In many human endeavors we strive for perfection, but rarely, if ever, achieve it. We must constantly remind ourselves that our failures are good and serve to teach us when we allow them to. Now imagine, never, ever, ever failing. Every word you speak is perfect, emotion you express perfect, response you give is perfect. Though much of the symbolism of the materials used in the creation of the tabernacle, the furniture and the priestly garments is lost on us today, it is all intended to show man how far the chasm is between God’s perfect standard and what we can offer.
This Sunday we will look at the incredible connections between the tabernacle and Jesus and remind ourselves of just how good our God really is.
Psalm 84:10
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Peace,
Nathan Bentley