"This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for generations to come." Exodus 27:21b
I wonder if Moses grew weary from recording the laws and instructions God gave him on Mount Sinai. What was it like? Was he excited? Did he think, "Oh, boy! More instructions!"
Lord, I confess that I grow weary as I read the detail. Normally, I like to look beyond the words of Scripture - to think about the inspiration I gain from it - how it applies to my life. But I am struggling to see how the lasting ordinances for the Israelites through the design of the tabernacle apply to me. Help me to see what Moses saw. This WAS an exciting revelation. For the first time since the creation of Adam, You were establishing a system of worship. Before this time, many built altars to You - many worshiped You, but now there was a central place that drew Your people together.
For the first time, Your Chosen People could be identified as Yours. In their midst would be Your tabernacle - a place where You would dwell - a place where sacrifices were made and where holy lamps were kept burning night after night.
Just over three months earlier, the Israelites had left Egypt, a place where the entire culture was centered around the worship of many, many gods. For four hundred years, Jacob's descendants had lived in a land steeped in religious ritual that was not their own. Now, the ritual would be theirs, and it would be centered on the One True God.
There it is! The application I seek!
Lord, we still live in a world that chases many other gods. Although the rituals are varied, they are still there. Help me to set myself apart. Help me to be identified as one who worships only You. Be at the center of my life. Continue to build Your tabernacle in my heart.