They longed for...
In this chapter the Lord gives instruction to build the altar of burnt offerings, the courtyard, and how to care for the lampstand in the tabernacle. You may not think this has significance but let me assure you it does.
"And you shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits." Ex 27:1
As you entered the courts you would see the altar of burnt offerings. This is where you would make your sacrifice to the Lord for your sins. The court of the tabernacle was longed for by the Israelites. They wanted to make amends for their sin and come into the presence of the Lord. It began in the courts.
Psalm 84:2 says, "My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God."
There was a longing for the purity and presence of the Lord. What about for you and me, do we long for His presence? Jesus has made a way for us to continually be in His presence. May we long for His presence and He not be a task on our list to check off. The Father loves us. I pray we love Him with the same love He lavishes upon us.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.