Exodus: serving in God’s name

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 39     

Those who served at the tabernacle were to be as ornately dressed as the tabernacle itself.  It is a special thing to serve God for the sake of your people, and to represent him to your people.  This aspect of spiritual leadership is seen in the ephod, with a precious stone representing each tribe of Israel.  The high priest’s turban had a band across the forehead with the words “holy to the LORD” engraved on it.  As the high priest represented the whole nation, this was probably also a way of God claiming ownership of his people.

LORD, may we take service in your name seriously, and honor those who serve among us in your name.

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Exodus: the outer court

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 38      Just as much detail is given as to the articles and raw materials that made up the outer court as the tabernacle itself.  It was crucial that the Israelites understand that access into the presence of God is a holy thing. 

The Messiah who was to come would give all people access into God’s presence.  He would welcome all into fellowship with their creator.  His was the commitment symbolized by the whole burnt offering, and the purity symbolized by the cleansing basin.

LORD, thank you for Jesus – our access into your presence.

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Exodus: work matters

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 37     This entire chapter records the work done by Bezalel. His work was so eternally significant that it is recorded in the Bible.  For some people, work is just a means to get what they want. They work for the weekends.  For others, work is everything. They cannot wait to get back to work. We should work as if our work matters to God, because it does.  But our work is not God.

LORD, give us your perspective on our work.

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Exodus: more than enough

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 35:30-36:38   

The construction of the tabernacle served as a reminder to the Israelites that whatever God required of them, he would provide to them.  In fact, they found that Moses had to command them to cease giving, because the people contributed more than enough for the work. 

Perhaps today you are struggling because you do not measure up to the standard in your personal life. You want to be a sanctuary for the presence of God, but you know that work is unfinished.  Remember, God provides for the work he commands. 

LORD, help us not to doubt the process of our own sanctification.

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Exodus: “to the LORD”

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 35:1-29    

Notice the simple phrase that shows the connection between Moses’ reminder of the Sabbath and his encouragement of contributions to the tabernacle.  The phrase is “to the LORD.”  The primary reason for the Sabbath observance by the Israelites is to honor the LORD who gave them rest (2).  The primary motivation for the freewill offerings to the tabernacle was out of gratitude to the LORD (5, 22,29). 

This is  a precursor to Paul’s exhortation that “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).  Let him be the reason for every action and inaction. 

LORD, be our motivation. 

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Exodus: the LORD whose name is Jealous

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 34     The LORD promises to drive out the inhabitants of the land, but also threatens to punish any of his own people who are corrupted by them.  He is a God of grace and judgment.  We must always remember that.  The essential nature and character of God has not changed.  It is dangerous to presume upon him.  He loves his children, but cannot tolerate defection. 

Our exodus is not complete until we have been purged of the worldliness we were born with. We have to escape from the Egypt within.  Time with the LORD can help us do that.

LORD,  here we are in our tent of meeting.  Speak with us.

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Exodus: the presence makes the difference

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 33     The crisis moment in this passage is when the people realize that God sends them to their destiny, but does not promise to go with them on the journey.  Moses intercedes, because he knows that without the presence of the LORD, even trying to do his will is futile.  In the end, God promises to be with Moses, and shows himself.  Just a glimpse of the LORD’s back was enough to encourage Moses to go on.

LORD, thank you for going with us, wherever you send us.

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Exodus: glory upstaged

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 32      The giving of the ten commandments was on stones engraved by the finger of God himself. Their revelation was supposed to be a glorious event, but it was upstaged by a rebellious people.  The Israelites had corrupted their worship, and sinned against the God who brought them out of Egypt.  So the day that was to be a celebration of life and holiness became a day of death and fear.

If it were not for the intercession of Moses, the great experiment of a nation under God would have ended there at the mountain.  So, we also should learn to intercede for the lost and backslidden.

LORD, forgive us, and lead us back to the paths of righteousness, for YOUR name’s sake.

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Exodus: God alone … Israel alone

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea  Exodus 30-31.   Every one of the instructions in this chapter has particular application to the Hebrew people and the Israelite nation alone.  The altar was for the tabernacle from which only the people of Israel could worship.  The atonement census tax was for Israelites alone. The priests and tabernacle craftsmen were Israelites.

And when it comes to Sabbath observance, the text says this:

“You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.” (31:13)

“You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you.” (31:14).

“Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and son the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”” (31:16-17).

The Bible encourages all nations to worship God, but does not command Gentiles to worship him by observing a Sabbath – whether Saturday or Sunday.

LORD, today is holy unto you, and so is tomorrow.  We celebrate our relationship with you and your grace which made it possible – every day.

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Exodus: living symbols

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

redsea870Exodus 29     When the people of Israel saw a priest, they were to be reminded that God lived among them.  The special ordination ceremonies and the unique garments and responsibilities of the priests made them living symbols of both God’s holiness and his grace.  His holiness is seen in the garments of purity and intercession.  The grace is seen in lives of the animals sacrificed in their place to sustain them. 

LORD, make us living symbols of your holiness and grace.  When people see us, may they be reminded that you are alive, and choose to dwell among us.

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