January 30
Today’s Reading
Exodus 25–27
Acts 6
⸻
Scripture Focus
“Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.”
— Exodus 25:8–9 (NLT)
⸻
Reflection
THE HEART OF GOD
Sanctuary = a holy, set-apart place.
God is saying:
“Prepare a place where I can dwell.”
This points to:
• Jesus — God with us (John 1:14)
• Us — now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16)
“So I can live among them”
This is the Gospel in one sentence.
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire is:
To dwell with His people.
• Eden → God walked with Adam
• Tabernacle → God dwelled in the camp
• Jesus → God tabernacled in flesh
• Church → God dwells in us
• Heaven → God dwells with us forever (Revelation 21:3)
God did not say:
“Build something meaningful to you.”
He said:
“Follow My pattern.”
Because:
• God is holy
• Sin cannot enter His presence
• There is only one way to come to Him
The pattern is Jesus.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
— John 14:6
“They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.”
— Hebrews 8:5
This was not about a building.
It was about bringing a holy God near to broken people.
Every step, every furnishing, every drop of blood was pointing forward to one perfect way — Jesus.
⸻
The Tabernacle Was:
• A visual Gospel
• A God-given road map to know Jesus
• A shadow of Christ’s finished work
God was not hiding His Son — He was revealing Him in advance.
When Jesus came, no people on earth should have recognized Him more than Israel.
God had already shown them the pattern — in fabric, gold, blood, light, and bread.
The Tabernacle was a preview of the Messiah.
They had been walking past His picture for generations.
Yet many missed Him — not because the road map was unclear,
but because their hearts were looking for a different kind of King.
As you read the descriptions in Exodus, don’t rush past the details.
God was painting a picture — not just of heaven, but of His Son.
What once looked like measurements now becomes mercy.
What once looked like furniture now becomes faith.
Each piece below is one step on the road God laid down —
not to a tent, but to a Savior.
⸻
Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle
(Read this first. Then read Exodus 25–27.)
God said to build everything exactly as He showed Moses — because every piece was a shadow of Jesus (Hebrews 8:5).
Nothing was random. Nothing was decorative.
Every detail preached the Gospel.
⸻
1) The Ark of the Covenant
Wood overlaid with gold
• Wood = Jesus’ humanity
• Gold = Jesus’ divinity
Inside the Ark
• Manna → Jesus the Bread of Life
• Aaron’s budding rod → Resurrection life
• Tablets of the Law → Jesus fulfilled the Law
➡️ The Ark represents Jesus Himself.
⸻
2) The Mercy Seat (Atonement Cover)
Pure gold
This is where blood was sprinkled for sin.
“I will meet with you there…” (Exodus 25:22)
➡️ Jesus is our place of atonement (Romans 3:25).
God meets us through His blood.
⸻
3) The Cherubim
Facing the mercy seat.
➡️ Heaven’s focus is redemption.
Even angels long to look into salvation (1 Peter 1:12).
⸻
4) The Table of Showbread
Acacia wood overlaid with gold
“Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before Me at all times.”
— Exodus 25:30
• 12 loaves = God’s people
• Always before the Lord = continual provision
➡️ Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
⸻
5) The Golden Containers
Bowls, pitchers, jars — all pure gold
➡️ God deserves our best, not leftovers.
Jesus poured Himself out completely for us.
⸻
6) The Golden Lampstand (Menorah)
Made from one piece of pure gold.
Details
• Shaft = Christ
• 6 branches = the Church
• Almond buds, blossoms, flowers = life, resurrection, fruitfulness
• Almond tree blooms first = new life
• Pomegranates (priestly garments) = fruit, abundance, God’s Word within
➡️ Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
Light is not meant to be admired — it is meant to guide.
God was not decorating the Tabernacle.
He was illuminating the way to His heart.
⸻
7) The Altar of Burnt Offering
Where blood was shed.
➡️ Points to the cross.
