Thoughts from the EXODUS
The organisation of Israel’s camp was one of the first topics discussed in the book of Numbers. God instructs Israel to record the names of all the warriors by their clans and families and then provides Israel with a layout of how each clan should position themselves relative to the tabernacle.
On the east, toward the sunrise, the divisions of the camp of Judah are to encamp under their standard. The leader of the people of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab…
The Tabernacle takes centre stage. Where your tribe or family lives, is relative to the Tabernacle’s position. And rightfully so, it is the heart of the camp. One could even argue that without the tabernacle, what would be the point of it all? God was so serious about this layout that any unauthorised person who went too close to the Tabernacle was to be put to death.
It gives a brilliant example of how we should lay out our lives… centered around His presence. Around His tabernacle. Without the Tabernacle, nothing in the Israelites’ camp would make sense. They would be a bunch of slaves lost in the desert. With the Tabernacle, they are a bunch of slaves redeemed by a mighty God.
Much like the Israelites, it’s pertinent that God remains at the centre of our lives. That we orientate our existence around Him. Without Him at the centre we are also lost in this desert of life - with Him, we have hope. We are en route to the Promised Land.
How do you know if God’s Tabernacle is at the centre of your camp? Watch your heart. See what brings you the most joy. Your job? Good waves? Respect? And what in your life makes you most frustrated?
In conclusion to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount he said: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” - May the Tabernacle be at the centre of your camp so your life will withstand any storm. Amen!