Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Building the House of God

Reading: Exodus 40:1-17

Key Verse: “So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month”

The tabernacle was a tent which contained special holy furniture symbolically designed by God and it accompanied the Israelites on their journey through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. Once in Israel, a permanent stone temple would be constructed, but here in the desert, the tabernacle was an easily transportable place where God could be worshipped.

It was more than simply a place of worship however. It was the place where God chose to live among His people and indeed actually meet and converse with them (Exodus 40:34-35). It was not Moses idea to build it but God’s own instruction. When Moses told the people about it in Exodus 35 they responded by contributing their wealth in the form of linen, jewels and precious metals. They also gave of their time and skill. Such was their enthusiasm and generosity for the House of God that they had to be restrained from giving even more because they had already given more than enough (Exodus 36:3-7). And look when the Tabernacle was set up – on the first day of the first month. May we be equally enthusiastic and generous in building God’s House this New Year!

Prayer: Lord I give You my time, my talents and my treasures to build Your House