⸻
8) The Courtyard Gate
Only one entrance.
➡️ Jesus is the Door (John 10:9).
⸻
9) The Colors
• Blue = Heaven
• Purple = Royalty
• Scarlet = Blood
• White = Righteousness
➡️ Heaven’s King shed His blood to make us righteous.
⸻
This was never about gold, fabric, or furniture.
It was about God making a way to dwell with His people —
and that way has always been Jesus.
Lesson for Me
God does not want to be distant from me — He wants to dwell with me.
He has always made a way for His people to come near, and that way is Jesus.
When I follow His pattern instead of my own, I don’t lose freedom — I find life.
God is not asking me to build something impressive for Him,
He is asking me to prepare a holy place in my heart where He can live, lead, and reign.
The same God who filled the Tabernacle with His glory
now desires to fill my life with His presence.
⸻
Application Questions
1.In what areas of my life have I been trying to approach God in my own way instead of His?
2.What does “preparing a dwelling place” for God look like in my daily life?
3.Which piece of the Tabernacle spoke most to my heart — and why?
4.Where is God inviting me to surrender so He can dwell more fully in me?
5.What is one step I can take this week to follow His pattern more closely?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for desiring to dwell with me.
Thank You for making a way through Jesus when I could never come to You on my own.
Cleanse my heart.
Align my life with Your pattern.
Help me to surrender what does not honor You
so You can make Your home in me.
I want to be a holy dwelling place for Your presence.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
⸻
Takeaway
God has always wanted to live with His people —
and He has always made the way through Jesus.
When I follow His pattern, I don’t just know about Him…
I walk with Him.
⸻
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus.
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about what you read today.
Write until your thoughts pause. Then reread what you wrote.
Begin with:
“My little lamb…” or “Dear daughter…”
Ask Him:
What do You want to change in me?
What do You want to strengthen in me?
Today’s Reading
Exodus 25–27
Acts 6
⸻
Scripture Focus
“Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.”
— Exodus 25:8–9 (NLT)
⸻
Reflection
THE HEART OF GOD
Sanctuary = a holy, set-apart place.
God is saying:
“Prepare a place where I can dwell.”
This points to:
• Jesus — God with us (John 1:14)
• Us — now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16)
“So I can live among them”
This is the Gospel in one sentence.
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire is:
To dwell with His people.
• Eden → God walked with Adam
• Tabernacle → God dwelled in the camp
• Jesus → God tabernacled in flesh
• Church → God dwells in us
• Heaven → God dwells with us forever (Revelation 21:3)
God did not say:
“Build something meaningful to you.”
He said:
“Follow My pattern.”
Because:
• God is holy
• Sin cannot enter His presence
• There is only one way to come to Him
The pattern is Jesus.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
— John 14:6
“They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.”
— Hebrews 8:5
This was not about a building.
It was about bringing a holy God near to broken people.
Every step, every furnishing, every drop of blood was pointing forward to one perfect way — Jesus.
⸻
The Tabernacle Was:
• A visual Gospel
• A God-given road map to know Jesus
• A shadow of Christ’s finished work
God was not hiding His Son — He was revealing Him in advance.
When Jesus came, no people on earth should have recognized Him more than Israel.
God had already shown them the pattern — in fabric, gold, blood, light, and bread.
The Tabernacle was a preview of the Messiah.
They had been walking past His picture for generations.
Yet many missed Him — not because the road map was unclear,
but because their hearts were looking for a different kind of King.
As you read the descriptions in Exodus, don’t rush past the details.
God was painting a picture — not just of heaven, but of His Son.
What once looked like measurements now becomes mercy.
What once looked like furniture now becomes faith.
Each piece below is one step on the road God laid down —
not to a tent, but to a Savior.
⸻
Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle
(Read this first. Then read Exodus 25–27.)
God said to build everything exactly as He showed Moses — because every piece was a shadow of Jesus (Hebrews 8:5).
