Something Matters!

It is easy to see why God-fearing people today could be confused about their place and methods of worship. 

 

The Bible goes to great detail to define the rules and environment required in devotion to God.  The Book of the Covenant, as given to Moses, including the Ten Commandments, is not lacking for scope and detail.  The Tabernacle (albeit portable), it's furnishings, and the priestly garments are unparalleled up to this chronological point in the history of the Bible for their magnificence.

 

Devotion to the LORD God continued in this grand manner for hundreds of years - including the building of a permanent Temple of even greater magnificence to replace the portable Tabernacle.

 

Then, the Advent of Jesus occurred.

 

Suddenly (as history goes), devotion to God no longer required its centerpiece Temple and protocol.  Instead of identifying with and dwelling in a singular inanimate physical place, God switched things up and chose to identify with and dwell in the plurality of living human beings whose hearts were devoted to Him (through faith in Christ the Messiah).

 

I have no point here - so bear with me - I am thinking while writing...

 

The design and decoration of the Tabernacle and Temple required much effort and skill. The maintenance and protocol of Tabernacle and Temple worship required much purity and holiness.  So, if great measures were required in the worship of God in the Tabernacle (and then Temple), then what does that imply about the worship of God when He dwells within humans?  Are humans to decorate themselves with elaborate clothing with great pomp and circumstance?  Is it even possible for humans to be as pure and dedicated to holiness as the worship of God requires (and still have any practical social/economic function)?

 

Again, it is easy to see how, as well-meaning God-fearing people, we could be confused in our methods and manner of worship directed to God today.  If God dwells in man, do we worship ourselves and each other?  If God dwells in man, why do people still pray?  Frankly, for that matter, why did anyone pray before Christ unless they were actually in the Temple (and that would be limited to the High Priest as only he could enter the Holy of Holies behind the veil)?  How can God, Who is everywhere, limit Himself to the Temple?  How can God, Who is everywhere limit His presence to humans?

 

It is all too easy to think about what is comfortable and easy while ignoring some of these confusing questions regarding our devotion to God.  Not that we will ever, in this life, nail God down (in our understanding), but does He not deserve more consideration on this matter particularly in light of the extreme measures required in Tabernacle an Temple worship?  The extravagant detail of the Law, the Tabernacle and then the Temple tell us quite clearly that something about this whole thing matters!

 

Father, help me to correctly process my faith and devotion to You as I acquire understanding and foundation from the Law, the Tabernacle, and Temple worship in general prior to Jesus.  And, thank You for Jesus!