Exodus 25-26

“And let them make me a sanctuary …” (25:8).  The Israelites’ first sanctuary was a huge, colorful, portable tent, filled with the ark of the covenant, an altar, golden lamp stands, and objects for offering sacrifices.  As the Israelites traveled through the desert, God was teaching them how to be His people: how to worship, how to trust, how to obey, how to follow Him.  The tabernacle’s elaborate, rich materials and rituals communicated that meeting with God was the central focus of their lives. 

“That I may dwell in their midst” (25:8).  The promise of the tabernacle was fulfilled when “the Word became flesh and dwelled among us.”  By His Spirit among us, Jesus is the central focus of our lives.