Bible Verse

“…and the altar of incense with its poles; the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; and the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the Tabernacle…” – Exodus 35:15

Reflection

The verse from Exodus 35:15, though seemingly simple and focused on instructions for constructing elements of the Tabernacle, points towards a deeper spiritual significance. It beckons us to reflect on the meticulous care and intention God has for the spaces where we meet Him. The items described— the altar of incense, the fragrant oil, and the curtains—are not just materials, but powerful symbols of the sacred space God desires to create within and among us.

To understand the beauty of this verse, we first need to place ourselves in the context of the Israelites. They were in the desert, a vast and often unsettling wilderness. Yet, even in such a place, God sought to dwell among them, giving precise instructions to Moses to prepare a space worthy of His holiness and presence. This speaks volumes about God’s desire to be intimately involved with His people, no matter where they are physically or spiritually.

The altar of incense represents prayer and worship, rising like fragrant smoke to the heavens. It reminds us that wherever we are, our prayers and worship are cherished by God. Many of us may feel, at times, that our prayers are just whispers in the wind, shadowed by doubts or fears. Yet, Exodus 35:15 reminds us that God treasures these whispers as sacred offerings. They draw us into His presence, transforming our simple acts of faithfulness into divine connection.

Similarly, the anointing oil is more than a mere item; it signifies consecration and blessing. It is a call to holiness, setting us apart for a deeper purpose. In our lives, we often struggle to see how our everyday actions could be connected to the sacredness that God calls us to. But like the anointing oil, our small acts—when done in love and faith—become holy. They carry the aroma of Christ to those around us, spreading God’s grace in the places where we are planted.

The curtain mentioned serves as the entrance to the Tabernacle. It is both a boundary and an invitation. It invites us to leave behind the distractions of the world and enter into a deeper communion with God. Each day, through moments spent in prayer, reading scripture, and seeking God’s guidance, we step past the curtain and into His presence. Here, God encourages us to find rest, renewal, and a refreshed sense of purpose.

In witnessing the dedication God asked of the Israelites in creating the Tabernacle, we learn about the dedication He asks of us in creating a space for Him in our hearts. This verse invites us to build our lives attentively, crafting our thoughts, actions, and relationships as offerings laid before Him. Every detail of our being becomes a part of the sanctuary of our lives, intricately designed for encounters with God.

Closing Thought

In Exodus 35:15, we find the loving invitation of a Creator desiring to reside among His creation. Through our prayers, our consecrated actions, and intentional spaces of worship, we are invited to experience His presence daily. May we be encouraged to construct lives that reflect God’s love and grace, offering ourselves as holy spaces for His abiding presence.