Friday Thought – August 7, 2015

Good Morning Friends,

God met with Moses atop Sinai for 40 days and nights. During that long stretch of time, He gave Moses the pattern to use in building a place of worship. The tabernacle was described in precise detail.

“A chest of acacia wood -- two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.” (Exodus 25:10)

“An atonement cover of pure gold -- two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.” (Exodus 25:17)

“A table of acacia wood -- two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high.” (Exodus 25:23)

“A lampstand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it.” (Exodus 25:31)

The size of the tabernacle and its furniture were to be precisely measured. The materials used were to be exactly as God described. There was to be no deviation from God’s plan, there was no freedom in deciding how God was to be worshiped.

The relationship we have with God has changed from the relationship God outlined for the Israelites. The Samaritan woman wanted to debate with Jesus about the place and way to worship. “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” (John 4:20)

Jesus gave a description of worship that was a radical departure from what God had required of His people through Moses. “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23)

God is not concerned about the size or adornment of the place of worship. God no longer has given commandments about the pieces of furniture in the worship place. God’s focus is no longer on the place, but on the person. No longer upon what can be seen and touched, but on the heart.

Worship is not about all of its trappings and exterior things. It’s about what’s on the inside. It’s about our hearts.

His, by Grace, Steve