#1538. I WILL DWELL AMONG THEM (23/6/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (currently posted on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) as we continue our series: I Will Dwell Among Them. 

Today, we reflect on the truth:

God dwelt in a special way in the Tabernacle and Temple, but these foreshadow His dwelling in His people - the church

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Why does God ask for a ‘sanctuary’ to be built?

The word ‘Tabernacle’ - ‘mishkan’ - means a dwelling place. The word ‘sanctuary’ - ‘miqdash’ - means a sacred place, a place set apart for God’s holy presence. So we see that God dwelling among the people of God was central to His will and their identity. 

But why ask for a sanctuary to be built? Why not just dwell among them? Why this desire for a physical structure? 

I believe that the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, we more for us than for God. What I mean is, these structures communicated something about God’s nature and purpose to the people at that time. Rather than simply saying, "God is with us," the Tabernacle proclaimed it in architectural and physical form. Every time the Israelites saw it at the centre of the camp, they were reminded that they were God's covenant people and that He dwelt among them.

The physical structure reminded them that they were a people with God at its heart - they were a chosen people. The structure's design and use reminded the people of God’s holiness and that they were to ‘fear’ Him. 

Whilst today, we do not have a physical structure that speaks to us of God’s presence and nature among us, we do have two ‘physical’ things: Baptism and Communion. These practices remind us of God’s nature, the nature of salvation and that He dwells among us. 

   Israel were  promised that God would dwell among them in the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, in a special way (Exodus 25:8, 29:45). We read, of the coming of God’s presence after the Tabernacle had been completed - may we be inspired by this vision:

This, however, was  a foreshadowing of how God would dwell among His people - how He now dwells among Christians. 

We are not to hanker after building stone temples! There are no buildings in which God dwells in a special way. Christians understand that The Holy Spirit has been poured out, and He now indwells His people - we are His holy temple. 

Response

God dwelt in a special way in the Tabernacle and Temple, but these foreshadow His dwell in His people - the church.

• Firstly, let’s, while appreciating good and inspiring architecture, never think of a building or a place as giving us any greater access to God - access to God’s presence is entirely through faith in Christ!

• Secondly, let’s love and respect God’s temple - let’s understand our own value, and the value of all Christians.

• Finally, when we come together, let’s do so, and be inspired to do so, because we know that God is present with us. 

This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of CCP; to watch our anniversary video, please select the link below:

Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we began our I WILL DWELL AMONG THEM series, reflecting on God’s design for the Tabernacle and how this speaks to us of how we are to seek to build the church. 

Please read Exodus 25:1-9 and discuss:

1. Personal Reflection – What particularly inspired or challenged you from Sunday’s message? How did God speak to you through it?

2. Building Through Stewardship – What do these verses teach us about how God involves His people, through stewardship and generosity, in building His house? Why do you think God, who owns all things, chooses to involve us in His work? (See 2 Corinthians 9:7.)

3. God’s Desire – What does verse 8 teach us about God’s heart and His desire for relationship with His people?

4. God’s Presence – What promise is found in verses 8–9? How is this promise fulfilled in Exodus 40:34–38?

5. Building According to God’s Pattern – Read 1 Peter 2:5 and 1 Corinthians 3:16. What do these passages teach us about God’s dwelling place in the New Testament? How are we to build the church according to God’s plan and not our own ideas?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From Exodus 25:1-9, Why will building the church according to God’s plan lead to evangelistic fruitfulness? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the “people of peace” in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and trut