This morning in our series looking at ‘The Miraculous & The Mundane’, we saw how Moses was given the task of building the tabernacle, a place where God’s glory would dwell. These detailed instructions (Ex 25-40) show us that God is interested in every aspect of our lives, giving Moses instructions about:
- an ark of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, which would form the chest that would carry the Ten Commandments, complete with carrying rings and poles for ease of transportation (Ex 25:10-17)
- a cover for the ark (Ex 25:18-22)
- a table of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, complete with carrying rings and poles and golden plates and dishes to be used in services (Ex 25:23-30)
- a lampstand with seven lamps which would represent God’s light (Ex 25:31-40)
- curtains that would form the covering for the Tabernacle, which was essentially a tent, whose dimensions and manufacture were explained carefully (Ex 26:1-37)
- a bronze altar and different utensils which were to be used in all the offerings prescribed by God (Ex 27:1-8)
- a courtyard (Ex 27:9-19)
- oil needed for the lampstands (Ex 27:20-22)
- the priestly garments to be worn by Aaron and the other priests, including an ephod (a type of apron), a breastpiece and other garments (Ex 28:1-43)
- how to consecrate the priests (Ex 29:1-46)
- how to make incense and anointing oil (Ex 30:1-38)
We might not feel such things are particularly interesting, but Heb 8:5 and Heb 9:24 remind us of the heavenly aspect of this sanctuary as well and show us also that God cares about the details. Fortunately for Moses, he was not required to do this by himself; God gave him Bezalel and Oholiab as helpers and the willingness of the people in giving and in helping in practical ways all meant that the vision became a reality.
This reminds us that teamwork and diversity are essential in God’s kingdom (see Rom 12:4-8). We are all different and all needed. We may feel our contributions are insignificant and unimportant (decidedly mundane!), but the truth is there is nothing more miraculous than being the people of God, in whom He lives by His Spirit. As we serve God faithfully, our mundane is turned into the miraculous. Let’s do what Paul says: ‘whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ (Col 3:17) That way, we will know the blessing of God and the presence of God with us daily.
