The Tent of Meeting

 

Scriptural Foundation: Exodus 33:7-23

Exodus 33:7 says that the Tabernacle of the congregation was set up outside the camp of Israel.  Moses made plans to meet with the Lord here.  Exodus 33:7-10 gives information on the Tent of Meeting. 

Key Verses: Exodus 33:7-10

Introduction of the Tent of Meeting

God had given Israel instructions on the construction of the Tent of Meeting   through His servant, Moses. The instructions not only included what items needed to be built, but the type of materials needed for the construction. Exodus 25-30 gives the specifics concerning the building of this sacred structure.  Nothing is left to the mind and imagination of man.  God directs the entire construction with humanity as His tool. 

Since the people are given the commandment to give what is needed for the Tabernacle, the manner in which the giving of the construction materials is given is also outlined.  The offerings must come from a willing heart.  Exodus 25:2 This is reiterated in 2 Corinthians 9:7. The offering given in this manner will be acceptable to the Lord.  Various versions of the Bible make this commandment very clear.  As we look at these versions, we need to examine our hearts to see if our hearts are lining up with the Word of God when we give. 

The Holman Christian Standard Bible

“…everyone whose heart stirs him [to give].” 

Is your heart stirred to give?  If it is, then what is the motivation behind the stirring? 

New International Version

“…whose heart prompts him”

What is “prompting” you to give?  Is it out of love for the Lord and the work of the ministry?  Are you looking for recognition through your giving?  The accolades of man will be all that you obtain.

The Living Bible

“…whose hearts are moved to offer them.” 

What is moving you to give? 

It is important to ask these questions when we give.  We must learn to give in the right spirit with the right motive.   We must examine ourselves all the time in all things.  We must correct ourselves when we are not doing things for the kingdom’s sake.  It is not about us, but about God. 

Forgiveness from the Perspective of Paganism and Israelite Ways

The act of forgiveness was not a part of pagan lifestyle. The individual who was considered to be “large-souled” would simply disregard the offense. This was especially so if they considered the offense to be “beneath” their taking notice of it. To forgive was considered a sign of a weak spirit. (F. W. Robertson on I Corinthians 4:12.) There is not much mention in the Old Testament of man forgiving man. To ask for forgiveness is to take the posture of subserviency. This word means to place oneself in a position to be subordinate in authority and function. The individual places himself in a position to petition for that which he has no just right. A good example of this can be found in Genesis 33. This chapter records the meeting between Esau and Jacob. This story began in Genesis 27 when Jacob stole Esau’s blessing. Esau was so angry that he wanted to kill his own brother. Jacob had taken his birthright and his blessing. He was left with nothing. Genesis 27:36, 41. In Genesis 33, we see Jacob coming before his brother bowing down low to the ground. (The position of subserviency.) He comes bearing gifts. He did pray to the Lord asking that his brother receive him. Genesis 32:11. As we read this story of these two brothers, they are reunited through the act of forgiveness extended by the offended brother. They continue their journey unified as a family.

    The Imprecatory [from imprecate=to invoke evil upon; curse.] Psalms witness to the fact that forgiveness of enemies was not something that was esteemed among the Israelites. They could appeal to the law which enjoined them to seek neither the peace nor the prosperity of their enemies (Deuteronomy 23:6 cf. Ezra 9:12) (The International Bible Encyclopedia) Jesus summed up the law in Matthew 5:43. This is what they said, but Jesus gave them a new God-minded understanding of the action of forgiveness. This certainly represents their attitude and understanding of the teaching of the scriptures.

Understanding What Christmas Really Is About

Well, today is over.  It is December 25th.  That time of the year when gifts have been passed out, and great dinners have been cooked.  People will have to go on a diet–especially me! 

After we have spent three month’s paychecks getting those expensive gifts, can we really say that we know what this time of year is about?  Perhaps it has become so commercialized that we have lost our focus.   I am afraid that is the sad truth.  I sit before my television watching the soldiers in foreign lands wish their families a Merry Christmas.  They are not able to be home to open the big presents and eat the great dinners.  Have we lost touch with the real reason for the season? 

I was watching a documentary on the origin of Christmas.  I was fascinated by what the commentator revealed in the one hour show.  I am not going to discuss his findings and thoughts, but I am going to share with you my feelings and reflections.

Christmas.  What is the real reason for the season?  Is it so that we must spend three months’ paychecks to buy gifts for a long list of family and friends?  Is it so that our already hectic lives can become even more hectic and crazy? 

Christmas is suppose to be about how God sent His only Son into the world to die for sinners like you and me.  Unfortunately, that is something that is not always made clear by today’s ministers.  We have been born in sin and shapen in iniquity.  We are on the wrong side of the spiritual tracks.  Death is our wage–not life.  Jesus was born to deliver us from that penalty. 

Christmas then, should be a time of rejoicing and celebration.  Instead, people are mad because they have lost their jobs and cannot buy the gifts for the season.  People rob and steal from those who have to get what they need for their families.  Yes, that happens all year long, but it gets worse around this time of the year. 

What about the less fortunate?  What do we do for them?  Do we show up at this time of the year to do our “civic duty” for them, and then do not show up until Christmas comes around again? 

We need to be real.  Real about who we are.  Real about the life we are living.  Real about the actions we take and the intentions behind them. 

What is Christmas for?  Why do we spend so much money on gifts?  Do we know what we are celebrating?  Maybe not.  Maybe we are comatose.  What are we doing and who are we doing it for?

Transforming Lives by Faith

Welcome to Transforming Lives by Faith Fellowship’s new blog!  You will find my daily thoughts on scriptures that the Lord has spoken to me about.  You will also be notified of the new lessons that will be on my revamped website. You and I are on a journey.  As we travel together, we will discover things about ourselves and others.  We will discover our strengths and our weaknesses.  Most of all, we will discover the Love of God that He has in His heart for us. 

I invite you to begin the journey with me.  It will have bumps and hills.  Sometimes it will have valleys, but we will come out the better for it in the end.  For all things work together for our good…especially to those who love the Lord! 

Be blessed!

Penny Williams