Embracing His Gracious Presence

Let’s pray together, family

Today we will be doing sections - Exodus 25:1-9, 35:4-29, 40:33-38

Please follow with me through the bulletin or the Pew Bibles,

25 The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him, you shall receive the contribution for me. And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, goatskins, acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breast-piece. And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.

35 Moses assembled all the congregation of the people of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do. Six days’ work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day.”

Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded. Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze; blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breast-piece.

“Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded: the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its hooks and its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; the ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil of the screen; the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; the lampstand also for the light, with its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; and the altar of incense, with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand; the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court; the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords; the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests.”

Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord. And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or goatskins brought them. Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the Lord’s contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it. And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats’ hair. And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece, and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.

40 And he erected the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lordfilled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Family - This is the Word of the Lord

Last Sunday, Pr. Rhett took us through the covenant theme in Exodus 20, talking through the applications of the ten commandments and God making commitments and the people of God confirming these covenants.

Today, we focus on the theme of the tabernacle. And God tabernacled with His people.

So, our topic this morning is – Embracing God’s Glorious Presence.

We will focus on three things: how we embrace his presence

1. Through our Obedience and Contributions, Exodus 25:1-7

2. Through His Holiness - Exodus 25:10 – 27:21

3. Through embracing His promise. He is with Us - Exodus 40: 33-38

So for our portions, we start with a vision.

I intend that this vision leads us to see how everything happening is situated and done in alignment with this vision.

Here is the vision –

Exodus 25:8 - 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.[1] And Exodus 40:34 - we see how this vision comes to fulfilment - 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.[2]W

When we go to the Gospel - John 1:14  tells us that. Christ Tabernacled among us - “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

This vision, likened to John's, sets the precedent for the construction of the tabernacle where God would dwell with His people. The fulfilment we find in Christ Jesus is itself a depiction of what Exodus 40:34 had set the stage for.

Let’s talk a little bit about the tabernacle

The tabernacle also referred to as the dwelling place was a portable sanctuary and dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was  constructed according to God’s specific instructions to Moses. It served as the appointed place where God dwelt among His people and where Israel approached Him through worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry.

It visibly represented God’s holy presence among His covenant people.

The Tabernacle was also carefully arranged into distinct sections. It included an outer courtyard, where sacrifices were offered, and the bronze altar and where the laver was located. Inside the structure itself was the Holy Place, containing the lampstand, the table for the Bread of the Presence, and the altar of incense. Beyond a separating veil was the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), the most sacred area, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and symbolized the very presence of God among His people. Access became increasingly restricted as one moved inward, highlighting God’s Holiness.

Later in Scripture, we see a progression in God’s dwelling among His people. What began as the Tent of Meeting, the Tabernacle then transitioned to the Temple that was planned by David and built under Solomon. Ultimately, these pointed forward to Christ Jesus, who came and dwelt among us. Now, through Christ and by His Spirit, we ourselves have become the temple of God, where His presence dwells.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”

He also mentions in Ephesians 2:22 . “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Remember, in Exodus 25–27, God gives Moses detailed instructions for building a sanctuary. Then in Exodus 35–40, we see Israel faithfully carrying out those instructions. God speaks, His people obey, and His presence comes to dwell among them.

Three things are important to remember

Point One – Exodus 25:1-7  - Embracing His Presence - Through our Obedience and Contributions,

Then The Lord said to Moses - Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him, you shall receive the contribution for me.

In Exodus 35:1- 4, Moses tells the people about what the Lord has said. Then, verses 20-29 – They willingly do as God had instructed them through Moses.

All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done, brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.

Two things are happening here. They obey and contribute.

Remember, whatever they are doing is with the vision we earlier mentioned, preparing a sanctuary for God to dwell among them.

So, they contributed as willed in their hearts.

It’s important to mention, whereas God gives them the instruction and liberty to contribute as each one willed – All they were contributing was God’s. God allowed them to have what they had. They had acquired all these precious material as they were leaving Egypt and now Gods calls them to use that to contribute to something greater.

More than it’s about the obedience and contributions. It’s about the Condition of their hearts to a gracious God who has graciously dwelt among them.

Our obedience and contributions should be out of a heart that has accepted and acknowledged His presence in our lives giving us an opportunity to be apart of His gracious and glorious reign and relationship.

Our obedience and generosity to His service and work demonstrates the condition of our hearts towards Him.

Whats the motivation of your generosity and obedience ?

Number Two – Let’s talk about His Holiness

Chapters 25:10-27:17 - Tell us about a Holy God. Every aspect and instruction of approaching a Holy God matters. And when God says in Exodus 25:9 - Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.

The list of everything God instructed for them to bring - the elements and furnishing, very important symbolism. These we see eventually used to make the tabernacle and signified.

Every detail carried meaning and purpose. First came the Ark of the Covenant, representing the very presence of God among His people. Then came the Table of the Bread of the Presence, placed inside the Holy Place. The bread symbolized fellowship and communion with God inviting them into covenant relationship and fellowship in His presence.