Nothing was random. Nothing was decorative.
Every detail preached the Gospel.
⸻
1) The Ark of the Covenant
Wood overlaid with gold
• Wood = Jesus’ humanity
• Gold = Jesus’ divinity
Inside the Ark
• Manna → Jesus the Bread of Life
• Aaron’s budding rod → Resurrection life
• Tablets of the Law → Jesus fulfilled the Law
➡️ The Ark represents Jesus Himself.
⸻
2) The Mercy Seat (Atonement Cover)
Pure gold
This is where blood was sprinkled for sin.
“I will meet with you there…” (Exodus 25:22)
➡️ Jesus is our place of atonement (Romans 3:25).
God meets us through His blood.
⸻
3) The Cherubim
Facing the mercy seat.
➡️ Heaven’s focus is redemption.
Even angels long to look into salvation (1 Peter 1:12).
⸻
4) The Table of Showbread
Acacia wood overlaid with gold
“Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before Me at all times.”
— Exodus 25:30
• 12 loaves = God’s people
• Always before the Lord = continual provision
➡️ Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
⸻
5) The Golden Containers
Bowls, pitchers, jars — all pure gold
➡️ God deserves our best, not leftovers.
Jesus poured Himself out completely for us.
⸻
6) The Golden Lampstand (Menorah)
Made from one piece of pure gold.
Details
• Shaft = Christ
• 6 branches = the Church
• Almond buds, blossoms, flowers = life, resurrection, fruitfulness
• Almond tree blooms first = new life
• Pomegranates (priestly garments) = fruit, abundance, God’s Word within
➡️ Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
Light is not meant to be admired — it is meant to guide.
God was not decorating the Tabernacle.
He was illuminating the way to His heart.
⸻
7) The Altar of Burnt Offering
Where blood was shed.
➡️ Points to the cross.
⸻
8) The Courtyard Gate
Only one entrance.
➡️ Jesus is the Door (John 10:9).
⸻
9) The Colors
• Blue = Heaven
• Purple = Royalty
• Scarlet = Blood
• White = Righteousness
➡️ Heaven’s King shed His blood to make us righteous.
⸻
This was never about gold, fabric, or furniture.
It was about God making a way to dwell with His people —
and that way has always been Jesus.
Lesson for Me
God does not want to be distant from me — He wants to dwell with me.
He has always made a way for His people to come near, and that way is Jesus.
When I follow His pattern instead of my own, I don’t lose freedom — I find life.
God is not asking me to build something impressive for Him,
He is asking me to prepare a holy place in my heart where He can live, lead, and reign.
The same God who filled the Tabernacle with His glory
now desires to fill my life with His presence.
⸻
Application Questions
1.In what areas of my life have I been trying to approach God in my own way instead of His?
2.What does “preparing a dwelling place” for God look like in my daily life?
3.Which piece of the Tabernacle spoke most to my heart — and why?
4.Where is God inviting me to surrender so He can dwell more fully in me?
5.What is one step I can take this week to follow His pattern more closely?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for desiring to dwell with me.
Thank You for making a way through Jesus when I could never come to You on my own.
Cleanse my heart.
Align my life with Your pattern.
Help me to surrender what does not honor You
so You can make Your home in me.
I want to be a holy dwelling place for Your presence.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
⸻
Takeaway
God has always wanted to live with His people —
and He has always made the way through Jesus.
When I follow His pattern, I don’t just know about Him…
I walk with Him.
⸻
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus.
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about what you read today.
Write until your thoughts pause. Then reread what you wrote.
Begin with:
“My little lamb…” or “Dear daughter…”
Ask Him:
What do You want to change in me?
What do You want to strengthen in me?
Acts Chapter 6
Scripture Focus
“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
— Acts 6:8 (NLT)
⸻
Reflection
I have personally seen this happen many times — people wanting the pastor to be everywhere and do everything. They often admire a pastor who shows up to every event, leads every ministry, and takes on every responsibility.
