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EXODUS Part 3-Community Glue!
Input
The glue which binds together the myriads of parts in a Missionary Nation, is Worship.The methods have changed but the principles have not.The teeming hoards of ex-slaves fighting to exist in the desert had to have a focus which united them and held them together as a people.As a travelling nation.their place of worship had to be mobile and the answer was a tent, a "Big Top" to focus worship.The tent or tabernacle was made to house the ark as the centrepiece.This was a box which was made to contain the stone tablets on which were inscribed the 10 Commandments.Nearby was an altar for sacrifices and all the tent fabrics and furnishings are described in Exodus Chapters 24 to 27.Those chosen to lead worship are described in Chapters 28 to 29. The tent of meeting was just outside the camp but the meeting was not for people to meet each other, but to meet God.Chapter 33.
The construction of the tent is described in Chapter 35, but the one overall impact of its purpose was that of a supernatural meting place where an awesome presence was experienced and its effects "rubbed off".(Chapter 33 verses 12 to 23 and Chapter 34 verses 29 to 39).
Discussion
Has modern church worship lost (and is not even aware of the loss of) the sense of an awesome meeting with a personal supernatural God? (Chapter 40 verses 34 to 38).What moments do you remember when you were 'Reached and made aware of God's presence'?
Leadership
While Moses was out of the camp, the people went back to worshipping a golden image. Chapter 32 - (Don't we always?) The classic in all lame excuses is seen in Chapter 32 verses 21 to 24. "..... and out came this calf - just like that!" The heart of a true mediator is seen, however, in Moses' prayer Chapter 32 verses 30 to 32.
Spiritual Gifts
Have Christians relegated spiritual gifts to a too 'churchy' box? Discuss the breadth of these gifts in Chapter 35 verses 10 to 29, and especially Chapter 35 verses 30 to 36!
Strategy
The tabernacle was made to be mobile so that when God moved on they packed up the whole set-up and moved on with God! Since we built fixed premises, have we lost something real, adventurous and progressive which can move?
"We shape our buildings then our buildings shape us", said Churchill. Was he right?
In your prayer time, remember to uplift the needs of your own church.
Optional preparation for the next session
Read Leviticus Chapter 19.
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