The Pattern of the Sanctuary (Ex. 25)

[Sung Psalm: 122]

The early verses of today's reading describe the various contributions that were to be made for the building of the tabernacle. Over the next few weeks we will hear the uses for all these things.

Of course, the Israelites had been slaves. Where would slaves have obtained all these things? Remember back to the Exodus: before they left Egypt, God had told them to ask the Egyptians for gold, silver, and clothing. The Egyptians were so eager to let them go that they willingly gave their former slaves all sorts of goods in order to get rid of them!

Now the LORD calls Israel to take up a contribution. And notice the way it is to be done: “From every man whose heart moves him…” There is no specified percentage.

It is interesting to note that this same pattern is later used for the construction of the temple. And this principle is the one that Paul appeals to when he talks in 2 Corinthians 8-9 about the “cheerful giver.” “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart…”

Yes, there are other principles and patterns in the scripture that are useful as well, but it is important to note that Paul highlights this one in his discussion of giving.

Why?

Because Paul thinks of the church as a holy temple. The contributions for the building of the tabernacle in Exodus are a picture of how we are to give of ourselves to extend the kingdom of Jesus (as Paul says of the Macedonians – “they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” 8:5).

After all, we are the holy dwelling place of God by his Spirit.