Principles and Presence

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Exodus 39:1-40:38

The word "exodus" means "the way out" (ex + odos -- ex = "out of" and odos = "the way").  This great book takes us from Egypt to Sinai.  It is the story of the journey from slavery under Pharoah to service under the Law of God.  It covers the span of only a couple of years.  Little did Israel know that their journey had really only just begun.  There was forty years yet ahead before they would cross Jordan into the land of promise. 

Exodus is a story of God's provision in terms of PRINCIPLES and PRESENCE.  In Chapter 20, they were given the Ten Commandments -- the guiding principles by which life was to be lived.  Now at the end of Exodus, the Tabernacle is built and God can now dwell continually in their midst.  They can now live in His PRESENCE. 

All the details of the construction of the Tabernacle with its furnishings and priestly vestments may seem tedious and boring to a casual reader.  But, don't lose the real objective.  This is all aimed at PRESENCE.  The last verses of Exodus 40 state that "the glory of God filled the Tabernacle."  God came down to dwell there.  That is the objective.  Not just religious and ceremonial details. 

In all our activities, how much are we aiming at the presence of God -- His glory?  Or do we settle for mere religious activity.  The Tabernacle is about LIFE, not just ceremony.