2.13.11 "The DREAM Tabernacle"

"The DREAM Tabernacle"

Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8

We are currently reading the part of the book of Exodus that deals with the instructions for building the tabernacle. This is often a portion of scripture that is more "endured" than studied. Many get bored with all of the details of how everything was done. As we've been discovering in the current sermon series, "Lessons from the Tent", There's great significance in the symbolism of those details that apply to our lives today. There's a verse in today's reading that I love.

"Come, all of you who are skilled craftsmen having special talents, and construct what God has commanded us:" Ex. 35:10

You're probably wondering why I like this scripture so much. To me, this scripture is exciting because of the implications of it. Let's look at it through "DREAM Goggles":

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - We know that the essence of worship is obedience. Those who come to construct are doing "what God has commanded us." They are walking in obedience. They are worshiping through this obedience.

Relationships Devoted to Unity - "Come all of you..." For the people to accomplish this project, they must work together. As we read in the following chapters, there were foremen put in charge of various tasks, etc. Remember that the essence of Unity is Submission. To accomplish what God had called them to do, they had to submit to God-appointed authority.

Empowered through Biblical Training - "... skilled craftsmen..." This one may not be so obvious, but knowing that the principle of "E" is discipline, we can see this principle applied to the lives of the craftsmen. Biblical training is foremost the studying of scripture, but it also encompasses the discipline necessary to "show thyself approved". It includes the discipline necessary to hone whatever gift or ability God has given. These craftsmen were Empowered through the training they had received.

Active Ministry Involvement - "... having special talents..." This is the most obvious of the application of the DREAM principles. The people were commanded to use the gifts they had received to participate in what God had directed them to do. As we see in chapter 36, EVERYONE took part in this. Sure, the most "talented" were given the oversight, but the people were giving from what they had. This included, incense, cloth, and many other resources. The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. God's people were being responsible with their resources. What I think is so cool is that when everyone responded this way, there was more than enough. in fact, in 36:7 it says, "Then at last the people were restrained from bringing more!" Wouldn't that be awesome? God's people expressing such generosity that all the needs are met and overflowing!

Mission to Reach our World for Christ - This is the fruit of all things working together. Why were they doing what they were doing? So God could dwell among them. So the world could see that these people served a God of wonders. The intricate design of the tabernacle was in itself a testimony of his greatness. It brought glory to his name. The principle of our Mission is "Purpose". We must never lose sight that in all we do, the purpose is to reach our world for Christ.

It's awesome to read of God's people living the DREAM! Let's be people who live the DREAM! We need to not just read scriptures and go through motions, we need to get intense about applying it to our lives. It's one thing to have a great tool in your tool box. It's another thing to know how to use it! We must use the tools God has given us to change the world. This is our purpose! This is what it means to Live the DREAM!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

--