Exodus 38:1–20 “At the Altar of Life”

Family/Children’s Resources will resume on Monday, July 28 (due to limited internet access at Youth Short-Term Outreach Trip.)

Explanation:

After the construction of the Tabernacle and all its accompanying furniture and utensils was completed, Moses commanded Ithamar, son of Aaron, to calculate the expenses incurred (v. 21). The people who led the construction of the Tabernacle were Bezalel and Oholiab (vv. 22–23). The amount of gold used in the construction was twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels by the sanctuary shekel (v. 24), which amounts to approximately 600 kilograms—meaning around six hundred 1-kilogram gold bars were used. The amount of silver used was even greater—about 2,000 kilograms (vv. 25–28), and approximately 1,500 kilograms of bronze was used as well (vv. 29–31).

According to one estimate, building the same Tabernacle and furnishings today would cost around 60 million dollars. From a worldly perspective, the Tabernacle was akin to a treasure vault.

Meditation:

The Tabernacle symbolized God’s presence among the people of Israel. It also represented the glory of God. That is why it had to be crafted beautifully and with precision using the most precious materials. Compared to the temples built by the Egyptians, the Tabernacle may have appeared like a mere hut. However, the Tabernacle was constructed from the finest materials that the Israelites voluntarily offered and by the dedicated efforts of skilled artisans who willingly gave their service. While the temples of Egypt were expressions of human vanity, the Tabernacle was a symbol of God’s glory.

“God’s glory” and “human vanity” are easily confused. People often claim they are doing something for the glory of God, when in reality, they are trying to satisfy their own vanity. We often hear claims that the construction of grand and luxurious church buildings is for God’s glory—but God might very well ask, “When did I ever ask you to build Me something like that?” The reason we insist on such things and are easily deceived by them is because vanity exists in all of us. The real challenge lies in the difficulty of discerning between the two.

Jesus showed with His life what it truly means to live for the glory of God. Though He held the position of God, He emptied Himself and came down to the lowest place among people. He did not seek glory from human beings (John 5:41). Jesus turned His eyes away from the places where people sought honor. Instead, He went first to the poor, the powerless, and those living in low and marginalized places—not to the wealthy or the influential. Ultimately, He was nailed to the cross and suffered the most shameful and painful death.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed to God the Father, saying, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” (John 17:1). His death on the cross was the greatest and most glorious act He could offer for God’s glory. When a person is placed in the lowest position from a human perspective, God’s glory is exalted. When someone is in the darkest place, the light of God’s glory shines even brighter.

Prayer: Lord, our hearts are also filled with vanity. Cleanse our hearts with Your Spirit so that we may take up our cross and follow after You. Through our lives, may we be humbled and may You be exalted. We pray in the name of the Lord. Amen.