Wednesday: In the Midst of His People
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 3rd of September 2025
God was teaching His people through various means, and one of them was through the sanctuary. All its services pointed to Jesus; they were object lessons in the plan of salvation, which would be wrought out through Jesus many centuries later.
Read Exodus 25:1-9. What crucial, practical, and theological truths are seen in these verses?
Even though God was leading the Israelites and already was close to them, He instructed Moses to build a sanctuary:
Image © Jim Howard at Goodsalt.com
“ ‘Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them’ ” (Exodus 25:8, NIV). God wanted to show them tangibly that He indeed was with them. Even though they had done wrong many times, He had not forsaken them, and “after they were again taken into favor with Heaven” (Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 343), they were given the divine command, and the process of building the sanctuary began.
The Bible assures us that God does not live in human-made temples and buildings (Acts 7:47-50) because He is bigger than the heaven of heavens, and heaven cannot contain Him. Paul at Areopagus in Athens states: “ ‘The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands’ ” (Acts 17:24, NIV). Also, King Solomon states: “ ‘But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!’ ” (1 Kings 8:27, ESV). The sanctuary was to be where God would manifest His presence to them.
The Israelites were to bring a voluntary offering for the building of the sanctuary. They were to give precious and expensive gifts, including gold, silver, bronze, acacia wood, various kinds of fine cloth, olive oil, and spices.
In Exodus 25:10-40; Exodus 26:1-37; Exodus 27:1-21, we are given many details about the tabernacle and its services. God provided Moses with a blueprint containing specific instructions on how to build and furnish the tabernacle, including the ark of the covenant, the shewbread table, the lampstand, the altars, the curtains, the colors, and the measurements.
Moses had to build the tabernacle according to the pattern God showed him (Exodus 25:9,40; Exodus 26:30), which was a reflection of the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8:1-2; Hebrews 9:11). The earthly sanctuary had served a crucial function until the death of Jesus and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, which rendered the earthly sanctuary null and void, a truth symbolized by the rending of the curtain before the Most Holy Place at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38).
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Exodus 25:2 states, “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart, you shall take My offering." I find the use of words here fascinating: 1) an offering, 2) willingly with his heart, and 3) from "an offering" to "My offering".
The Hebrew word for offering used here is , a gift, a present or a contribution for sacred use, distinct from , a freewill offering.
The phrase willingly with his heart is significant. It implies that God values the state of the heart over the mere act of giving. This highlights the importance of relationship with God.
Looking back at Genesis 4:3, the Hebrew word is used - a gift, a tribute, a present (usually bloodless and voluntary).
For years, the thought has been that the problem with Cains offering was it was not a "blood sacrifice" and that God respected Abel's offering because he chose an animal - the best, and the firstborn. Turns out, that the issue with Cain's offering might not have been the type of offering but rather his state of the heart. Perhaps his offering was comparative (maybe even better in quality), competitive, and boastful, rather than a genuine attempt to connect with God. Not from the heart to God but for the heart of Cain; not to connect with God but it was about Cain - voluntary and best quality but for the heart of Cain. This may explain God's words to Cain - but let's leave this for now - a conversation for another day!!
Connecting these thoughts, we arrive at important points:
1. God has always been present, bringing us to Himself, but we have a role to play.
2. God wants us to connect with Him.
3. Our state of mind and heart matters – God wants us to offer freely and willingly.
For to become , the state of the heart is crucial. God isn't after our riches; He wants us to love Him with what we have, who we are, and as we are. When our heart is fully invested in Him, that's the greatest and the acceptable offering.
It seems to me that Cain's refusal to offer a blood offering revealed the state of his heart - pride and self-sufficiency. A blood offering might have required him to obtain a lamb from Abel, while he grew his own produce. A blood offering would have acknowledged that He needed a Savior, while a produce offering demonstrated his ability to give something to God from the work of his own hands.
Yes, Cain's heart was out of tune with God, but if his heart had been right, he would have been obedient and offered the blood sacrifice that pre-figured the death of the coming Savior.
The two attitudes and offering of Abel and Cain demonstrate the two "ways of salvation" promoted in the world today.
Abel is the spiritual father of all who depend on Christ for salvation.
Cain is the spiritual father of all who try to make their own way to heaven. He is the father of all false religions.
Dear Stanley - a heartfelt 'Amen' to your comment(s). I enjoy reading your thoughtful, expressive, easily understood comments very much. Yes, "God is always present, bringing us to Himself"; and "God wants us to connect with Him". This humbling, 'earth-shaking' Truth is the 'heart' of our Creator's offer/desire of wanting to meet man.
“For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.” (Psalm 50:10–12, NIV).
I am intrigued, actually puzzled to see God who owns the heavens and the earth want the people to provide materials for His dwelling place (Exodus 25:3-7). God was absolutely able to provide all He needed for His purpose. He did so on many occasions. For instance, God created the heavens and the earth without the assistance from anybody. God provided manna and water to Children Israel by His own power. God provided Jonah with shelter. God sent fish to rescue Jonah. God provide Elijah with provisions. God provided Abraham with a sacrificial ram. Above all, God provided a sacrificial lamb (Jesus Christ) for our sins. On this particular occasion, God chose to involve His people in the building of His dwelling place. What practical and spiritual lessons can we gather from this episode?
1. God values our participation. God wants us to be part of His mission. God invites us to partnership with Him because He is a God of relationship.
2. Building the sanctuary was not simply putting a structure in place, but it was an act of worship. Worship involves giving. Worship is not only spiritual, but also tangible. Worship involves sacrifice.
3. By giving their materials willingly, the people were expressing their love to God. God values the spirit in which we give (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving to God is a test of our loyalty.
