Title: Faith without Depression (Roof of Tabernacle)
Exodus (74) Faith without depression (the roof of the tabernacle) (Exodus 26:1-14)
< A life that can see the center >
When the tabernacle was built, when the tabernacle boards (walls) were completed, a covering was placed over them to make a roof. The roof is made of four layers of cover, and the reason why the four layers are needed is to protect the holy things from the harsh conditions in the wilderness.
The first covering is ‘a fine linen covering embroidered with splendor’ (verses 1-6). The veil was made of finely braided linen and blue, purple, and scarlet threads, elaborately embroidered with cherub angels. So when you look inside the tabernacle, it looks very splendid. The second covering is ‘a covering of goats’ hair in white’ (vv. 7-13). The third covering is “a covering of rams’ skins dyed red” (verse 14). The fourth cover is ‘a cover made of black sea otter skin’. The first and second covers were made of cloth, while the third and fourth were made of leather. Are there any lessons from the tabernacle cover?
From the outside, the tabernacle is covered with black sea otter skin, so it has no splendid shape. However, when you go inside, you will see a group of angels splendidly embroidered on linen. In the same way, the church must have a better appearance than the outer appearance, and the members must have a better heart than the outer heart. Be such a centered and centered saint.
In computer terms, a person with hardware is more blessed than a person without even hardware, a person with software over hardware is more blessed, and a person with content over software is even more blessed. You have to live a centered life with an eye that can see the importance of content rather than the importance of hardware. God uses people who have a heart to do things that others cannot do rather than people who have the ability to do things that others cannot do.
< Faith without depression >
Where did the skin of sea otters (sea seals) come from? It wasn't very difficult to get the skins when you were in Egypt, but it's impossible to get sea seal skins in the desert. Perhaps the skin was taken with them when they came out of Egypt. Sea otter skin was not available in the desert, and it was necessary to make shoes, so it was very valuable. But God commanded us to offer sea otter skins to make the tabernacle strong. Those words are equivalent to saying to the people, “Give up your shoes!”
From a human point of view, it seems too unreasonable. Some Israelites would have said this. "God! We need God too. Why are you making unreasonable demands in this wilderness now? Soon your shoes will wear out. Giving this hide makes us barefoot.” At that time, did God make those who offered sea otter skins barefoot? no.
In Deuteronomy 29:5, Moses said this in his farewell sermon. “The Lord has led you in the wilderness for forty years, and your garments have not worn out, and the sandals of your feet have not worn out.” Even in difficult circumstances, God will never turn away from the devotion of those who dedicate themselves to it. Loyalty will enrich us, and if we trust God absolutely, God will absolutely protect us.
Just as the tabernacle was safe from the rain and wind in the wilderness because it had four layers of cover, no matter how bad the situation is, don't let your faith burn with depression. Then God will absolutely protect our lives, hearts, and families. There are difficult times in life, but that is the perfect opportunity to show your faith. Even in the midst of difficulties, if you keep thinking, “How can I live with more dedication?”, you will not lose joy and your difficulties will soon turn into blessings.