(Excerpt from oour book, Tales From Heritage Farm)

The Tabernacle was the specific spot where the Spirit of God would dwell among His people.  It was the place where Moses and Joshua retreated to be in God’s very presence.  It was there that they heard God speak to them and where He talked to them “face to face as a man with his friend” (Exodus 33:10-11).

God Himself made the plans and created the design.  Each task was given in great detail.  He communicated these instructions to Moses who in turn related the  project accurately to his craftsmen.

Building this special place with all of its contents was a fine work and a costly one.  It involved much intricate detail and expertise which required much  patience and planning.  It took time, materials, and diligence.  The end result was a beautiful work.

How does this story reach out and touch my life or,  perhaps, yours you may ask?  Let me explain.

Here I, too, am in the midst of a fine and costly work, a beautiful work.  He has given me the ability to do it.  In 2 Timothy 1:7 Scripture says, “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of love and of a sound mind.”  I need not shrink from the task in fear, but face it knowing that He, the Lord,  is the blessed Enabler.  I want to do the best work, the most significant work ever.  My whole heart is stirred for the job even as the hearts of Bezalel and Ohoiab were.   They prepared a place for the Spirit of God to dwell.

Similarly, I am preparing a place for His Spirit to live.  I am a mother working with the children with whom God has entrusted us.  The foundations were laid while He knit the babies in my womb.  He has provided the protective coverings over these dear children, the coverings of  parental authority and responsibility.  The building block are all around us–The Gospel, biblical values, the example of godly parents, family devotions and worship, Christian literature, church, education,  proper nutrition, and, of course, the spirit within each child.

The inner furnishings are in the process of being made.  They are things such as conscience, awareness of the God and the  parents who love him or her, trust, obedience, the knowledge of right from wrong, intellect, coordination, communication skill, responsibility, honesty, proper priorities and on and on.  It is taking time, lots of time.

Oh, Lord, help me to do this work well.  The job is tiring.  It is at times overwhelming.  Use me to make these little ones a proper dwelling place for your Son to make His home.  Our beloved children are so precious, and so are You.  I look to You to lead me gently as I work with these young.

God’s promise to us in Isaiah 40:11 reads, “[The Lord] will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”  Dear mother or mother-to-be, the Lord will gently lead you in this holy calling of motherhood.  Follow after Him.  He cares for your children and He cares for you.
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