God's Holy Home

Recently, I have enjoyed a revised study by Beth Moore, A WOMAN'S HEART-GOD'S DWELLING PLACE. I was somewhat annoyed at first when I realized we were being asked to draw the Tabernacle. Of course, not wanting to be a slacker, I did draw the Tabernacle. Then, in my separate, personal Bible reading today I read a passage from Ezekiel, chapter 43, verses 10 and 11, which I repeat here:

"Son of Man, tell the people of Israel all about the Temple so they'll be dismayed by their wayward lives. Get them to go over the layout. That will bring them up short. Show them the whole plan of the Temple, its ins and outs, the proportions, the regulations, and the laws. Draw a picture so they can see the design and meaning and live by its design and intent."(italics mine; excerpt from The Message.)

Imagine my surprise! Every piece of wood over-laid with gold, the placement of each article and drape carry significant meaning, directing readers to that which our lives must become. And, in addition, we receive an incredible insight on the nature of our Holy God and God's respect for order, beauty and ultimately, holiness.

In my years as a Christian, I had never before been so aware of God's strict but determined intentions for all things to become Holy and that beauty and order come from holiness. Each measurement of the Temple, each article used by the priests for the people has at their main purpose, holiness.

Such should be my life and my heart, God's Holy Home--a love for God and God's Son, a love for God's plans so intentional, so orderly, so beautiful that I, too, might become holy. Now, I know I'll never be holy completely in this life, but to exude holiness and love in part to all creatures would be my ultimate hope.

May it be so, Lord! Oh, let it be so! Amen.