The Temple of God

The Tabernacle was beautiful—a miracle on the desert. It taught God’s people that His Presence was with them—that He lived in their midst. Generations later, when the Israelites became a nation, they built a more elaborate Temple in Jerusalem. (When the first temple was destroyed, a second was built. Later, Herod built a third temple.) In their times, each of the temples in Jerusalem were also centers for worship and sacrifice—the place where people encountered God’s Presence.

But they were not the final temple. God’s temple is an ongoing construction project, and its spiritual reality is a deep mystery. The Bible tells Christians, Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (I Cor. 3:16 NKJV)

We look at ourselves and see flaws. Even mature Christians surprise us with un-Christlike behavior at times. Christians are not always beautiful—they are simply people who have received Jesus. Christians seem much less impressive than the Tabernacle or than one of the Temples.

The key is our foundation. Paul said no other foundation can anyone lay that than which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (v. 11) Once the presence of Jesus comes to live in our hearts, the human temple is reality because His foundation is established. Then God builds His life on the foundation. His life is resident within us. For although we’re far from perfect, we belong to God and we carry His Presence.

Originally published November 7, 1986.

To Build the Tent/Tabernacle

The Tabernacle was an elaborate tent built by the Israelites as a worship center. It could be assembled and taken down again so they could move it when they traveled through the Wilderness. When assembled, it housed sacred articles—including the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat—and it became the symbol of God’s Presence among His people. It was also the place where people brought their sacrifices.

Many factors came into play when the Israelites built their Tabernacle. They needed silver, gold, fine linens, colorful threads, incense, oil, and other materials to follow God’s plan. (Ex. 35) God told Moses to collect an offering. When he did, everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering. . . . (Ex. 35:21a NKJV) They offered items given to them when they left Egypt.

Skilled craftsmen were necessary. Moses identified Bezaleel as the chief artisan. Aholiab was also identified by name. They joined together with every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom. . . . (Ex. 36:2b)

The stiff-necked people of Israel were far from perfect—just like God’s people today. But they had God-given abilities, and God honored them by calling them into His service.

Originally published on October 16, 1981 and December 27, 1991.
Picture: Marigolds along I-90, Minnesota, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Look and Be Radiant

One of the psalmists said, Look to Him and be radiant. . . . (Ps. 34:5a RSV)

That’s quite an order. Yet the Bible tells us Moses was literally radiant and did not realize it. After spending 40 days and nights with God on Mount Sinai without food or water, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. (Ex. 34:29b)

The radiance of Moses reflected God's glory and it came after deep fellowship with God. God trusted Moses, and He imparted much into His faithful servant. Moses received instructions concerning important laws. There were the Ten Commandments which is still the foundation for our law today—but there were other precepts as well. And Moses also received instructions for worship, sacrifices, and building the Tabernacle.

Moses brought God's instructions to the people and then the radiance served a useful purpose. He needed a divine infusion of God’s Presence to implement God’s plans.

Originally published October 30, 1981.

Direct Conversations

Before the Israelites built their Tabernacle, there was the tent of meeting. It wasn’t ornate, and it wasn’t a place for sacrifices or priestly service. This tent pitched outside the camp was the place where Moses met with God when he wasn’t on the mountain.

When he went into the tent of meeting, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. . . . (Ex. 33:9b NIV) The people knew God was talking to him, and they gathered around the tent of meeting to hear what God had said.

Can your image what this was like? Although God performed many miracles through Moses, perhaps the most remarkable experiences of Moses’ life were his conversations with God—including those in the tent of meeting. We are awed by the direct communication. At one time Moses bluntly told God he would not lead the people anywhere unless God’s Presence went with them. God said, I will do the very thing you have asked. . . . (v. 17b)

When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God arranged a special display for this man who came to talk with Him.

Originally published September 24, 1982.
Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.