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I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

📖 Week 8 — Mishkan: God Dwelling Among His People

Main Reading: Exodus 25–31; 35–40
Theme: God’s Presence, Worship, and the Pattern of Heaven
Messianic Focus: Yeshua as the True Tabernacle — God dwelling with humanity

🌿 Overview

After revealing His holiness at Sinai and giving His covenant, God instructs Moses to build something extraordinary:

מִשְׁכָּן — Mishkan

  • Pronounced: MISH-kahn
  • Meaning: Dwelling place / tabernacle

For the first time since Eden, God intends to dwell with His people in a visible, ongoing way.
This is a turning point in Scripture: the Holy God chooses nearness, not distance.

The Mishkan becomes:

  • a meeting place
  • a dwelling place
  • a teaching symbol
  • a portable Eden
  • a pattern of heavenly realities

Every detail — from the ark to the curtains to the priestly garments — teaches something about holiness, forgiveness, worship, and the presence of God.

🌿 Key Scriptures

TopicScripture
God calls for contributionsExodus 25:1–9
Pattern of the TabernacleExodus 25:9, 40
The Ark, Table, and LampstandExodus 25
The Tent and WallsExodus 26–27
Priestly garments and ordinationExodus 28–29
Altar of incense and Sabbath signExodus 30–31
The Mishkan builtExodus 35–40
God’s glory fills the TabernacleExodus 40:34–38

🌿 Supporting Readings

  • Prophets / Writings: Psalm 132:7–8; Isaiah 4:5–6
  • Messianic Writings: John 1:14; Hebrews 8–9; Revelation 21:3

🌿 Hebrew Notes (Integrated)

1. Mishkan — מִשְׁכָּן — “Dwelling place”

God dwells in the midst of His people, not far away.

2. Shakhen — שָׁכֵן — “To dwell”

Source of the word Shekhinah (שְׁכִינָה)

  • Pronounced: she-khee-NAH
  • Meaning: God’s indwelling Presence

3. Avodah — עֲבוֹדָה — “Service / worship”

  • Worship is service — living in devotion to God’s presence.

4. Minchah — מִנְחָה — “Offering / gift”

Every gift for the Mishkan reveals a heart willing to give to God.

🌿 Messianic Connection

The Mishkan is one of the richest prophetic pictures of Messiah in all Scripture.

1. Yeshua is the true Mishkan

John 1:14 —

“The Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us.”

The Greek word eskēnōsen literally means “pitched His tent” — a direct reference to the Mishkan.

2. The Ark — God’s throne

Messiah is the place where heaven and earth meet.
He reveals the Father’s glory and mercy.

3. The Lampstand — Light of the world

Yeshua shines God’s light into darkness.

4. The Table — communion and fellowship

Messiah invites us into His life and presence.

5. The Priestly Garments — righteousness

He is our High Priest clothed in glory and beauty (Hebrews 8).

Everything in the Mishkan whispers the name of Yeshua.

🌿 Moral and Spiritual Application

  • God desires to dwell with you just as He dwelled with Israel.
  • Worship is more than music — it is avodah (service, devotion).
  • God invites His people to contribute willingly, joyfully, and with open hearts.
  • The presence of God is central to the life of faith.
  • Messiah makes your life a tabernacle for the Holy Spirit.

The Mishkan reminds us that God is holy, yet He draws near with mercy.

🕎 7-Day Devotional (gentle Hebrew touches included)

DayReadingFocusHebrew Learning NoteMessianic Insight
Day 1Ex. 25:1–9God desires to dwell with usMishkan (מִשְׁכָּן)Messiah is God-with-us.
Day 2Ex. 25:10–22Ark of the Covenant—Messiah reveals God’s mercy seat.
Day 3Ex. 25:23–40Table & Lampstand—Yeshua gives light and fellowship.
Day 4Ex. 26–27The structure of the Tabernacle—Messiah is the true meeting place.
Day 5Ex. 28–29Priestly garments—Messiah is our High Priest.
Day 6Ex. 30–31Incense & SabbathAvodah (עֲבוֹדָה) — worship/serviceMessiah teaches true worship.
Day 7Ex. 35–40Glory fills the MishkanShekhinah (שְׁכִינָה) — presenceMessiah pours out the Spirit.

🌿 Discussion Questions

  1. What does it mean that God desires to “dwell” among His people?
  2. How does the Mishkan show God’s closeness and holiness at the same time?
  3. What can we learn from the generosity of the people in building the Tabernacle?
  4. In what ways is Yeshua the fulfillment of the Tabernacle?
  5. How can your life become a dwelling place for God’s presence?

🌿 Prayer Focus

Ask God to fill your heart with His presence.
Invite Him to make your life a living Mishkan — a place where His glory resides and where others encounter His holiness and mercy.

🌿 Memory Verse

Exodus 25:8 — “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”

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