My fellow travelers, As one would expect, my first and only trip to The Holy Land was impressionable. Among the many historical and spiritually significant sights, our LORD chose to reveal himself to me in a forsaken, rock-laden field where the town of Shiloh once thrived.

When the Children of Israel escaped bondage from Egypt, Moses was instructed by The LORD to build The Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place for God and a place for worship and sacrifice. At the direction of the LORD this vagabond nation transported the Tabernacle as they wandered in the Sinai Desert for 40 years. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land they were instructed by God to give the Tabernacle of the Wilderness a more permanent home in Shiloh.

On that particularly warm autumn day in Israel, this barren field in Shiloh became our place of worship. We gathered about our Pastor as he began sharing the familiar story of the young boy Samuel, who had been promised to the service of the LORD by his mother, Hannah. The young boy lived in Shiloh and served at the Tabernacle under the direction of the Priest, Eli.

Our pastor began reading the Scripture, “Now in those days messages from the LORD were very rare...while Samuel was sleeping the LORD called to Samuel, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ he thought it was Eli who called his name and replied, ‘Here I am’. The LORD called Samuel again and Samuel, still thinking it was Eli replied, ‘Here I am.’ When the LORD called to Samuel the third time Samuel replied, ‘Here I am LORD your servant is listening.” At that moment our Pastors voice faded and the cry of my own heart resounded in my ears. With head in hands, I cried aloud to the Lord. ‘Give me ears like Samuel. I desire to hear from YOU!’ Immediately deep within my being I heard, ‘Jeanne’. Lifting my head I responded, ‘Yes?’ Once again He repeated, ‘Jeanne’. This time, like Samuel, I replied, ‘Here I am your servant is listening.’

Silence...I waited…

Silence.

I leaned forward and tilted my head as if to ensure better reception. Silence..

Was that it? The message was simply my name? Yet like Samuel, my sleep had been disturbed. The LORD had awakened my sleepy soul & spirit just at the call of my name.

I restrained from skipping back to our tour bus, yet found it quite impossible to hide the schoolgirl grin. He called my name! Now what? I knew for certain a comma followed ‘Jeanne,’ when would I hear the completed sentence? What would the message be?

In regards to Shiloh, my quiet times with the Lord remained just that; quiet. Two years passed before he broke His silence. While attending our women’s Bible Study my co-leader inquired about our upcoming women’s retreat. Jokingly she suggested since Israel made such an impression on me that I should take all of them to Israel. Quite unrepentantly I ‘heard’ a whisper from within, ‘Bring Israel to them, build my Tabernacle”. This time my reply did not echo Samuel’s reply to the LORD nor did it echo my reply to the LORD 2 years earlier in the field at Shiloh. With all due respect I whispered back , ‘Excuse me?’ Once again I distinctly heard,’ Build my Tabernacle.’ I jumped to my feet. This was it! This was the completed sentence that began in Shiloh years before. With a heart filled with joy and expectation I responded, ‘Here I am your servant is listening!’

His Tabernacle? I really wasn’t quite sure what I had I just said ‘yes’ to. I looked around our immense sanctuary wondering if the Tabernacle was bigger than this? Or smaller than bread box? I began the game of multiple questions, yet He had just one answer, ‘Build my Tabernacle.’ I rushed straightway to my husband’s office. I flung open his door and announced ‘We’re going to build the Tabernacle for the women’s retreat.’ ‘What? ‘, He replied. ‘It’s only four weeks away.’ ‘I know, are you ready for the adventure?’ His smile and the slow shake of his head from side to side gave me the answer I was looking for, ’You can count on me’.

I spent precious sleepless nights traveling through the Scriptures with our High Priest, Jesus. He led me within the walls of the Courtyard, ushered me into the Holy Place and solemnly beckoned me beyond the Curtain to worship Him in the Holy of Holies. At every turn He revealed Himself in the mystery of His Tabernacle.

Faithful friends embraced the project. I received the blessing and endorsement of my pastor and together we wrote the details of each aspect of the Tabernacle. I handed over my scribbled drawings and measurements of the Tabernacle furnishings to my husband, Craig and to our dear friend Dan. Within weeks the tabernacle of the Wilderness stood in all its glory within the confines of a deserted run down tennis court.

Something spiritually significant happened when we set aside these meager elements and designated them ‘Holy unto the Lord’. Sheets of plywood, pieces of cardboard, blankets marked for clearance, cans and cans of gold spray paint, a simple rented tent, all thee items transcended their earthly functions and become Holy for His intention.

As you embark on this unforgettable journey, reach out to Him. Place your hand in the hand of the Master Architect and allow Him to give you the grand tour of His home. You will find that He is quite the host and He is extremely fond of your company.

The journey is powerful, so hold on tight!

Jeanne Whittaker
Founder of ‘ The Tabernacle Experience’