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Scripture Focus: Exodus 25:8–9, Exodus 34:6, John 1:14, Romans 5:20

Overview

There is something deeply human about the desire to be close to someone. Yet so many of us move through life with a quiet suspicion that God is far off—distant, unreachable, or occupied with larger global concerns.

This week, Pastor Simon reminded us that the entire story of Scripture reveals a God who keeps moving closer. He is not content to be admired from afar; He wants to live right in the middle of our daily lives.

1. A God Who Refuses to Stay on the Mountain

When God rescued Israel from Egypt, He didn’t leave them to figure life out on their own. In Exodus 25–31, God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle—a tent built right in the center of the Israelite camp.

“Help them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” — Exodus 25:8

God didn’t ask for a distant monument on a mountaintop. He wanted a dwelling place in the middle of their everyday routine so that His people would know He was with them.

2. Jesus: God Pitching His Tent Among Us

The Tabernacle was just a signpost pointing forward to an even greater reality. When Jesus came, John 1:14 describes it in terms that echo the Exodus story: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The word dwelt literally means to pitch a tent.

Jesus did not observe human life from a safe, comfortable distance. He moved into the neighborhood:

• He ate with ordinary people.
• He touched the untouchable.
• He wept with the brokenhearted.
• He welcomed those who felt too broken to approach God.

As Simon illustrated by having us touch knees and elbows in the service, God wants to be closer to you than humanly possible.

“Jesus didn’t observe human life from a comfortable distance. He pitched His tent right among us.” — Pastor Simon

3. A Love Bigger Than Any Mistake

While Moses was on the mountain receiving blueprints for God’s dwelling place, the people at the bottom grew impatient and built a golden calf. It was a massive mistake. Yet God did not abandon them. Instead, He passed before Moses and revealed His heart:

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” — Exodus 34:6

You have not made a mistake large enough to exhaust God’s love or put yourself beyond His reach. As Paul writes in Romans 5:20, where sin increases, God’s grace increases so much more.

“Where our mistakes increase, God’s grace increases so much more.” — Pastor Simon

Key Takeaways for Your Week:

• God wants to be close to you: He wants to hear from you whether you are happy, sad, or in need of help. You don’t need to “fix yourself up” before coming to Him.
• His grace exceeds your mistakes: Like dropping a mistake into an infinitely large ocean of love, God’s grace completely covers your failure.
• Keep your tent graphic visual: Place the small paper tent from Sunday on your kitchen table or desk as a daily reminder:
  • Outside: God wants to be close to me / God’s love is bigger than any mistake
  • Inside: Pray for the friend or family member listed inside.

Reflective Prayer

Loving God, we come to You today just as we are. We are sorry for the times we have messed up, spoken unkindly, or forgotten how close You are. Thank You that Your love is bigger than all our mistakes. Today, we open our hands, let go of our failures, and receive Your forgiveness. Wash us clean, fill us with joy, and help us walk closely with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.