Devotions

Exodus: glory upstaged

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea Exodus 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.

Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship, faithfulness, forgiveness, genuineness | Tagged Exodus 32 | Leave a comment

Exodus: God alone … Israel alone

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

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.

Posted in discernment, grace, holiness, new covenant, Sabbath | Tagged Exodus 30, Exodus 31 | 2 Comments

Exodus: living symbols

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 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.

Posted in atonement, commitment, grace, holiness, witness | Tagged Exodus 29 | 1 Comment

Exodus: intercessors

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 27:20-28:43 The book of Exodus is not just a history of how the Israelites got out of Egypt. It is also a manual for getting Egypt out of them. The priests were ordained professional intercessors. They ministered to the LORD on behalf of the people. They were not perfect: they needed protection too. But they did have solemn responsibilities. This section of Exodus highlights those responsibilities.

LORD, thank you for those you have given us to help us in our walk.

Posted in church, holiness, leadership, ministry, prayer | Tagged Exodus 27, Exodus 28 | 1 Comment

Exodus: the outer courtyard

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea Exodus 27:1-19

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.

Posted in dependence upon God, sanctification, submission | Tagged Exodus 27 | 1 Comment

Exodus: connecting

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea 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.

Posted in discernment, grace, growth, holiness, sanctification, worship | Tagged Exodus 26 | 1 Comment

Exodus: the precious presence

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea 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 | 1 Comment

Exodus: access

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea Exodus 24

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.

Posted in fear, forgiveness, grace, holiness, worship | Tagged Exodus 24 | 1 Comment

Exodus: the three-way covenant

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea 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.

Posted in angels, commitment, faithfulness, new covenant, sanctification | Tagged Exodus 23 | 1 Comment

Exodus: a holy people

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

a68f702073593c4bbf714be05b6f56d3_A-bs-Parting Red Sea 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.

Posted in consideration of others, deliverance, holiness | Tagged Exodus 22, Exodus 23 | 1 Comment