What can we learn about obedience from the construction of the tabernacle? A Verse That Seems Simple but Speaks Volumes “the tabernacle with its tent and its covering, its clasps and its frameworks, its crossbars, its posts, and its bases” (Exodus 35:11) Observation: Obedience Down to the Smallest Detail • The verse is a catalog of parts—nothing glamorous, yet every hinge and post mattered. • God’s instructions were specific (Exodus 25:9), and the people followed “exactly.” • Later, Scripture celebrates that “Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded” (Exodus 39:43). • Obedience, therefore, is precise, not approximate. Principle 1: Obedience Listens Carefully • God spoke; Israel listened. • Deuteronomy 12:32: “See that you do all I command you; do not add or subtract.” • When we treat God’s words as exact, we honor His authority. Principle 2: Obedience Acts Promptly and Diligently • Exodus 35:20-21 notes they went “out from Moses’ presence” and immediately began bringing offerings. • Exodus 40:16: “Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.” • True obedience marries careful listening with energetic doing. Principle 3: Obedience Invites Participation • Every Israelite—men, women, craftsmen, leaders—had a role (Exodus 35:29). • Obedience is communal; God’s people rally together to fulfill His blueprint. • 1 Corinthians 12:7 echoes this principle: “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Principle 4: Obedience Uses God-Given Skills for God’s Design • Bezalel and Oholiab were “filled…with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge” (Exodus 35:31). • Gifts come from God and find their highest purpose when aligned with His commands (Colossians 3:23-24). Principle 5: Obedience Makes Room for God’s Presence • Exodus 25:8: “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.” • When the work was finished, “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34). • Likewise, John 14:23 promises that obedient love invites the Father and Son to “make our home” with us. New Testament Echoes • Hebrews 3:5: “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house.” • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • 1 Corinthians 3:16: “You are God’s sanctuary.” The tabernacle story foreshadows believers as living dwelling places for God, built through obedient faith. Putting It Into Practice Today 1. Read God’s Word with the intention of doing exactly what it says. 2. Respond promptly—shift from “I’ll think about it” to “I’ll begin today.” 3. Offer your resources freely, treating stewardship as worship. 4. Identify your God-given abilities and employ them in His service. 5. Serve alongside others; obedience thrives in community. 6. Expect God’s presence to fill the obedient spaces of your life. |
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