Center Stage
Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch. ~Numbers 2:2
The Book of Numbers derives its name from the fact that God does a meticulous job of numbering the men and tribes of Israel as soon as they have left Egypt and are in the wilderness. The idea of numbering encourages me that God pays careful attention to everyone. In Numbers 2, the entire chapter is devoted to describing how the Tabernacle of God was to be center stage for the people. All twelve tribes were commanded to camp around the Tabernacle with three tribes positioned on the east, south, west, and north. This morning, we want to meditate on the importance of God’s presence being center stage.
There is the significance of the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle represented the presence of God. It was where God met with the high priest who came as the representative of the people. It was where atonement for sin was made. It was where the burnt offering representing the dedication of the believer occurred. It was where the emphasis was on the holiness of God. Without the Tabernacle, Israel had no life. Without the Tabernacle, Israel was exempt from the power and blessing of God. The service of the Tabernacle was continuous. All of the duties of the priests and high priest were to be done carefully and reverently. The Tabernacle reminded the people of the ongoing responsibility of the worship and reverence of God. It served an integral and indispensable role in the life of Israel. In a similar way, we cannot function apart from God’s presence being with us.
There is the centrality of the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle commanded center stage. The tribes pitched their tents around the Tabernacle. Three tribes would be positioned at all four critical positions. They built their lives around God’s presence. Every facet would revolve around the special days, rituals, and ceremonies of the Tabernacle. The Jews built their lives around it. They had little problem remembering the priority of God first. Their tents faced the Tabernacle. Their children would have to pass it every day. It was located where no one would miss it. The secret to a fruitful and enduring Christian life is building our life around God, and not trying to build God around us. The Tabernacle reminded them that God must judge sin, and they needed to be circumspect in what they did and how they conducted themselves. Does the presence of God have center stage in your life? Is it evident that you have been with Jesus?
There is the service of the Tabernacle.
The location of the Tabernacle and the tribes required continuous service. The service of the Tabernacle involved everyone at different levels. Where God’s presence is, there must be the service of his people. We serve him through worship, singing, sacrifices, offerings, care, and attention of the facility. The Tabernacle had higher priority than a person’s home. It is the place where God meets with man. It must be a place where we are always ready for God to do something great in our midst. One of the best ways we can delight ourselves in God’s presence is by serving Him. Are you serving the Lord? At what level are you serving Him? Do you have an area that you are devoted to serving God in each week?
Let’s be conscious of God’s presence in our life. Let’s make sure His presence is always center stage.
Have a Christ-centered God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 8-9