#1539. BUILD ACCORDING TO GOD’S EXACT PATTERN (24/6/26)

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 had a pattern for building the Tabernacle and Temple, likewise, He has a pattern for building His New Covenant house - the church. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. What is significant about God's design—His pattern—for His house?

In the design of the Tabernacle, God instructed Israel to use around fifteen different materials in its construction. He commanded them to build everything according to His "pattern" (tavnit)—His plan, design, or model. This word suggests that the Tabernacle was not an end in itself, but a representation of a greater reality. It was a copy of the true dwelling place of God and was intended to reveal something of what heaven is like. It also pointed forward to God's ultimate purpose: that His presence would one day fill the whole earth, making all creation His temple.

We read in Hebrews:

The design of the Tabernacle also intentionally echoes the Garden of Eden, where God dwelt with humanity before the fall.

Its entrance faced east, meaning worshippers entered from the east and moved westward towards God's presence in the Most Holy Place. This mirrors humanity's longing to return to the fellowship with God that was lost through sin. In this way, the Tabernacle becomes a picture of God restoring access to His presence.

The cherubim woven into the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place remind us of the cherubim who guarded the way back to Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled (Genesis 3:24).

The seven-branched lampstand (the menorah), with its branches, buds, blossoms, and tree-like design, is understood by many scholars to represent the trees of Eden, and especially the Tree of Life.

The extensive use of gold and precious stones also points back to Eden. These materials reflect the beauty and glory associated with God's creation and presence. Significantly, Genesis tells us that the land surrounding Eden contained gold and precious stones (Genesis 2:11–12), suggesting that the Tabernacle was designed to evoke the splendour of God's original dwelling place with humanity.

Taken together, these features reveal that the Tabernacle was more than a place of worship. It was a symbolic Eden—a picture of God's desire to dwell among His people and a foretaste of the day when His presence will once again fill all creation.

2. What is the pattern that we are to follow in building God’s church?

The amount of detail God gave for the construction of the Tabernacle shows that worship and God's dwelling place are not matters of human invention. Moses was instructed to build according to God's pattern, not his own ideas. Likewise, if we are to build God's dwelling today—the church—we must look to God's Word and follow His design rather than our preferences.

Peter applies this temple imagery directly to believers:

From this passage we see several essential features of God's blueprint for His church:

i. Built on Christ

The church is founded upon Christ, the "living Stone." He is the cornerstone and centre of God's dwelling. Everything we do is acceptable to God only through Him.

ii. Alive in Christ

God's temple is made up of "living stones." Membership in God's house is not based on attendance, tradition, or heritage, but on spiritual life received through faith in Christ.

iii. Built together in love

Peter does not describe isolated stones scattered across a field, but stones being built together into a single house. God's design is that believers are united, devoted to one another, and committed to building one another up in love.

iv. A dwelling place for God

The church is a "spiritual house"—a place where God dwells by His Spirit. We should therefore value His presence, seek His leading, and cultivate lives and gatherings that welcome His work among us.

v. A holy priesthood

God's vision for His people is holiness. We are set apart for Him and called to serve Him as priests, devoted to prayer, worship, and ministry.

vi. Offering spiritual sacrifices

The purpose of the priesthood is worship. As God's people, we offer spiritual sacrifices through Christ—our praise, prayers, obedience, generosity, and lives surrendered to God.

Response

God had a pattern for building the Tabernacle and Temple, likewise, He has a pattern for building His New Covenant house - the church. 

It is exciting to know that God has a vision for His church. The same God who raised up Moses and inspired His people to give, serve, and build the Tabernacle is still at work today. As we make ourselves available to Him with humility, faith, and prayer, we can expect Him to build His house and display His glory through His church in our generation. 

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