Real Hope: A Study in ExodusNäide

It’s In The Detail

Whenever we host friends for dinner, my wife can’t help but care about every little detail: the menu, the table arrangements, the music that’s playing, flowers and candles in the bathroom, the drinks, cutlery, and more. She always creates a beautiful experience for all.

Exodus 39 outlines the very detailed preparations made by the Israelites as they built the tabernacle, which was to be their meeting place with God and a visible guarantee of God’s approval and care for Israel. They were instructed about yarn, linen, colour schemes, onyx stones, engravings, dress codes, inscriptions and details big and small to create the perfect environment for connection with God.

What an honour to create an earthly temple for the presence and glory of God to dwell. As modern-day readers, we should appreciate their faithfulness and attention to detail. However, God is no longer confined to tabernacles, church buildings or conferences. God may be there, but God is also everywhere. Because of the life of Jesus, His death and resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit that dwells within and all around, there is no longer a list of prerequisites we must prepare to experience God’s presence. The truth is, we are in God’s presence everywhere, but what is lacking is awareness!

Take a moment today to close your eyes, take a few slow breathes, and remind yourself of God’s loving presence that is all around you and within. What is it about God that you can be grateful for today?

Written by SAM FAGAN