I love to imagine what this part must have been like as I read Exodus 35. Where before we were standing at the entrance to our own tents watching as Moses entered the tent outside the camp and God’s Presence was there like a cloud…and seeing that when Moses emerges from that tent his face is radiant (Exodus 34:35); now Moses has assembled the whole community and shares all that God has instructed him – the Sabbath regulations and what is needed to make the beautiful tabernacle where God’s Presence will dwell with them. I love this part! Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. v. 20-21. Imagine! They get to participate in something God has asked them to do! I can just see them turning en mass and talking and sharing what they will share for God and the excitement in the air! Let’s do this!

As I was praying after reading this Chapter, I couldn’t help but think about my grandmother who we were blessed to spend the summer days with one summer when we lived close to them. She was love! She loved creativity, and cooking for people, and laughing. She inspired our imaginations and we were free to be kids and explore. She encouraged me to go with a neighbor friend to her church for Vacation Bible School. It was so much fun as we crafted simple things and learned children’s Bible stories. We participated in delighting in God. As I was remembering all of these very special memories, I felt as though my heart was radiant. God was reminding me to love…to be kind-hearted…to be gentle.

There is such a stark difference in what is happening in this world today. How often do you hear the encouragement to love one another? When was the last time you were excited to participate with God in anything He was doing? When was the last time you felt a child’s joy in life and possibility? When was the last time most children could feel that? “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 49:18-19. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 21:3-6.

Our ancestors had the immense privilege of participating with God with willing hearts and they were excited! It swept through the camp and they knew love that only comes from God. I imagine they held onto that memory in the years to come just as I hold on to the memory of my grandmother’s love and my participation with her in learning what love is. Love is kind. Love is gentle-minded. Love is faithful and giving and above all…joyous. One day we will each of us be able to participate with God in His abundant love for each of us and blessing of blessings…with our love for Him. That’s a future time that I long for. Today…I participate with Him and with His help, I see His love for each of us. I hold onto that truth…I cling to it!! It sustains me when the world doesn’t look very loving. Take His hand and hold fast to Him. He is our truth eternal and joy!