Just Another Building?

O.T.#220  "Just Another Building?"
Feb. 3, 2013
Exodus 25-Part 2
God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7

LET IT GLOW

How do I dress for entering the sanctuary of God for worship? Is it casual as though I am going to a sports event or do I dress my best for Him? How is my attitude? Is it one of prayer, thanksgiving, and praise unto my Savior Jesus? Do I consider the church building a special place or just another building in which believers gather?

Do you remember that God told the Hebrews to collect certain items from the Egyptians before they left Egypt? Did you wonder what their purpose was? Here is the answer.

The last post spoke of the offering from the heart of the Israelites. These offerings were to be used according to God's instructions in making the tent sanctuary, tent tabernacle where the LORD God would dwell.
Here are the things (NIV) which they were to bring:

• gold, silver, brass;
• blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen;
• goats' hair; 
• ram skins dyed red, and badgers skins; (for curtains)
• acacia wood;
• olive oil for the light;
• spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;
• onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breast piece. 

Do we bring our offerings to God into His house of worship? What is our attitude in giving?
God loves a cheerful giver.  (2 Cor. 9:7)
Are we cheerful in giving it? Is it out of habit that we give or love?

LET IT GROW

The rest of the book of Exodus tells of the construction of the tabernacle, the items within it, the priests requirements, and procedures of offerings.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary informs us about the Tabernacle:

"The Pentateuch records 5 different names for the tabernacle:

1. Sanctuary, which denotes a sacred place or set apart, holy place.
2. Tent, which denotes a temporary or collapsible dwelling.
3. Tabernacle, from "to dwell," denotes the place of God's presence (as well as other titles).
4. Tabernacle of the Congregation or Meeting
5. Tabernacle of the Testimony."

Is our church building, a sanctuary, reverenced as special place, set apart for worship, offerings, prayer, and teaching of God's Word?

Jesus said that His house was to be called a house of prayer, found in Matthew 21:13 and Luke 19:46.
Are we praying in His house? Are we teaching our children such things?

Do we enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, be thankful unto Him and bless His name? (Psalm 100:4)

Do we come to worship singing with joy and gladness?  (Psalm 100:1-2)

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100:5)

Everything comes from God alone.  Romans 11:36

Are our bodies a sanctuary of the Lord, for Him to dwell in today? (Rom. 12:1)


LET IT GO

Leave my burdens at the altar.

Offer praise, singing, and worship with a joyful heart.

Cheerfully give Jesus thanks for all He has done.

Glorify the Lord in His sanctuary and outside it, also.

Give my body as a living sacrifice unto the Lord.