A sanctuary and a tabernacle

We come to another section that can be a bit dry taken at face value. 

But one thing that should be remembered is that a lot of the things that are described here are symbols of heavenly things. 

God alludes to this a couple times in verse 9 and 40.  There was a specific pattern that Moses was to follow in building the earthly tabernacle. 

The writer of Hebrews also points out that the tabernacle that God described here, was a copy of the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is in heaven. (Hebrews 9:11)

But I also believe that these are pictures of our own Christian lives. 

God uses two special words here.  One is “sanctuary” and the other is “tabernacle.” 

“Sanctuary” means, “a place set apart.” 

“Tabernacle” comes from a word that means “to dwell.” 

And that’s what we are.

As Christians, we are dwelling places of God. 

In Ephesians 3:17, it says that Jesus dwells in our hearts through faith. 

In 1 Corinthians 6:19, it says we are a temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 

And in John 14:23, it says that the Father comes to dwell in us as well. 

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all come to dwell within us.  We are his living tabernacle. 

We don’t need to go to some special place to encounter God; he dwells right within us, and he’s with us wherever we go.

But as his tabernacle, we are also a “place set apart” for God, his sanctuary. 

When I come home after a long day of work, it’s my sanctuary.  It’s a place set apart for my family and I, where we can relax and enjoy each other’s company. 

It’s also a tool that can be used to touch people’s lives, as we invite people over and spend time with them. 

Our lives should be the same way as God’s sanctuary.  We should be a place where God feels comfortable, where he can relax and enjoy our company. 

And we should also be a tool that he can use to touch other people with his love.

These are some of the things that God was trying to get across to the people of Israel.  And it’s something he wants us to understand as well. 

How about you? 

You are God’s dwelling place if you’re a Christian.  But are you also his sanctuary? 

Is your life set apart for him both to have fellowship with him and to be a tool to touch the lives around you?

Lord, I thank you that you have made me your tabernacle, your dwelling place. 

Lord, let me also be your sanctuary.  That when you see my heart, you say, “Now this is a place where I feel comfortable, where I feel welcome.  And this is a place I can use to touch the lives of others.” 

I desire to be such a place.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary
For you.