How can we ensure our church entrances reflect reverence as in Exodus 27:16? Setting the Scene at the Tabernacle Gate “For the entrance to the courtyard there shall be a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine woven linen, with embroidery of cherubim. It is to have four posts and four bases.” (Exodus 27:16) Timeless Principles We Can Lift From Exodus 27:16 • Deliberate beauty—rich colors and fine linen signal worth and honor. • Clear distinction—an obvious threshold marks a move from common space to holy space. • Symbolic imagery—cherubim point worshipers to heaven’s realities. • Order and stability—four posts and bases keep the entrance upright and reliable. Translating Those Principles to Today’s Church Doors • Choose materials and colors that communicate dignity, not casualness. Even durable modern products can be selected in tones that convey sacredness. • Maintain the entrance meticulously. A reverent gateway is clean, well-kept, and free from clutter or disrepair. • Employ tasteful symbols of faith—subtle crosses, Scripture plaques, or art that turns hearts toward God, akin to the cherubim embroidery. • Create a visual transition zone (arches, vestibules, or defined sidewalks) so people sense they’re stepping from ordinary life into holy ground. • Use lighting intentionally. Warm, welcoming illumination can both guide and elevate the mood, recalling the Tabernacle’s intentional craftsmanship. Scriptural Echoes That Reinforce the Call • Psalm 100:4: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving… give thanks to Him and bless His name.” A thankful heart pairs with a reverent entrance. • Psalm 24:3-4 underscores clean hands and pure hearts—external order should mirror internal readiness. • 1 Chronicles 29:2-3 shows David gathering the best materials for the temple “because of my delight in the house of my God.” Love fuels excellence. Practical Steps for Your Building Team 1. Audit the current entrance—note wear, readability of signage, and first impressions. 2. Set a standard of excellence: annual painting, seasonal décor aligned with the church calendar, and swift repair of any damage. 3. Integrate Scripture at the threshold (plaques, engraved stone, or etched glass) so the Word greets every visitor. 4. Train greeters to serve as living “posts,” embodying stability and welcome just as the four pillars upheld the Tabernacle gate. 5. Allocate budget for craftsmanship—doors, hardware, and art that will last and point upward, reflecting the investment God required of Israel. Ensuring the Heart Matches the Gate • Encourage members to arrive prayer-prepared, reflecting Exodus 30:18-19 where priests washed before service. • Foster a culture where reverence is lived out—quiet, expectation, and worshipful conversations set the tone the moment feet cross the threshold. • Remember Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Our carefully crafted doors ultimately open to Him; let every element declare, “Welcome, Lord Jesus.” |
    |