Exodus 35 — Thoughts

Is the Tabernacle like the Cross?

The Tabernacle was to be a “house for God.” As a representation of God’s presence with His people, it was a symbol of their relationship — but it cost something.

Exodus tells us the Israelites brought gold, silver, bronze, blue yarn, purple yarn, scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, durable leather, acacia wood, olive oil, spices and onyx stones.

And here’s the part that stands out to me: “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting.”

When Aaron made the calf idol for the Israelites, he commended them to bring him their gold jewelry. But now, the people were volunteering. Their willing sacrifice created the symbol of their relationship with God.

In the New Testament, Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross. He knew it was coming (Matthew 16:21) and He let it happen (Matthew 26:39). And because He did that, the cross is now the new symbol of our relationship with God. It also cost something, but Jesus paid that price for us.