Friday, May 11, 2012

Exodus 36

I am still going through this dry as dust part of Exodus. The details of the tent of meeting have little direct meaning for us today. Well we can think in general of God's attention to detail, of his presence to his people. God did not come as a man, but he wanted to be as present in his people's lives as he could be. This tent symbolized his presence with his people. God wanted them to know how much interest he had in being present to them.

I am still struck by the bright colors. Blue, purple, and scarlet (not red, the brightest red) are the brightest colors I can think of. Then gold, bronze, and silver are the brightest metals.

Bezalel is mentioned again as the chief designer, or artist. Surely he had men working for him. He would encourage these men to follow the design of God to the greatest detail. This was the design God gave them.

Judging by the great detail (MEGO) and the affirmations of the great doings that would occur in this holy building the men spared no effort to get it right, to do it perfectly. It would take men of skill to do it perfectly and well.

A lessor skilled person could do his best and still botch the job. It not only takes the will to do something right, but the ability. God gives the ability. Yet, no doubt these skilled men had trained, been apprenticed, and had lots of experience before attempting this great creation of their lives.

The description here is almost a repeat of a previous set of instructions. Despite my getting lost in the detail I think there are some slight additions made. Why the repetition? Are two sets of instructions better than one? Certain this underscores they fact that God sees every detail as important.

This movable tent of meeting did show the importance God felt about his presence to his people. Today God wants to be present to his people, both individually and in the church, the body of Christ that assembles together. We make our buildings special to signify God's presence and his character. God appreciates beauty. He is glad when we appreciate his creation and creativity.

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