People of the wilderness who completed the work on the tabernacle
Exodus 39:32~43 So all the work on the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses.
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #436 Lately the Life of Christ (#493 in previous version)
It is certain that we are saved, but there are many times when the Gospel has nothing to do with our lives. Enjoying the Gospel is enjoying the mystery that God is with us. First, if we grab hold of God’s Word, the grace of Immanuel will be revived. Nevertheless, all too often, we feel that grabbing hold of God’s Word is difficult. The 7 Remnants had the sure evidence that God was with them. If this evidence is in us, then it becomes far easier to hold on to the Word, understand the Word, and apply the Word.
1. Build the tabernacle
Today’s Scripture reading is a scene where the Israelites are receiving blessings after having completed the work on the tabernacle as God had commanded them. Why is it that the God of love told them to build the tabernacle along the difficult path through the wilderness? It was because with the nature of slavery they had in Egypt, with the habits and lifestyle they had in the wilderness, they could not enter the promised land. First, people of God must experience God’s presence, namely Immanuel, through His Word. Prayer and the Word must be alive in our lives in order for us to see the Word. When we are down and have lost hope, when we are full of complaint and resentment, the Word of God is out of our sight. Conversely, having the mystery that God is with us is the result of living faith.
2. Live your life centered on the tabernacle
Prayer is something that we can do under all circumstances. Praying centered on the tabernacle is the key. Even if we do not set aside a specific place and time, we must have the mystery of prayer to communicate with God even when we are on the move. Spiritual and physical health can be restored in the midst of prayer. The tabernacle in its entirety signifies Christ. The altar of burnt offering, basin, and various accessories in the sanctuary (altar of incense, lampstand, and table for the bread of the Presence) foreshadow Christ who is the covenant. Living life centered on the tabernacle—that is, centered on Jesus—is the greatest evidence as Christians.
3. Announce the blessing of the tabernacle
God’s desire is for us to testify of the Gospel that we are enjoying to other people. If we build the tabernacle, all others will see it, too. If we grab hold of God’s Word in our life that is centered on the tabernacle, God’s answers will come upon us in our field, in our work, and in our interpersonal relationships. Our daily life of being happy because of the Gospel is the best place for evangelism. If we enjoy the true blessing of the tabernacle, the door of evangelism will open on its own.
- Has it become your greatest happiness to center your life on the tabernacle and put into practice today’s Word, prayer, and evangelism? Let us restore the blessing of evangelism so that the Word and prayer may be revived.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2010.10.31