God commanded Moses to build a Tabernacle for Him. He gave Moses specific directions to follow, details that likely seemed overwhelming, but Moses understood that when God spoke, it was time to listen. The Lord does nothing without purpose, says nothing without reason, and reveals nothing without a plan. He never utters an empty word. We can be assured that there is a reason for all things.

"According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they have done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them." (Exodus 39:42-43)

Moses understood the importance of obedience. He was a man sold out to the will of God. He was completely and fully obedient to the details for constructing the Tabernacle, fulfilling God's instruction to the letter. In fact, we can find a progression in Moses' actions where we can learn something very important:

• Moses did "as the Lord commanded". If you carefully read through Exodus 39 and 40, you'll find at least seventeen times we're told that Moses did "as the Lord commanded Moses".
  
• Moses finished the work. Moses didn't start and then quit, he didn't have his own timetable or agenda. He finished what God instructed Him to do, in God's timetable, according to God's specific instructions.
  
• The "Cloud of Glory filled the Tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34-38); the reward was God's presence.
  

God can only fully bless and be glorified in that which is done according to His Word and divine pattern. Moses carefully followed the Word of the Lord. How careful are we? We expect the same results, but we want it our own way. We expect God's blessings, but we take shortcuts or fail to complete what God instructed us to do through the whole counsel of His Word.

If all of these three qualities were so necessary in building of a tabernacle, how much more are they requirements in the building of a life dedicated to be the dwelling place of God? God no is no longer seated on the Mercy Seat behind the veil in the temple; He dwells in the hearts of those who have offered their hearts to Him as His holy dwelling place. In other words, if God blessed Moses and His glory was seen in that which Moses built according to God's design, how much more will God's blessings be with us and His glory seen in us if we model our lives according to God's design – the Word of God.

Let the Lord of Glory dwell in you richly. Let your life be built on the Solid Rock as you prepare for Him a dwelling place fit for the presence of the King by closely following the pattern given to us in the Word of God.

Father, may my heart be fashioned and formed after Your will, a suitable dwelling place for Your holy presence. Teach me to hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Christ Jesus, the Spotless Lamb offered once for all. Make me a sanctuary for You, my Lord, that Your glory will be seen and all will know that You are Lord. In the precious name of Jesus, the Brightness of Your Glory, amen and amen.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

© Jan Ross
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