Read: Numbers 3-4; Psalm 77
Verses chosen for meditation: Numbers 4:4-5 4 This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: the most holy things. 5 When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down the veil of the screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it.
Reflect
As we read Numbers 4:4-15, we came to understand that not only did God gave specific instructions to Moses for the setting up of the Tabernacle, He gave specific instructions for taking it down when they were about to move out as a camp. The setting up and taking down of the Tabernacle started with the Most Holy Place and ended with the Outer Courtyard.
It was to be done this way and no other way. If it was done any other way like how we usually keep things after a church camp, disaster would have struck the priests and the people of Israel. Due care must be taken when all the furnishings were taken down. These were to be carried by the sons of Kohath but they were not to look at the holy things. For these were only reserved for the eyes and hands of the priestly order.
The sequence of setting up and taking down the Tabernacle is significant. The Most Holy Place starts first because symbolically, that was the place where the High Priest made offerings to God on behalf of the nation on the Day of Atonement. It was the holiest of all places in the Tabernacle. It gave Israel the teaching moment that our starting point is always God. Whether we stay at one place or preparing to move out, God is to be sought. He is the Source of who we are and what we do, even on a daily basis.
Relate
When I was studying at Trinity Theological College, I was fascinated by the care one of my lecturers gave to the communion cloth, utensils and elements. He would always make sure that when Holy Communion comes to an end, the covering cloth must be well placed in such a way, that when we look at it from the outside, it was perfectly straightened out without crease.
I used to think that this lecturer was just being “perfectionistic”. Yet, I came to learn that this was not his intention at all. The intention was to create discipleship moments during the Holy Communion Service; that we are to take the things of God very seriously. Just like how God wanted Israel to learn from treating the things of the Tabernacle with great reverence and care; my lecturer was showing us, that as believers, we are to worship God in the same way.
Many years ago, when I was at Batam for a mission trip; I was amazed to find that the locals came in their Sunday best for church services. Long sleeve shirts and pants for men. Long dresses for women. This was despite the very hot and humid weather. Such a picture of reverence was in stark contrast to the Singapore team, who came into the church service with T-shirts and jeans. Some even attempted bermudas. I could have joined the attire of the Singapore team if I was not preaching at the service.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not advocating for a wardrobe change for the sake of church services. I am also not naive to think that what we wear can suitably reflect our attitudes towards God. Yet, the way God wanted the Israelites to abide by how He ordered the setting up and taking down of the Tabernacle; speaks volumes to how we are to treat the “things of God”. This is especially so with regards to our acts of worship. This is especially so on how we serve in ministries and how we behave at the workplace.
God is to be revered. He is the same God then, now and forever. God did not say that the Gospel had set us free to be flippant in our attitudes of worship. In fact it is quite the opposite. Because of what Christ had done on the Cross, we are called to be living sacrifices. We are to worship God in all gratefulness, in truth and in the Spirit.
Rest
Lord, your ways are true. Help me as your child to follow Your ways, rather than to fall into the ways of the world. Give me grace to worship You with a greater sense of reverence. In all that I do, help me in the Spirit, to glorify and not to tarnish Your holy Name. This I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Jason
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