Awe-Inspiring

One thing is for sure, the Tabernacle was, in perspective, a small thing relative to how many Israelites there were with Moses in the wilderness.

It must have been an awe-inspiring sight to see the Israelites in their mobile state.  I know I struggle to get my head around the idea of the population of people on this journey.

The Tabernacle, again, was just a small tent in the midst of the people.  However, the importance and goings-on at the Tabernacle were paramount.  It was to be the place where God and man (however a limited few) intersected.  The direction of the Israelites' journey and the duration of their stay were both determined at this small place.  The general overall health of the Israelites' relationship with God was maintained and therefore evident at this central nucleus within their camp.  God had chosen to dwell there.

But not so today.  God desires to dwell directly within those who are His own.  No longer is He limited to a small central physical corporate place.  Instead, God has chosen to live at the nucleus of man - inside the willing man at the core of his existence.  The events of Jesus' advent to earth secured this possibility.  His all-encompassing sacrifice satisfied for all time the ritual and protocol established around the Tabernacle in order for one to fellowship with God.  This benefit, although free, can only be obtained by faith.  It is a spiritual thing - very personal - yet with great corporate evidence.  This too is quite awe-inspiring.

Father, I am grateful for Jesus.  Help me today to be sure of the faith You have given me to partake of the benefit of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.