Moses himself was learning more and more about this holy God who would not be dealt with haphazardly, who demanded not just worship, but obedience and reverence. This God took time to invite Moses into his presence, to talk with him and to show him a glimpse of his glory and holiness. Then God proceeded to portray himself vividly as the Great Designer, as he laid out his unique blueprint plans for the tabernacle and its service. Note the intricate detail that God gave for the tabernacle and its furnishings! Note the beauty and the colors which he chose! And this tabernacle was going to be carted around in the desert for the next 40 years! Doesn’t that almost seem a waste?
We know that this God of all creation is also the God of our personal lives and our community life. He cares about the manner in which we function and wants to build into us individually all the graces, morals, character traits that befit his dwelling place. We can find much more about this “inner dwelling” in Jesus’ teachings and in the epistles. But suffice it today to recognize that Exodus shows us such a personal God who cares about beauty in so many ways and takes time and care to detail it for us. He wants to design a similar beauty in our lives.
Lord Jesus, our Master Designer, help me today to listen to you as you guide my thoughts and creative ideas throughout the day, both at work and at leisure, at home and with extended family. Live in me and create your own unique beauty in me. Amen.
Laura Putnam
