Exodus 40:1-4 ‘Then the Lord said to Moses: “Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month. Place the ark of the covenant law in it and shield the ark with the curtain. Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the covenant law and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.”‘ The craftsmen were done building the tabernacle. Now it’s time to set it up for use. It was to be a meeting place with God and His people. God had interacted with the Hebrews since Abraham. They had some information about God; mainly through stories. The last several weeks/months have been very dramatic with God’s intervention. The 10 Commandments had been given days earlier. Now a place of meeting/worship has been built. The tabernacle is a miniature model of the throne room in heaven. He wants to dwell with His people. He brings His room to them. John 14:23 says ‘Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’ Jesus says something similar in Rev 3:17 in the behold I stand at the door and knock, scripture. That’s quite an image. He comes to all of us and knocks. Sometimes we don’t hear above our life noise. Sometimes we know who it is and what it’s about and we choose not to answer. God wants to be involved in our lives. The whole exodus experience is evidence of that. Now the tabernacle is built. He is deepening His relationship with them. The tabernacle deals with the sin issue. When we invite Jesus into our lives, we initially tidy up the place. As we stay in His Word and spend time with Him, His influence rubs off. He isn’t a harsh criticizer. Things surface. We bring them to Him for help and forgiveness. The tabernacle dealt with sin. It introduced the animal sacrifice for sin. This was a deepening of their relationship. It also pointed out the cost of original sin and daily sin and how they have affected our relationship. Lord, thank You that You want to spend time with us. Help us to take advantage of that and get to know You better.