well-prepared devotion

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd-at-beachLeviticus 2    

The grain offerings had to be well-prepared by the worshipper.  They had to look good, smell good, taste good.  A portion of them would always be consumed on the altar, but the rest would go to the priests.

How can I express my devotion to the LORD?  I need to make sure that the life I am offering to him is the very best it can be.  The unsaved person has no hope of offering such a life.  But the believer has resources that can help get his or her disordered life put back in order.  The word of God, prayer, regular fellowship with the saints, and regular worship are some of those resources.

LORD, teach us how to offer to you lives that are well-prepared.

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complete devotion

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

jd at beachLeviticus 1     The book of Leviticus picks up on the Exodus theme of sanctification, with only a slight twist.  The issue in Leviticus is not how can I escape Egypt?  but how can I express my devotion to the LORD?

The whole burnt offering was a good ritual to begin with in answering that question.  The goal was to express a desire to be completely pleasing to the LORD.  The LORD took in the aroma of the offering as it was consumed on the altar, and delighted in it.  He was not so much pleased by the sacrifice as he was delighted that his people wanted to please him.

LORD, we want to please you – to be completely devoted to you.  Make us people in whom you delight.

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Exodus: a finished (?) work

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red SeaExodus 40     After all those detailed instructions from the LORD, and Moses and those under him completing the tabernacle according to those specifications – you would think that at least Moses would be able to enter into the glory when the cloud filled the structure.  But, no.  Our work is never completed this side of eternity.  The most that we can expect is that God will occasionally show us his glory.  We cannot enter into it.  Sanctification is not about the end result.  It is about a relationship with God.  It will result in eternal holiness, but our attitude should be like that of Paul:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

LORD, keep us pressing on toward the goal!

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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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