But what many do not realize is that God never designed the church to function that way.
The pastor is gifted and called to pray, study, and faithfully teach the Word of God. That calling carries a holy weight. When the pastor is pulled in every direction, it affects the very thing God has entrusted him to do.
Acts 6 shows us God’s design. The apostles recognized that while serving was important, their primary calling was to prayer and the ministry of the Word. At the same time, they understood that every believer has been gifted by God and that the church grows best when the whole body works together.
So they chose seven men — not just anyone — but men who were well respected, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom. These men served faithfully, allowing the apostles to remain focused on their calling.
When each person served according to the gifts God had given them, the church did not weaken — it grew. Peace was restored, and the Word of God continued to spread.
Stephen is a powerful example of this truth. He began by serving, yet he walked in great spiritual power. When God used him to advance the Kingdom, opposition came. But there was nothing in his life that could be used against him truthfully. The only way his enemies could attack him was through lies.
This reminds us how vital our personal witness is. When our lives reflect Christ, the Gospel is protected, even in the face of opposition.
⸻
Lesson for Me
God has given each of us gifts and callings within the body of Christ.
When we serve where God has gifted us — and honor how He has gifted others — the church becomes strong, healthy, and unified.
My faithfulness matters, not because of recognition, but because I am serving the living God.
⸻
Examine My Own Heart
• Am I allowing my expectations of others to distract from my own calling?
• Am I serving where God has gifted me, or am I expecting others to do what I should be doing?
• Do I honor and pray for those God has called to teach and lead?
• Does my life support the message of the Gospel?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for designing Your church with wisdom and purpose.
Help me to walk faithfully in the gifts You have given me and to honor the callings of others.
Guard my heart and my witness so I bring glory to You in how I serve.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
⸻
This now starts where you live, teaches what Scripture shows, and ends where the heart must respond.
Scripture Focus
“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
— Acts 6:8 (NLT)
⸻
Reflection
I have personally seen this happen many times — people wanting the pastor to be everywhere and do everything. They often admire a pastor who shows up to every event, leads every ministry, and takes on every responsibility.
But what many do not realize is that God never designed the church to function that way.
The pastor is gifted and called to pray, study, and faithfully teach the Word of God. That calling carries a holy weight. When the pastor is pulled in every direction, it affects the very thing God has entrusted him to do.
Acts 6 shows us God’s design. The apostles recognized that while serving was important, their primary calling was to prayer and the ministry of the Word. At the same time, they understood that every believer has been gifted by God and that the church grows best when the whole body works together.
So they chose seven men — not just anyone — but men who were well respected, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom. These men served faithfully, allowing the apostles to remain focused on their calling.
When each person served according to the gifts God had given them, the church did not weaken — it grew. Peace was restored, and the Word of God continued to spread.
Stephen is a powerful example of this truth. He began by serving, yet he walked in great spiritual power. When God used him to advance the Kingdom, opposition came. But there was nothing in his life that could be used against him truthfully. The only way his enemies could attack him was through lies.
This reminds us how vital our personal witness is. When our lives reflect Christ, the Gospel is protected, even in the face of opposition.
⸻
Lesson for Me
God has given each of us gifts and callings within the body of Christ.
When we serve where God has gifted us — and honor how He has gifted others — the church becomes strong, healthy, and unified.
My faithfulness matters, not because of recognition, but because I am serving the living God.
⸻
Examine My Own Heart
• Am I allowing my expectations of others to distract from my own calling?
• Am I serving where God has gifted me, or am I expecting others to do what I should be doing?
• Do I honor and pray for those God has called to teach and lead?
• Does my life support the message of the Gospel?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for designing Your church with wisdom and purpose.
Help me to walk faithfully in the gifts You have given me and to honor the callings of others.
Guard my heart and my witness so I bring glory to You in how I serve.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
⸻
This now starts where you live, teaches what Scripture shows, and ends where the heart must respond.