Exodus 27 - Day 80 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Exodus 27:1-8 Commentary: The Altar is a testimony of the attention to detail given worship in Yahweh’s Presence. That worship was to be carefully planned and deliberately managed, precisely arranged and properly carried out. Once again, the movement of Yahweh’s Presence is stressed: the altar is to be made portable. To such extent is this so that some interpreters have questioned whether an altar would even be usable unless filled with dirt or stones. The materials to be used in the altar and its accessories, finally, reflect the distance at which it is to be placed from the central symbol and the holiest space of Yahweh’s Presence. Durham, J. I. (1987). Exodus (Vol. 3, p. 376). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: I still remember the tiny portable hibachi's that we used to grill our kalbi and teriyaki chicken at our family beach picnics. Because they were so small, someone literally had to cook the whole time we were at the beach. Imagine how much meat you could cook on a hibachi 7 1/2' wide by 7 1/2' long, 4 1/2' high. Yeah, that would take a lot of charcoal too, but remember that the Israelites were to offer daily sacrifices of numerous sheep. Prayer: Lord, thank You for paying attention to the details in my life too. Exodus 26 - Day 79 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Exodus 26 Observation: God gives Moses the plans to construct the tabernacle. Application: Having renovated our older home, I was quite impressed with the materials list and design instructions that were given to Moses for the tabernacle. The weight of one 42' x 6' curtain alone must have been several hundred pounds, now multiply that by 21. Also, remember that the tabernacle was portable so it was designed to be quickly assembled and disassembled so this was not a simple weekend project that would have taken a couple of hours to build. Take the time to appreciate the complexity and ornate details involved that the Israelites undertook to build a home for God's presence. How can I do the same for Him today? Prayer: Lord, You are welcome to reside not only in my home (actually Your home that You're allowing me to steward) and my heart. Exodus 25 - Day 78 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Exodus 25:1-2 Commentary: The call for materials is prefaced by the instruction that the materials be given first as an offering (תרומה), that is, as an act of worship, and second, as a joyous expression to be made only by those “compelled” by their own desire to do so. Just how excessively successful this call was is shown by the sequel narrative, which dwells repetitively on the abundance of the fine materials given (35:20–29; 36:2–7; cf. 38:21–31; 39:32–43). Durham, J. I. (1987). Exodus (Vol. 3, p. 354). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: Like a loving parent, God invites us to choose whether or not we want to participate, rather than forcing His will upon us. This is often the hardest thing for me to do as I try to raise my children to love Jesus. Prayer: Lord, please reveal your goodness to my friends and family who do not know You. Exodus 24 - Day 77 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Exodus 24:3 & 7 Observation: Moses gives all of God's instructions and regulations to the Israelites and they positively respond with a resounding, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey. Application: Like the Israelites, I too have made pledges that I fully intended to keep. The problem with good intentions is that they're usually made when the going is good. Meaning that it's easy to make a commitment without thinking of the effort or consequences involved. Prayer: Lord, thank You for choosing me to be Your child, despite all of my shortcomings. Exodus 23 - Day 76 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Exodus 23 - 4-5 Observation: God commands us to help our enemies when we notice that they need our assistance. Application: Love God, love our neighbor as ourselves, and teach others to do the same. Ever have car trouble in the middle of the night? I have and I sure wish someone took the time to stop and help. How do you think I would have felt if a car did stop and the person was an enemy? Yeah, that's the point. It would be hard to remain angry at someone who just helped me. Prayer: Lord, thank You for stopping and helping me when I'm down and out. |
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