Beginning With God

God was very clear. He wanted the tabernacle built according to His precise instructions. He gave Moses specific directions regarding its dimensions and the materials used for every part of the construction.

This was to be the place where God would meet with His people. He told Moses, “There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel” (Exodus 25:22).

It was particularly important for the tabernacle to be set up on the “first day of the first month.” Why? Because they were to begin the year by establishing a place where God could speak to them.

This was to be a priority! And it was to be a priority every year.

This provides a powerful message, because the tabernacle represents the various ways and places in which God speaks to us. He speaks during times of private prayer, as well as during church services. He speaks through His Word, as well as through sermons and books. He speaks to us through His Spirit, as well as through dreams and visions.

The one constant is that He calls us to be people who listen and are sensitive to His voice. As Jesus said repeatedly, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).Today, at the beginning of this year, make a commitment to set aside time to be alone with God. Make this commitment a priority—a commitment you renew every day