4. Holiness requires obedience. As we come to God to sanctify us, we must come with willing and cheerful hearts.
5. God transforms/sactifies ordinary materials/items for holy purpose to bring glory to Him. Our part is to give with a heart full of gratitude.
6. All those who have been called from darkness by the grace of God into His marvellous light, have a role to play in God’s mission of saving mankind.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV):
Moses prays in Exodus 33:15 for God's presence “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” It is clear that moses hoped and thirsted for God's direction, protection and guidance. God graciously responded with His presence with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to assure them that He was with them in every step of their journey. Meaning God was not distant but personally and powerfully present with His people, guiding them even in their desert of despair.
God speaks tenderly to us in our trials and offers strength when we are weary. Isaiah chapter 40 reminds us that He gives power to the faint and renews the strength of those who trust in Him so they can soar above life’s burdens. Whether in our families, jobs, marriages, schools, health struggles, friendships, finances, or worries about the past and future, His presence frees us from fear and fills us with courage. We must learn to rest in the assurance that God goes before us, walks with us, and carries us through every situation.
The really shocking thing about the Hebrew God was there was no idolic representation. The big word used by modern theologians is "aniconic", which essentially means no physical representation. The other religions had idols which were visual representations of their gods. God wanted to be known as above visual representation.
That makes sense of the first two commandments which essentially establish the transcendence of God and requires us not to visually represent him. It makes a clean break with the surrounding religions. It also helps us understand that the Hebrews found this thought so radical they returned to idol worship repeatedly.
An important consequence of this idea was that God was morally perfect. He did not just keep the law; He is the law. The Mediterranean gods were very human in their behaviour; they quarrelled and had affairs.
God was taking the Hebrews on a journey into a new experience. He wanted to dwell among the people and for them to experience his presence. That is how God wanted to be revealed to ourselves and to others.
And that begs the question for us. How much of our religion is tied up in having a good-looking church, interpreting prophecy correctly, getting the doctrines right, eating the right foods, without thinking seriously about what it means to be living in the presence of God? If we have friends who are atheists or agnostics, do they feel the presence of God in our interactions with them?
The call for aniconic worship of God who wants to be present in and among us is just as important as it was at Sinai.
I do appreciate your comments today. So true. To expound, and answer your question, do we spend more time being a pristine church than living for others? More time needs to be spent on living a life for others, joyfully, and not just with our cronies.
Then our prayer will be:
1 Lord, let me live from day to day,
In such a self-forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray,
My pray’r shall be for OTHERS.
Refrain:
Yes, others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee,
That I may live like Thee.
2 Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I’d do for you
Must needs be done for OTHERS. [Refrain]
3 Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep, nor rise again
And may all efforts be in vain,
Unless they be for OTHERS. [Refrain]
4 So when my work on earth is done,
And my new work in heav’n’s begun,
May I forget the crown I’ve won,
While thinking still of OTHERS. [Refrain
By Charles M. Miegs 1902
Maurice - Yes, our God cannot be contained or represented in physical form. Your last sentence reveales the struggle all mankind experiences as a created being. May I ask you to consider that God is present - 'in and among us' - at all times; when we invite, or give permission to Him to be present. He is always 'standing' at the door of humanity's heart and knocks, ready to come in.
After hearing the 'knock', we voluntarily open the door of our heart for Him to come into our life to reveal Himself to us - Rev.3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me". He knocks and waits, but He won't kick the door in. He's a God of free choice!
This is so amazing. God had His people bring all sorts of "Precious stones and animal skins, including Gold, Silver, etc. to adorn His Sanctuary. And there are only 2 New Testament scriptures, one from Peter and one from Paul, that address the "Adornment of women only." So why would God supposedly tell us through these two Apostles "Not to wear jewelry" when He told Moses to take the jewelry from the Egyptians and put it on their children? And why does the scripture from Peter say for women to adorn themselves as the women of old did with a "Meek and quiet spirit" as if those women never wore Jewelry at all? Look at the Old Testament carefully and notice that even Abrahams' servant put bracelets and earings on Rebecca, Isaacs' wife etc.
Hello Pete! Your question is off the subject at hand but somewhat indirectly related, therefore I will entertain it. I think that the answer lies in the fact that God is totally humble yet highly exalted. When we humans adorn ourselves, what is the purpose? To draw attention to ourselves, to exalt ourselves and make us feel better than, more attractive, or wealthy than others. Lucifer was highly decorated yet he fell. Did it influence his pride? We don't know. What I do know is that pride comes in many different flavors and that humans are incredibly susceptible to it. When God created Adam & Eve there is no mention of them being decked out with jewels.
I think there are some misunderstandings here. There were no banks in the ancient world. If you had some money and wanted to save it, you would invest it in tradable commodities. Gold, silver and precious stones were purchased and often worn for safekeeping, where you can keep an eye on it. (Sometimes they hid it in safe places then forgot where they hid it). They were not worn for show and adornment. When the Hebrews left Egypt, many of them received departure gifts from the Egyptians, and these would have been in the form of negotiable commodities. The relationship between the Hebrews and the Egyptians was far more complex than we sometimes picture it.
The gifting for the temple was simply the people dipping into their savings to give an offering.
Adornment is a totally different issue.
The Tabernacle had an essential role for the Israelites. It was at the center of Israel’s camp, representing God’s importance to the people, who were supposed to be connected to God as their primary motivation for existence.
Good morning, God bless you all.
I am a bit confuse. According to the bible God do not live in structures built by human hands. Why did God request the building of the sanctuary since he was already there during the day and night with his people ?
There's probably more that could be said here, but I would say the main reason was to illustrate the plan of salvation.