God then instructed Moses to make the Golden Lampstand, which would provide the only source of light within the Tabernacle. It illuminated the holy place and symbolized God’s continual presence, holiness, and guidance among His people.

Moving into Exodus 26, God gave instructions for constructing the Tabernacle itself with its framework and coverings. There were multiple layers: beautifully crafted curtains with cherubim woven into them, coverings of goat hair, ram skins, and an outer protective covering. These layers not only provided structure and protection but also reflected the holiness and guarded nature of God’s presence.

Next came the Bronze Altar, located in the courtyard—the place where sacrifices were offered and where worshipers first encountered the reality that access to God required sacrifice. Surrounding the Tabernacle was the courtyard fence, marking out a holy and set-apart space for worship.

God also instructed the people regarding the oil for the lamps and then, in Exodus 28, turned to the garments of the priests. The high priest was clothed in garments described as being made “for glory and beauty”—including the ephod, breastplate, robe, turban, and the inscription, “Holy to the LORD.” These garments signified the sacred calling and consecrated role of those serving before God.

Taken together, the entire design of the Tabernacle provided Israel with a God-centered place of worship, sacrifice, fellowship, and covenant life. Yet beyond serving Israel in the wilderness, each part ultimately pointed forward to something greater, to the ministry, work, and person of Christ Jesus, who perfectly fulfills all that the Tabernacle anticipated.

For our time together I would like us to narrow our attention and concentrate on the Holy of Holies, because this was the very heart of the Tabernacle and the place where God’s presence was uniquely manifested.

The Holy of Holies, also called the Most Holy Place, was the innermost and most sacred section of the Tabernacle. It was separated from the Holy Place by a thick veil, emphasizing both God’s holiness and the reality that sinful humanity could not freely enter His presence. Inside this sacred place stood the Ark of the Covenant, with the Mercy Seat resting upon it and cherubim overshadowing it. This was the place where God promised to meet with His people and where His glory would dwell in a special way.

Yet access to the Holy of Holies was highly restricted. Only the High Priest could enter, and only once each year on the Day of Atonement, bringing sacrificial blood for himself and for the sins of the people. This communicated a powerful truth: a holy God desired to dwell among His people, but access to Him required atonement, mediation, and sacrifice.

The Holy of Holies pointed beyond itself. It anticipated Christ Jesus, our perfect High Priest and perfect sacrifice. Through His death and resurrection, the veil was torn, and what was once restricted became opened through Him. Therefore, what Israel could experience only through one man once a year, believers now experience through Christ with confidence and continual access into the presence of God.

Brothers Jesus atoned for us to enter the Holy of Holies when he gave His life for us.

Hebrews 10:19–22 “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Again, through all of this, we see a holy God inviting us to His gracious mercy and grace that we can dwell with Him. The tent was Holy because of God. And now because of Christ, we are part of this Holiness when we believe that she gave His life for.

What we see is The perfect tabernacle who imputes His Holiness, His righteousness on us that way, we can have a relationship with a Holy God.

Lastly, Exodus 40: 33-38 – Through embracing His Promise. He is with Us.

When we started our sharing we started with a vision – Remember, the vision - A sanctuary for God to dwell in. Eventually, the sanctuary was complete

Exodus 39:32 says - Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished, and the people of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did.

. . . the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

This here, we see the climax of the Exodus narrative – A Holy God, A glorious King, dwells among His people. And His glory fillS the earth. A climax of the redemption story we eventually find in Christ Jesus and look to glorification on His return.

The Cloud signalled His visible presence. That all would know that the Lord is with US. Thus, we dont have an excuse to say He isn’t. Like we later see in 1 Kings 8:10-11 when He fills the temple Solomon constructed.

However, Moses still couldn’t enter as there was a barrier that only Christ Jesus could remove.

When Chris incarnate died for us - He atoned for our sin and that barrier was removed giving us gracious access to the Father.

What God is showing the Israelites and Us, is a glimpse of the future. Where we would be with Him, under Christs gracious glorious reign and rule away from sin and brokenness.

Thus the only way to embrace this promise and presence is Through Christ Jesus. He reminds us in Matthew 28:20 “… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

As we close, a few ways we embrace and demonstrate His Presence

Through our obedience to His word and our generous contributions and skills to the services of His Church and to others. When we do this, we are demonstrating that we’ve acknowledged Christ and His presence in our lives.

Through pursuing righteousness and Holiness in Christ Jesus. How do we do this? By accepting that we are sinners and that Christ died for our sins and that through His grace, he makes us righteous to have a relationship with the Father.

Through praying for those that haven’t acknowledged Christ Jesus, that they may embrace Him. Being compassionate and kind to others like God was to us.

Lastly, through the assurance we find in His promise through Christ Jesus.

Friends - We embrace God’s righteousness presence when we acknowledge Christ and continue to live in accountable fellowship with His Church. And in how we live life today.

God desires a daily relationship with you.

He is merciful, He is gracious, and He generously loves you.

Let’s pray.