Finished Project
I’ve had the privilege to help several buyers work with a builder to build a new home. The plans are drawn with great care and detail. The builder/contractor coordinates several sub-contractors like the plumber, electrician, floor guy, sheetrock guy, etc.…. to complete the job. When the project is close to the finish line, a punch list is made of small details that might have been missed. After the punch list is complete, the different sub-contractors and builder coordinate the completion of the new home. There are lots of eyes on the project and lots of skilled labor during very specific tasks to prepare a new home where a family will reside and makes lots of memories as their kids grow up.
The people of Israel were building a “portable home” for the Lord to dwell among them called the Tabernacle. It could be disassembled and carried with them on their journey to the land the Lord had promised them. The plans were given to Moses, who then relayed them to a guy named, Bezalel. This guy was “uber talented”. He even made a hammered sheet of gold into thread to be woven together with other colors to make Aaron’s clothing. With the completion of the priest’s garments, the project was complete. Check this out….
32 And so at last the Tabernacle was finished. The Israelites had done everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
43 Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the Lord had commanded him, he blessed them. (Exodus 39:32,43 NLT)
The Lord has been very specific about how His people would worship Him. He cared deeply about their preparation and their posture before Him. I think the Lord still cares about my preparation and posture. I believe the Lord wants me to prepare my heart for worship each day as I begin the day. I also believe that the Lord wants me to be humble before Him. When Jesus came to earth and lived a sin-free life, becoming the Ultimate Sacrifice for sin, our worship instructions changed. I believe that when Jesus died and conquered death by His resurrection from the dead, our worship went from formal to informal. There is no longer the need for assistance in worship, we can go directly to God Himself through His Son. Jesus made a way to God that is simple and direct. It is not easy to keep sin in check when following the Lord, but He calls me to that life anyway. I’ve said it many times before that the Lord would rather me worship Him with my body dressed in blue jeans and a shirt, but my heart dressed in a tuxedo.
My heart is definitely a finished product but a work in progress. It looks way different today than it did a few weeks ago. I’m seeking to grow daily in my walk with God. It is a journey in surrender and obedience, dressed in love and grace. My heart is the tabernacle where God is worshipped genuinely.
Pressing On!
Dwayne