JUNE 1, Genesis 12:1-9

After 430 years living in the land of Egypt, the children of Israel multiplied to about two million. Afraid that the children of Israel might become powerful, the Egyptians oppressed and tormented them with hard labour. God sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt. On their way to the Promised Land and as they wandered in the wilderness for forty long years, they continued to live in tents.

Their tents were made from long pieces of goats’ haircloth which were about 2m wide and black in colour. A frame made of poles was clad with a piece of this cloth to form a long awning which provided a roof and walls at the two ends. The two ends of the cloth were pegged to the ground with tent nails. The walling of the front and back of the tent were vertical hangings of brightly coloured materials. These hangings were also used as dividers to make rooms in the tent.

Living in tents reminded the people of Israel of the temporary nature of their life on earth. To remember their days of living in tents, the Jews kept the Feast of Tabernacles. Once a year, they would live in “booths” made of tree branches for seven days. We may never have the experience of calling a tent our home. But, have you ever thought of this: Just like theirs, our life on earth is temporary. Christians are only pilgrims on this earth on our journey to heaven. There, our Heavenly Father has already prepared mansions for us. Surely, you would love to have all your friends join you in heaven. So, tell them that they can begin this journey by believing in Jesus.

Look at the picture of the tent. Draw the husband standing in front and the wife sitting in the tent inside.

Thought: I am thankful for my present home and even more for my mansion in Heaven.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me not to love the things of this world, but to set my affection and love on the things above. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.