How can we prepare our "tabernacle" for God's presence, as in Exodus 40:1? Setting the stage “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.’ ” (Exodus 40:1–2) God’s instruction was clear, timely, and practical—build a dwelling where His glory could rest. Today He calls each believer to be that dwelling (1 Corinthians 3:16). Principles for preparing our tabernacle • Purity comes before presence • Order matters as much as zeal • Every piece must be consecrated • God fills what He designs and anoints Purify the space • Psalm 24:3–4—clean hands, pure heart; refuse idols and deceit • 1 John 1:9—confess known sin; trust the cleansing promised • 2 Corinthians 7:1—“perfecting holiness in the fear of God” Arrange according to God’s pattern • Exodus 40:3–4—Moses set each article “as the LORD had commanded” • John 14:15—love for Christ shows up in obedience • 2 Timothy 1:13—hold to the “pattern of sound teaching”; align beliefs, priorities, and habits with Scripture Consecrate every piece • Exodus 40:9—“Anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings” • Romans 12:1—present body and mind as a “living sacrifice” • Colossians 3:17—whatever is said or done, do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus” Clothe yourself for service • Exodus 40:13—Aaron was robed before ministry began • Ephesians 4:24—put on the “new self” created to be like God • Isaiah 61:10—garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness replace self-righteous rags Invite the glory and keep watch • Exodus 40:34—cloud covers, glory fills; God responds to thorough obedience • Ephesians 5:18—“be filled with the Spirit,” an ongoing, repeated surrender • Leviticus 6:13—“The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually”; maintain worship, Word, and fellowship Living daily in the presence • 1 Corinthians 6:19—your body is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” • 2 Corinthians 6:16—God walks among His people • Ephesians 2:22—together we are “a dwelling place for God in His Spirit” • John 1:14—Christ “tabernacled among us”; as we abide in Him, His glory is seen through us In every generation God looks for a prepared house. When hearts are purified, lives are ordered by His Word, and every area is set apart for Him, the same result follows: “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34). |
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