TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. Exodus 25:8-9
Read: Exodus 25:8-9
Listen: Exodus 25
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Israelites spend forty years wandering in the wilderness after God rescues them from the Egyptians. God is with them in their wandering and even instructs them to build him a sanctuary. This sanctuary, called the tabernacle, becomes the dwelling place of God himself. The Israelites expend great effort to build and transport the tabernacle because God longs to be in the midst of his people.
In our new series, THE DWELLING PLACE, we look at different places in the Bible where God demonstrates his desire to dwell with his people. We will see God’s longing to be with his people evidenced through creation, Israel’s history, Jesus’s life and resurrection and the eventual reign of Jesus on earth.
Today’s verses from thousands of years ago about a building long gone are still relevant because the same God pursues us today. God longs for a relationship with us and goes to great lengths to do so. He sent his son, Jesus, at great cost to reopen the door that leads to a relationship with him. He gives us the Bible to learn about and from him. God gives the Holy Spirit to guide us, and other believers to encourage and strengthen us in our faith. May our hearts be grateful for the intentional ways God pursues us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Pray a prayer of gratitude that God pursues you and wants a relationship with you. We’ve finished Thanksgiving and the 26 DAYS OF GRATITUDE—so continue your gratitude habit. If you use a gratitude journal, write something about God’s pursuit of you as one of your three good things today.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 2 John 1.
