June 20 – Lord Make Me a Sanctuary
Exerpts from:
A Word in Season to the Weary – Daily Devotions from the Ministry of Brother Bakht Singh- June 20
“And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat.” (Num 7:89)
After God had commanded the children of Israel to build Him a sanctuary, He said very particularly to Moses, “…look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.” (Exo 25:40). In the chapters following, chs 25 to 40, we have full details of how the tabernacle was to be made. When the work was all completed exactly “…as the Lord commanded Moses” the glory of the Lord came down and filled the tabernacle. (Exo 40:34).
From that day onwards, the Lord began to speak from between the two cherubims (Num 7:89). If anyone wanted to find God’s will regarding any matter he would come to Moses or Aaron. Then Moses or Aaron would go to God and say, ” O God, So and so has asked to find thy will for him. God would speak from between the cherubims.
Then there was a pillar of fire or cloud resting upon the tabernacle. After an interval of certain days or weeks or months, the cloud would be lifted up and that was the sign from God to straightway begin their onward march. These were the two special features of the sanctuary: God speaking to the people from between the cherubims and the divine presence leading them by a cloud. Without the sanctuary these would not have been made possible. For that reason God asked the children of Israel to build Him a sanctuary.
Hebrews 8:5 says that all these “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things”. So the tabernacle made by Moses was only an example or shadow of the true House of God. Just as the sanctuary was essential in the spiritual life of the children of Israel , so the House of God is essential to us also. But where can we find God’s voice in these days? Alas, so often when you go into places of worship, you do not hear the voice of God but rather the noise of pride, greed and strife of men. How can you call such a place the House of God? Further, God does not dwell in buildings made of brick and stone. We who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and are born again can become the House of God. It makes no difference where we meet. We can be called God’s House only when we have the two great features of the sanctuary in our midst that is God speaking to us and revealing His will and God’s presence in presence and glory going before us.
Prayer: Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, Pure and holy, tried and true, With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living Sanctuary for You…Let me hear your voice and feel your presence every moment of my life…In Jesus Name Amen.
