Because of the constant failure of the people, the tabernacle and its strange sacrifice rituals and theology of atonement is hugely important. The tabernacle is the embodiment of the promise that God will be present with believers and remains present even in the midst of our human failure and guilt. As you read about the tabernacle, remember these words of Paul: 

 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:   "For your sake we face death all day long;  we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." RO 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)

 Surely Jesus Christ is One with the God of Love, the great “I AM.”  He who was from the beginning is now and ever shall be! Amen!

 The New Testament will further develop the covenantal theme born in Exodus (see Eph. 2:8 and 1 Cor. 15:56-57).  God today as then is determined to redeem us from sin, injustice and death.

 As you read, ponder these questions:

 What kind of person does Moses appear to be?  Notice that he was a murderer.  What does this tell you about God’s choices of those whom He calls?

 Wonder about Exodus 10:27. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Does God harden hearts today?

 Notice the basic elements of the Passover celebration in Exodus 12. Reflect on the meaning of the blood in light of Christ’s sacrifice.  In ancient Israel, the death of the first born symbolized the death of the entire family.  How does this influence your understanding of the cross?

 What speaks to you the most as you read these passages?

For more on Exodus, click on Exodus 15 & 16, Exodus 17-19 or Exodus 20-25.