This passage today doesn’t read like a devotion at first. It is more like a plan a builder was to follow, and indeed it was. However, these verses describe what kept God’s Tabernacle upright in the desert, so hold that thought for a moment.
“Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide,17 with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 18 Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle 19 and make forty silver bases to go under them—two bases for each frame, one under each projection. 20 For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases—two under each frame. 22 Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, 23 and make two frames for the corners at the far end. 24 At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that. 25 So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame. 26 “Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. 28 The centre crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.” (Exodus 26 v 15-29)
Today, do you feel insecure? Or shaken up in some way? You have just read how God built His Tabernacle to stand firm. He has been building your life to do the same, and He is still doing so. You have a sure foundation, and where you feel weakest, God strengthens you. If you feel like you are falling apart and struggling to stand, these verses are for you.
- Acacia was a tough desert wood that could survive harsh conditions. God is growing that kind of strength in you. (v15)
- The crossbars bound the frames together, and the centre bar ran from end to end. God is holding everything together when you can’t. (v26-28)
- Plain wood was overlaid with gold. God takes ordinary, weary lives like ours and covers them with His glory. (v29)
The tabernacle was built in the wilderness, and against all the elements, it stood because God designed it to.
The same is true for you. The storm may be real, but God has built you, and He’s holding you together. You’re held by the One who never lets go.
