Exodus 27:20-28:43
Exodus 27:1-19
Exodus 24
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Exodus: the outer courtyard
While the furniture on the inside of the tabernacle symbolized who and what God is, that on the outer courtyard stood for what God expects. The bronze altar was for burnt offerings. It was made of wood, overlaid with bronze. The pillars of the court were to be made of silver. The lesser metals drew attention to the fact that the court symbolized man’s approach to God, through sacrifice and service. The courtyard opened from the east, pointing back to Eden (Genesis 3:24). Paradise was lost, but it can be regained through a relationship with the LORD. That relationship cannot be regained without sacrifice. Christ is that sacrifice.
LORD, we submit ourselves to you. Restore us.
Exodus: connecting
Exodus 26 There was a place where the Hebrews came to worship, to connect with the divine presence which they were following in the wilderness. That place was the tabernacle. It was a physical manifestation of the glory of God and a constant reminder of their need for grace from that God. We cannot hope to escape the bondage of this present life unless we are willing to come apart from it and spend time with the LORD. Just as the tabernacle was a costly thing to build and maintain, so is our spiritual life.
LORD, we dedicate to you our time, change us into the likeness of your Son as we spend time together with you.
Exodus: the precious presence
Exodus 25 The tabernacle was not about the glory of the place but about the precious presence of God. He wanted to dwell in the midst of his people. He still does.
When the LORD dwells among us, we remember his covenant. He sustains us with the bread of his presence and enlightens us with his word.
Sanctification is not possible without regular fellowship with the LORD. We cannot escape the bondage of the past without the freedom that comes from his precious presence.
LORD, we long for you to dwell among us as we travel to our destiny.
Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship, fellowship, Holy Spirit, relationship with God, sanctification, scriptures
Tagged Exodus 25
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Exodus: access
The ESV Study Bible explains that the distinctions made between three groups is “preparing Israel for the tabernacle.” It was a symbol, preparing people for the symbol. Moses could commune with God face to face, and represented the high priest, and ultimately Jesus. The leaders worship from afar. The people shall not come up. God’s purpose was to demonstrate his holiness while at the same time enabling access to his grace. Keeping our reverence for God and the things of God is essential to growing in our faith.
LORD, as we come boldly to your throne, may we remember the sacrifice that enables us to do that. May we never lose our respect for you.
Exodus: the three-way covenant
Exodus 23:10-23 The covenant the LORD made with the Israelites involved a third party, and that fact determined the nature of the agreement. The nation knew that their exodus from Egypt was not complete. God wanted them to not only escape their troubled past – with its bondage and insignificance – but also to be part of his plan for the future. The promised land was to be a means of Israelite obedience and a means for God to bless them for that obedience. Therefore, the Sabbaths and feast days were important to the relationship. Corresponding to those rules for compliance to the covenant on their part, God promised to bring blessing upon the land, and to drive its present inhabitants out with a guarding angel and hornets. The third party in the covenant was the land itself. It was a way for both of the other parties to show their faithfulness to each other.
LORD, thank you for the means you have given us to show our faithfulness to you. Thank you for the new covenant, bought by Christ’s blood, which shows your ultimate faithfulness toward us.
Exodus: a holy people
Exodus 22:16-23:9 God wants a holy people, dedicated to him and not other gods, and not consumed by their own desires. These laws reflect the fact that unless the Israelites purge themselves of the the urge to take advantage of others, they will not be fit to represent the LORD. They had to escape the selfishness of their own hearts.
LORD, lead us to your holiness. May we run away from the greed and selfishness that would cause us to take advantage of others.
Exodus: Restitution
Violence and loss are part of living in a fallen world, but that fact does not absolve anyone of his personal responsibility toward those he has wronged. A nation of former slaves needed to know that each person now was responsible for both himself and his neighbor. The laws of restitution spoke of a God who holds his people accountable for both what they believe and what they do.
LORD, make us worthy stewards of both our resources and the lives we touch, or can touch.
Exodus: spirituality and servanthood
These rules must be understood in their context. Altars in Egypt had been places to flaunt one’s wealth and power. Now that the Hebrews were free, the LORD warned them against abusing religion for selfish purposes.
Servanthood was inevitable because some would have no other means of survival. But the LORD insisted that it be temporary and voluntary. He had set his people free. He did not want them to use their freedom to enslave themselves.
LORD, help us to trust you enough to turn away from lifestyles that you warn us about.
Exodus: second exodus
The same powerful LORD who rescued the Israelites from Egypt now demands that they go through a second exodus. They must purge themselves of polytheism, insincerity and selfishness. Likewise, the same Jesus who died for us on the cross calls us to die to ourselves, and live for him (Mt 16:24). We have not embraced his salvation until we submit to his sanctification.
LORD, we accept your salvation — all of it. Change us.
