“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”

Exodus 25:8 (NKJV)

What was the LORD’s purpose in delivering the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Was it to free them from oppression? Was it to give them the law? Was it to take them to the Promised Land? Yes, God had all these things in mind. But I believe His main purpose was to have fellowship with them. Today we see where the LORD gave instructions to Moses for building a place where He could meet with His people

It was the LORD’s idea to build a “sanctuary”. Of course, the first one was a tent or “tabernacle”. It had to be portable because they would meet there during their wilderness journeys. Unlike church facilities today, God would literally dwell in the tabernacle among His people. God gave Moses the plans to build it, but not in blueprint form. Rather, while Moses was on Mount Sinai, God showed him the pattern and then described it to him in detail. The furnishings of this tabernacle would be copies of heavenly counterparts. The tabernacle would be placed in the center of the camp, and the people would worship the LORD by offering their sacrifices there.

Gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, acacia wood, animal skins and fine linen would be the building materials. Where would they get these? You’ll recall that prior to the children of Israel leaving Egypt, God told them to go to their Egyptian neighbors and ask them for articles of silver and gold. The LORD gave them favor so that they plundered the Egyptians (Exodus 12:35-36). Now that it was time to build, God instructed Moses to receive an offering from everyone who would give it willingly from the heart. God did not want the people to feel forced or manipulated to give, but to do it freely from grateful hearts. No doubt He wanted them to be as enthusiastic to meet with Him as He desired to meet with them!

Knowing God’s desire to have fellowship with people should give us confidence in seeking Him. We approach One who loves us. When we confess that we are sinners and believe in Jesus Christ as our sin offering, then we have free access to God’s throne of grace. What a privilege that under the New Covenant we don’t have to go to a physical location, but we can meet with God whenever and wherever we want! Therefore, let us draw near to God today in full assurance that if we do, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

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