The Lord instructed the Israelites to offer from their hearts. Their offering would be used to build a sanctuary for the Lord to dwell with them. God wanted to dwell with his people. He instructed them to build his dwelling place to his exact instructions. When we obey God, we invite his presence to dwell with us.

God also instructed them how to build an ark. The ark was to hold the words of the covenant law that bound the people to the Lord. We are bound to God by his word and our obedience to it.

God also instructed the people to make an atonement cover of pure gold to put on top of the ark. We meet God because of his atoning love. We are covered by his grace of atonement for our sins. God dwells among men only through his atoning love and the forgiveness of sin.
Application: Lord, thank you for your word and your atoning love. Help me to listen to your word and trust in your love. Come and dwell with me.
One Word: God dwells with his people