July 4 SOAP Devotional

July 4, 2008
Read Exodus 25
To read this text go to: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ex%2025&version=51

Scripture- Exodus 25:8-9- “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.


Observations- Having rescued the people from their bondage in Egypt and established a special covenant relationship with them; God now desires to accompany them into the Promised Land. To that end, God instructs Moses to construct a portable dwelling—a tent. Just as the people were living in tents, so God was going to dwell in a tent and “live among them.” This tent, though, was going to be a very special tent that was very different and distinct from theirs. It will use special materials in its construction. From the list of materials given in 25:3-7, this was to be very special tent for royal use. The tent would have three special pieces of furniture: a chest/seat, a table and a lamp stand. These were the main items of furniture in an ancient home. These items would indicate that God lived within the tent. The abundant use of gold signified the importance of the occupant, while the provision of the bread and the light were symbolic reminders that God was there at all times, both day and night.


Application- God’s desire was to lead the people Himself as their divine King and Leader. The earthly leaders they had were abusive and wound up giving in to the corruptive temptations that accompany great power. The visible reminder of God’s desire to lead the people and dwell with them was to be the Tabernacle, or “tent of meeting.” This was to be the place where God met the people and they were reminded of His care, love, guidance and provision for their needs. This was God’s desire from the start. Back in the Garden of Eden, this was the original intent—that God would be present with humanity and personally lead, guide and care for them. God wanted a people that would choose to love in response. This was God’s way of wooing humanity. God could have created us as robots with no choice but to do as He wished. But God did not do that. God created us with the capacity to choose, good or bad, what we desire. Now we have the privilege of God’s constant presence within us through the person of the Holy Spirit. We are the light of the world who have partaken of the Bread of Heaven. God is present in all of God’s fullness within us through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We now have ready access to this wonderful reality by grace through faith in Jesus Christ! The promise of Christ is faithful and true—“I will be with you always, even to the end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20).


Prayer- Lord, help me to remember that you are always there, whether I “feel” Your presence or not. Thank You for the blessing of those times when I DO feel/sense Your presence with and within me. Help me to trust You even when I feel like You are very far away. In those moments, help my faith to inform my emotions of the reality of Your Truth. Amen.



God is With You!

Pastor Matt