Building The Tabernacle According To Pattern

TEXT: EXODUS 25:8-9

ERV:  I will show you what the Holy Tent and everything in it should look like. Build everything exactly as I show you.

AMP:  Have them build a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. [9] You shall construct it in accordance with everything that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture

Memory Verse: If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; ( Isaiah 1:19NKJV)

A. INTRODUCTION: God early intention is to always have His dwelling with man. He demonstrated this by constantly visiting the first man in lthe garden, though man lost this great privilege and could not retain God’s presence (Genesis 3:8).  With the new nation Israel,  God  gave a perfect pattern of tabernacle they must build. The essence of this building is for God to dwell among them for he desires relationship.

 Believers are also “God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9); and heaven is called “a building of God” (2 Cor. 5:1). Christ is the only foundation of his church (1 Cor. 3:10-12), of which he also is the builder (Matt. 16:18)

Some definition of key words are: 

Building – To build is to construct an edifice for use. It is to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole. It also means to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base.

Tabernacle – a sacred place of worship. It is also to dwell or reside for a time

Pattern – An original or model proposed for imitation. It’s something designed or used as a model for making things

B.The Tabernacle: It is a place in which Jehovah dwelt; it was pitched in the centre of the camp, for Jehovah was the Captain of Israel. Jos 5:14-15. It was always the special meeting-place of Jehovah and his people. Num 11:24-25. Building the tabernacle is building a life where God would be at the center and taking the leading role.  The pattern was followed precisely to ensure God’s presence and blessing.

A brief overview of the Tabernacle’s structure and furnishings, built according to the divine pattern revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai show the following significance:

1. It helps the Jews, who had no visible representation of God, to feel the reality of God.

2. It set forth the truth that God is the central fact and the most important, in a person’s life.

3 The Altar of Burnt Offering (a bronze altar for sacrifices) standing before the Tabernacle was a perpetual symbol of the atonement (the greatness of sin deserving death, had to be removed )and forgiveness (possible, and offered freely, but only through blood).Exodus27:1-8

4. The offerings, as brought by the people were a type of consecration to God, of conversion and new life, through the atonement.

5.This altar stood in the Courtyard  (A surrounding area for purification and ritual washing) and must be passed, before we come to the Tabernacle itself; a type of the true religious life.

6. The courtyard  also has the laver, signifying the same thing that baptism does with us, the cleansing of the heart and life. Exodus 27:9-18

7.Having entered the Holy Place, we find the three great means and helps to true living, — the golden candlestick, the wisdom and light of God’s truth; the table of  shewbread, teaching that the soul must have its spiritual food (provision and sustenance) and live in communion with God; and the Altar of Incense, the symbol of prayer and worship.

8.  The Holy of Holies was the type of heaven. It contains the Ark of the Covenant –A gold-covered chest containing the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God’s presence.

C. Building according to pattern: God is a God of order and specification, (John 2:4-5) and whatsoever is done in God’s service must be done by His direction, and not otherwise. God did not only show him the model, but gave him also particular directions how to frame the tabernacle according to that model, in all the parts of it. Jesus Christ must be our base- the only foundation(1Cor3:11). In building our tabernacle (Life) according to God’s pattern, we need

1. A constant relationship with God by meditating on God’s word Jer 15:16,
2.  Correct sight, Matt 6:22-23; Exo 25:9 “ According to all that I shew thee…” 
3. To differentiate between God’s approved material and unapproved material
4. It involves our willingness, paying attention to details and obedience
5. Love of brethren 1Pet1:22
6. Accept the 5-fold gifts of men to nurture the church Eph4:11-12

D. GAIN OF BUILDING ACCORDING TO PATTERN

1. You become carrier of God’s presence (a mobile temple) 1Cor 3:16
2. Constant connection/communication with God Heb 13:5
3. Fullness of Joy Psalm 16:11
4. Lasting refuge  Job 1: 10; Psalm 91:1
5. Divine rest Exo 33:14
6. Assurance of eternal life

E. Conclusion:

It is dangerous to live our lives anyhow. Remember Nadab and Abihu who died offering a strange fire( Num3:4); Uzzah died in his zeal not to allow the ark of covenant to fall without paying attention to details (2Sam6:3-8, Num4:15); and King Uzziah became leprous when he decided in his pride to do priest job (2Chr26:16-17).

A pertinent question we need to ask ourselves is “can God dwell in this Life of mine?” Is my life following Christ pattern or according to the pattern of men, environment, or this present age?. God will only dwell in a Life built according to His directive and pattern, because God’s pattern is the only approved pattern for God’s dwelling. May God find our Life habitable for Him. Amen.

                    MARANATHA!