“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 has 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, chapters 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 cherubim (Num. 7:89). If any man 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 us to find Thy will for him”. God would speak from between the cherubim. Then there was a pillar of cloud or fire resting upon the tabernacle. After an interval of some days or weeks or months the cloud would be lifted up and that was the sign from the God that they were to begin their onward march straightway. These were the two great features of the sanctuary: God speaking to the people between the cherubim and the divine presence leading them by a cloud. Without the sanctuary these would not have been possible. For that reason God asked the children of Israel to build Him a sanctuary.
We are told in Hebrews 8:5 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 House in these days? Alas, so often when you go into places of worship, you do not hear the voice of God there, but rather the noise of pride and 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 precious blood of Christ and are born again, can become the House of God. It makes no difference whether we meet as fellow-believers to worship in a big building or in a small hut. But we also have no right to be called God’s House unless the two great features of the sanctuary are found in our midst, that is, God speaking to us and revealing His will, and God’s presence in power and glory going before us. In a living Church we can hear God speaking to us and revealing His will and also His power and glory will be seen there.
BAKHT SINGH
KNOWING GOD 