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Construction of God's Dwelling Place - Exodus 35-39 — 3/16/2026 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Dr. Jon Wood, Vice President for Student Life and Christian Ministries at Cedarville University. Dr. Wood teaches us about the instructions for the tabernacle in Exodus 35-39, and describes several facets of what true worship of God looks like.
Notes
Chapel Recap: Worship That Flows From God’s Work
In today’s chapel, Dr. Jon Wood preached from Exodus 35–39, highlighting how the construction of the tabernacle reveals the heart of true worship.
Dr. Wood emphasized that the work described in these chapters begins with something even more important than labor — relationship. “Worship the Lord by resting in relationship with Him before laboring for Him,” Dr. Wood said. Before the people of Israel began building the tabernacle, they were reminded that God had already acted on their behalf. “Before you get to work, recognize that God has already done the work.” The same truth applies today: God is already at work through the finished work of Christ. “God is showing up in your life through the work of Christ that is already finished to accomplish what He wants to accomplish in your life.”
Dr. Wood pointed to four marks of true worship revealed in the passage. First, true worship is God-centered, keeping the Lord as the highest priority. Second, it involves wholehearted and meticulous obedience to God’s Word. The people followed God’s instructions carefully, demonstrating that genuine worship responds to God’s revealed will. Third, true worship reflects heart change and inner renewal among God’s people. Worship is not merely external activity but internal transformation. Fourth, worship includes the devotion of our giftedness, as individuals offered their skills, resources, and abilities for the work God had called them to do.
Dr. Wood also addressed an important question: What should you do after you sin? First, fix your eyes on Christ and preach the Gospel to yourself. The Savior who rescued you from sin is the same Savior who continues to hold you until He perfects you in His presence. Second, genuinely repent, turning away from sin with humility and honesty. Third, step back from your agenda and relearn God’s agenda, recognizing that faithful obedience to God’s Word must guide every step.
Exodus 35–39 ultimately reminds us that worship begins not with what we do for God but with what God has already done for us. Rest in His finished work, respond in obedience, and offer your life as an act of worship to the God who is with you, for you, and sending you.