Living in the Tabernacle – Thoughts of Seeking Jesus From the Edges –

Living in the Tabernacle

Pastor Calvin J. Cook

February 5, 2026

Scripture: “Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8

I am preparing for this week’s preaching and teaching and the focus for the week of making room for God and preparing a tabernacle where we can live with God.

There is a difference between knowing about God and living with God.

In Exodus, God does not wait until the people of Israel reach the Promised Land before inviting them into deeper relationship. Just like us they were still wondering around, still trying to figure God out and what a relationship with God was all about. God breaks into the scene and says, “Make me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among you.”

God shows the desire to be present and in relationship, a close relationship with the people.  To me this becomes the heart and purpose of tabernacle living.

The tabernacle was not placed at the edge of town or the weekly hour worship. It was at the center. Everything, every step, every daily rhythm was centered around the presence of God. Worship was not something they practiced for and planned for it was a foundation that brought them to a holy place which became their foundation.

Tabernacle living invites us to ask an honest question: Is God at the center of my life, or simply part of my routine?

God also makes it clear that His dwelling place is built from willing, receiving, and giving hearts.

The story does not end in Exodus. John tells us that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus steps fully into our lives. No meeting to plan what we are going to do, no training, no clearances. Not a far-off God, a God who is with us, walking our roads and carrying our burdens.

Today, tabernacle living continues through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our lives become the dwelling place of God. Faith moves beyond a building or a schedule and settles into everyday moments, kitchen tables, small group gatherings, after school programs, one on one conversations, and quiet moments of prayers.

Stepping into tabernacle living does not require perfection. It begins with availability. A willing heart. An open life. A decision to make room for God, not just in worship, but in how we live.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to make room for You. Reorder my life around what matters most. Meet me in the middle of my journey and make my life a dwelling place for Your glory. Amen.