Adventist News Network – September 26, 2025: End it Now Campaign Against Abuse & More Global News |Exodus – Lesson 13.The Tabernacle | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 13.The Tabernacle
A Place of God’s Presence and Salvation
After the exodus from Egypt, God did not lead His people only into freedom but also into deeper fellowship with Himself.
The Tabernacle was the expression of His desire to dwell among His people — in the midst of the camp, at the very center of their lives.
It was a place of worship, forgiveness, and encounter with the holy God.
Every curtain, every piece of furniture, and every ritual carried symbolic meaning and pointed forward to the coming work of Jesus.
This lesson shows how God’s plan of salvation was revealed through the earthly sanctuary and how it continues today in Christ.
The Tabernacle thus stands as a living testimony to God’s nearness, grace, and redemption.
Content:
13.1 The Sabbath of the Lord
Celebrating God’s Presence – Creation, Redemption, and Fellowship
The Sabbath was never merely a Jewish commandment, but a gift of God to humanity from the very beginning.
Even before Sinai, it was sanctified and observed — as a reminder of God’s creation and as a sign of His saving grace.
In connection with the construction of the Tabernacle, the Sabbath is emphasized again, because it carries the same message as the sanctuary itself: God dwells among His people.
The Sabbath directs our gaze toward God — as Creator, Redeemer, and King.
It is not merely a day of rest, but a sacred space in time in which God desires to meet us.
For God’s people, the Sabbath remains a weekly expression of trust, worship, and identity.
13.2 Offerings and the Spirit
Giving with Joy – Serving Filled with the Spirit
In the building of the Tabernacle, the power of a willing and Spirit-filled community became visible.
The Israelites gave not only material goods generously, but also their time, creativity, and skills — all out of love and gratitude toward God.
It was the Holy Spirit who equipped people like Bezalel and Oholiab with wisdom and craftsmanship so that God’s work could be done precisely and beautifully.
This shows that the Holy Spirit works not only through the supernatural but also through practical gifts in daily life.
God’s work succeeds when people offer themselves joyfully and wholeheartedly.
Even today, God calls us to use our gifts — whether spiritual, creative, or organizational — in service to His kingdom.
13.3 The Tabernacle Built
God’s Plan in Detail – A Place of Redemption and Encounter
The construction of the Tabernacle was carried out with extraordinary care and according to exact divine instructions.
This attention to detail shows how important every single element of God’s plan of salvation is.
Nothing was arbitrary — every piece of furniture, every fabric, and every ritual in the sanctuary served to make the gospel tangible and understandable.
The daily and annual services revealed God’s dealing with sin and His grace toward the repentant sinner.
Thus, the Tabernacle became the visible center of God’s presence, righteousness, and forgiveness.
Even today, God invites us to honor His holiness — with hearts ready to meet Him in every area of life.
13.4 God’s Presence in the Tabernacle
A God Who Dwells Among His People
The dedication of the Tabernacle marked the solemn climax of God’s journey with Israel — His presence visibly descended in the form of the cloud by day and the fire by night.
This Shekinah glory showed the Israelites that the Almighty God truly dwelt in their midst.
The Tabernacle was not only a place of worship but also a sign of God’s nearness, guidance, and faithfulness.
As in creation, the work was completed — and God Himself filled the space.
This connection between creation and sanctuary points forward to God’s ultimate dwelling among the redeemed.
Even today, God desires to dwell in the midst of our lives — through His Spirit, His Word, and our communion with Him.
13.5 Jesus Tabernacled With Humanity
God Becomes Human – and Lives Among Us
When Jesus became human, the symbolic meaning of the Old Testament Tabernacle was fulfilled in a unique way: God dwelt among His people.
John describes this with the verb “tabernacled” or “pitched His tent” among us — a direct reference to the Tabernacle, showing that God’s nearness was now made real in the person of Jesus.
In Christ we meet Immanuel — God with us — visible, tangible, full of grace and truth.
Even today, He dwells in and among us through the Holy Spirit and invites us into fellowship with Himself.
In Revelation this promise reaches its fulfillment: God will dwell among His people forever.
This hope strengthens our faith and gives us courage to persevere in trust until the end.
13.6 Summary
God’s Plan: To Dwell Among His People
The Tabernacle was more than just a tent — it was a visible sign of God’s desire to dwell among His people.
It was built with great dedication, through voluntary offerings, and by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, with every detail reflecting God’s plan of redemption.
The Sabbath, the sacrificial system, and the manifestation of God’s presence in the cloud all revealed how closely God was connected with His people.
Everything pointed to Jesus, who eventually “tabernacled” among us as a human being and revealed the glory of God.
In Him, the symbolic promise of the Tabernacle is fulfilled: forgiveness, presence, and fellowship.
The Bible concludes with the ultimate fulfillment of this hope — that God will dwell with the redeemed forever in the New Jerusalem.
🌍 Adventist News Network – September 19, 2025: Adventists mobilize aid after floods in Cape Verde & More Global News
Adventist News Network – September 19, 2025: Adventists mobilize aid after floods in Cape Verde & More Global News |
This week on ANN: |
· Adventists mobilize aid after floods in Cape Verde, cyclists travel to bring health and solidarity to remote communities in Colombia, youth spread love in a large service initiative in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and the president of Ghana requests a partnership with the Adventist Church.
· Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you have to know about what is happening in the church worldwide.
Exodus – Lesson 12. “Please, Show Me Your Glory” | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 12. “Please, Show Me Your Glory”
The Longing for God’s Presence
Moses had already experienced many extraordinary encounters with God — yet his heart longed for more. He did not only want to serve God, but to truly know Him, to understand His nature, and to live in close fellowship with Him.
In the midst of disappointment and spiritual struggle, Moses asked for the highest thing imaginable: “Let me see Your glory!”
This request reveals a deep longing for God’s presence and shows that true spiritual maturity always goes hand in hand with an ever-growing desire for God.
In this lesson, we discover how God reveals Himself — not through spectacular signs, but through the beauty of His character.
Those who perceive the glory of God are themselves transformed and begin to reflect it in their own lives.
Contents:
12.1 The Tent of Meeting
A Place of Nearness – Where God Speaks with Man
The Tent of Meeting was a visible expression that God, despite the people’s apostasy, still desired closeness with them.
It stood outside the camp — a place of separation, yet also of deep fellowship.
There, Moses met with God as a friend speaks with a friend — an astonishing statement of trust and intimacy.
This relationship was not one-sided: Moses actively sought God’s presence, and God responded.
His time with God in the tent transformed him — outwardly and inwardly.
Likewise for us, spiritual growth becomes possible when we deliberately and regularly seek God’s presence.
12.2 That I May Know You
To Know God – Not Just to Know About Him
Moses had already witnessed great miracles and spent much time with God, yet he realized that his understanding of Him was still incomplete.
In deep humility he prayed, “Let me know Your ways, that I may know You.”
This desire was not driven by intellectual curiosity but by a passionate longing for genuine relationship.
Moses understood: only if God’s presence led him could he fulfill his calling.
God responded with grace and a promise to remain with him.
This scene teaches us that spiritual maturity does not mean knowing everything, but continually seeking to know God more deeply.
12.3 “Please, Show Me Your Glory”
Understanding God’s Nature – His Goodness Is His Glory
Moses’ request to see God’s glory came from a deep yearning not just to serve God but to truly know Him.
God granted this request not through a display of overwhelming power, but by revealing His goodness — for that is His true essence.
In doing so, God showed that His glory is found in His patience, grace, and love toward imperfect people.
This divine goodness transforms hearts and leads to repentance.
When we recognize God’s character — most clearly revealed at the cross of Christ — we ourselves are changed.
We too become mirrors of His glory — in our daily life, in our character, and in our relationships with others.
12.4 The Self-Revelation of God
The Name of the LORD – Who God Truly Is
In Exodus 34, God revealed to Moses His true nature — not in the form of an image, but through words describing His identity.
He calls Himself merciful, gracious, patient, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness — a self-description that becomes the core of the biblical message.
This scene is the “John 3:16” of the Old Testament because it shows that God’s glory lies in His character, not merely in His power.
Moses responds with worship, for true knowledge of God always leads to adoration.
In this moment, God also renews His covenant with the people and promises to perform wonders among them — if they remain faithful to Him.
This revelation calls us to know God’s character more deeply and to respond with love and obedience.
12.5 The Shining Face of Moses
Transformed by God’s Presence
The shining of Moses’ face was a visible sign of the inner transformation produced by his deep encounter with God’s goodness and nature.
It was not merely proximity to God, but the conscious recognition and acceptance of His character that brought about this change.
Moses himself was unaware of his radiance — true spiritual maturity often shows itself in humility and unconscious grace.
His glowing face became a mirror of God’s glory and a testimony to the people.
We too can be transformed when we open our hearts and fix our eyes on Christ, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18.
The glory that changes us begins with the recognition of God’s love — and leads to a life that reflects Him.
12.6 Summary
To Know God – and Be Transformed
Lesson 12 reveals Moses’ deep spiritual journey — though he had already experienced much with God, he longed for an even closer relationship with Him.
His plea to see God’s glory sprang from a desire to understand God’s nature more fully.
God responded by revealing not only His power but above all His goodness, grace, and faithfulness — the true core of His glory.
This encounter transformed Moses so profoundly that his face began to shine — a visible sign of inner transformation through God’s presence.
We too are transformed when we seek God not only with our minds but with our hearts.
This lesson invites us to seek God’s nearness, to contemplate His character, and to let Him shape our lives.
🌍 Adventist News Network – September 12, 2025: Medical Team Performed Surgeries that Restored Vision to Dozens & More News
Adventist News Network – September 12, 2025: Medical Team Performed Surgeries that Restored Vision to Dozens & More News |
This week on ANN: |
· Camp brings children together to play and learn in Albania, doctors restore sight to visually impaired patients in Sri Lanka, youth transform the famous tourist city of Cusco, Peru, through service activities, and a new documentary presents real stories of overcoming from Venezuela to Haiti.
· Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you have to know about what is happening in the church worldwide.
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