A Place for Me | Week 04
Week’s Passage: Exodus 25
InTro
Finding Home
The story highlights a couple’s journey from renting an imperfect apartment to purchasing their first home. Initially, they found an affordable, fully furnished rental, but soon realized the furniture was poor, and shared air conditioning exposed them to unpleasant smells, including marijuana fumes. This discomfort motivated them to save aggressively, and within six months, they purchased a starter home. Despite its lack of furniture and amenities, they felt immense joy and fulfillment because it was their own.
The narrative draws a parallel to God delivering the Israelites from Egyptian captivity and His desire to build a dwelling place among them, emphasizing the importance of having a true home.
inGest
I Want to Live with You
After freeing Israel from Egypt, God gave laws to guide their spiritual lives and commanded the construction of a sanctuary so He could dwell among them. Placed at the center of their camp, the sanctuary emphasized the importance of worship and offered reconciliation and forgiveness. Despite their flaws, God invited the Israelites to help build it, showing His desire for a close relationship with His people.
InTerpre
Worship In Type and Symbol
The earthly sanctuary, modeled after the heavenly tabernacle, pointed to Jesus and His saving ministry. Its items symbolized facets of worship and reconciliation with God.
In the outer court, the altar of burnt offering represented Christ’s sacrifice, and the laver symbolized cleansing and baptism. Inside the Holy Place, the table of showbread represented God’s Word, the golden lampstand symbolized sharing truth through the Holy Spirit, and the altar of incense depicted Christ’s intercession.
In the Most Holy Place, the ark of the covenant held God’s law, covered by the mercy seat, signifying forgiveness for repentant commandment keepers. The sanctuary outlined the path for sinners to be reconciled to God and build a close relationship with Him.
InVite
Finding Healing in Worship
A sanctuary is a place of refuge, worship, and communion, bringing protection, healing, and blessing. For the author, their sanctuary is wherever their parents are, symbolizing love and peace. Similarly, God’s sanctuary offers safety and devotion, helping believers connect with Him.
Worship and prayer have been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. God designed us for worship, providing a way to experience abundant life despite life’s challenges. By setting aside time to meet with God, any place can become a sanctuary where He meets us with His healing presence.
InSight
In the Heavenly Sanctuary
The earthly sanctuary, with two apartments, was a representation of the heavenly sanctuary. Priests ministered daily in the first apartment and entered the Most Holy Place yearly to cleanse it of sins. Similarly, Jesus ministers in both apartments of the heavenly sanctuary, offering His own blood as an eternal priest.
At His crucifixion, the temple veil tore, signifying the end of earthly sacrifices. Jesus then began His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, ultimately entering the Most Holy Place in 1844 to perform the final atonement, cleansing the sanctuary and mediating for those who accept His sacrifice.
InQuire
- Why did God have the Israelites build a place of worship so soon after leaving Egypt?
- What item in the sanctuary most speaks to your heart? Why?
- How do you think it felt to be one of the Israelites chosen to work at the temple?
- How does God transform us when we worship Him? Be specific.
