The True Church

“Let all the skilled craftsmen^[b] among you come and make everything that the Lord has commanded: ¹¹ the tabernacle—its tent and covering, its clasps and planks, its crossbars, its posts and bases; ¹² the ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil for the screen; ¹³ the table with its poles, all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; ¹⁴ the lampstand for light with its utensils and lamps as well as the oil for the light; Exodus 35:10-24

This is the very first establishment of the physical tabernacle, Israel’s tent of meeting. Its design is particularly breath taking when you examine it in detail among the scriptures but here I want to look at the people. It was God who called the people to part take in constructing the tabernacle. It was the people who gave their heart in the establishment of the tent of meeting.

In the New Testament we see a similar contrast to how the church should be; For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12. In this chapter alone, Paul is raising a point that all members of the church have their role within the church, roles that have distinguishing responsibilities. But Paul is quick to address that each member of the church is important TO the church! So the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² But even more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary. 1 Corinthians 12:21-22

So as the tabernacle was made with craftsmanship and a heart to serve the Lord, so now the church has been established by what Christ has done, we have each been given gifts to serve the Lord, so that we may use these gifts for the purpose of building up the church! So the true church looks like a body that serves Christ with all its members giving glory by virtue of using their gifts and talents, each to their own as God Himself has provided for. Church is not just a ‘tent of meeting’, it’s a place of building each other up, encouraging one another in the faith! The Lord requires every brother and sister in Christ to be obedient, praying for the church, seeking to serve the church in every way with a contented and joyful attitude founded in all that Christ has done.