Exodus 25:8

A way that I study the Bible is to go through the Bible in it's entirety, so that I can see the common threads between the Old and New Testaments and how God loves and communicates with us. Up until now, I was always stumped over Exodus 25:8-9: 8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you." As you continue to read through chapters 25, 26, 27, you are amazed at God's absolute details of how he wants the tabernacle and its contents to be made and how it is all to look. Why? I ask myself. Why this strict attention to construction? Why not have the Israelites design and build it themselves? Why not have them use their own creativity? Well it occurred to me, (and I'm sure I'm not the only one who came to this conclusion) is that God is in control and he knows perfection. The tabernacle was to be holy and perfect  in design, just as we are to him. As he dwelt in the tabernacle, so he now dwells in us through his Holy Spirit. He wanted his tabernacle then to be pure, perfect, and constructed according to his design, and now, he wants us  to be pure, perfect, and constructed according to his design he dwells in us. And just as in those days so long ago, he gives us the tools through his Word and teachers to help us achieve that level of truth and sanctification. If the tabernacle design and construction was left up to the ancient Israelites, they would boast over their own imaginations and talents and no doubt there would be a lot of squabbling of how things should be done and who was the boss. If living our lives is up to us, without faith in God, we are leaning on our imaginations and talents. In time, the facade will crack. It always does.