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Read Exodus 35-39:1
Exodus 35:1-3 Then Moses called together the whole community of Israel and told them, “These are the instructions the Lord has commanded you to follow. 2 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death. 3 You must not even light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath.” WHAT do you do on the Sabbath? Based on, “Anyone who works on that day must be put to death.” I doubt many of us would withstand God’s wrath! Take this scripture to a store clerk or business owner who’s working Sunday. What do you think they’ll say? Likely, he or she will just shrug their shoulders and continue working. God surely wouldn’t kill someone for working on the Sabbath would he? Their very lives prove it. No, as he doesn’t kill us for other sins, God doesn’t kill us for working on the Sabbath. But the LORD was speaking to Israel as they prepared to build the Tabernacle. As Israel built God’s Holy Dwelling, the place where he would come to dwell with them, the LORD would not tolerate a Sabbath violation. The LORD God equates the Sabbath – the rest – with himself. He is Holy . The Sabbath is holy. The Tabernacle is to be God’s holy dwelling – an illustration of heaven on earth. To violate the Sabbath, you violate God’s holiness. That is blasphemy, minimizing God and punishable by death: In the Old Covenant, the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week to mark the end of God’s work to create the world. Today the Christian Sabbath is the first day of the week to mark the day God began his new creation in Jesus Christ. These are holy acts of God. We must pause to rest and obey. Sp we remember, “The LORD is Holy.” Can you work on the Sabbath? Surely you can do essential tasks of farming, housekeeping – although there were many cooking restrictions among the Jews – and well-being, such as medical care. God made the Sabbath for mankind to enjoy rest and remember God’s grace to bless us. Resting on the Sabbath says, “I trust God to provide all I need in six workdays. I believe God’s rest day is a blessing to enjoy. I worship God, so I will keep the Sabbath.” These are good and necessary things to do. God has made many things – even a day to rest. Exodus 32-34
Exodus 32:2-4 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” PARENTS, you have a very good son. He has special gifts of leadership and speech, and you designate him to teach his siblings about God. He is to lead the family to worship God. You even plan to honor him with a special suit of clothes to enhance his dignity to represent God’s presence in the family. Then, parents, you go away for a time and leave this special son to have authority over his brothers and sisters. But something is wrong when you come home. You find the house you built specifically to bless and care for your family is filled with all forms of immorality. Your children are dishonoring everything you have taught. And worst of all, your specially gifted son is the leader of the shameful exhibitions. You can’t believe your ears, your eyes and your mind. The sights and sounds are so evil you even consider removing your children from your home forever. This illustrates Aaron’s response to Moses’ absence. God’s plans are to especially anoint Aaron to be a holy representative of God to Israel. Aaron will become Israel’s High Priest. He will receive beautifully crafted clothes to honor his office. God will give to Aaron specific ceremonies to atone for Israel’s sins. How can God’s High Priest, chosen by God, so easily approve of idol worship? How is it possible for Aaron to allow his people to say the most horrid of words against the Living God to a metal calf, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt?” As we consider Aaron’s disobedience, perhaps we should stop to ask: What do I do when the world calls me to turn from the God who has chosen me? Do I look to the idols, or do I keep my eyes on the Savior? Do You See what “idols’ keep you from God? Read Exodus 29-31:11 & 31:18
Exodus 29:43-46 “I will meet the people of Israel there, in the place made holy by my glorious presence. 44 Yes, I will consecrate the Tabernacle and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, 46 and they will know that I am the Lord their God. I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I could live among them. I am the Lord their God.” THERE’s a universe of competition for our devotion and love. God knew his chosen people would be tempted daily to worship idols, to ignore his law and to live in their own desires. The amazing thing, though, is that God would work through their desires to go their own way. He tells Israel he will come personally come into their lives. He began to move toward this personal relationship when he formed Israel to be his people. El Shaddai loved Israel. God’s will was for each child of his covenant with Abraham to center their love on him. A love relationship requires communication, doesn’t it? Moses is his spokesman now. To continue to speak to Israel, HE IS will form the office of priests. Aaron and his sons will be the firsts. They will be God’s direct ambassadors to embody the Father’s love and law. God designed the priestly function to communicate with Israel daily through the sacrifices, worship and feasts. In these ways, Israel would remember each day they belonged to LORD God Almighty, who delivered them from Egypt. Devoted priests would represent Israel to the Holy God. They would know and teach his law, intercede for Israel to repent of Israel’s sins, receive God’s forgiveness, praise God’s goodness and follow God’s decrees. This priest-based communication was a view of our High Priest, Jesus Christ. Jesus Son fulfilled God’s law. He prayed for his church in John 17. In heaven now Jesus intercedes for us. Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Jesus fulfilled the priestly sacrifices on the altar of the cross. In Jesus, our sins are forgiven. Through Jesus we know God’s law and decrees. Because of Jesus’ priestly role, we have a clear, direct communication with God. We need no other priest. Jesus, too, is the Living Word. The Bible is God’s very intimate love connection with you. Jesus’ life on earth unveils the Holy Trinity’s high, wide, long and deep love for a world who strives mightily against God. We rejoice, too, the Holy Spirit also guides us to be God’s people. Romans 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Think of it! The Holy Trinity communicates his desire to very personally tabernacle – to dwell – with you. God in three persons, has called you to the altar oof repentance for the forgiveness of your sins. Respond with a joyful spirit to worship him. Live in his laws and decrees. Rejoice in his love as you know the Spirit and Son pray to the Father for you and with you. Live in faith to listen, to talk with and to love God. Deuteronomy 4:36 He let you hear his voice from heaven so he could instruct you. He let you see his great fire here on earth so he could speak to you from it. Read Exodus 25-28
Exodus 25:8 “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary, so I can live among them. 9 You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.” GOD’s promise to live among his people is the essential covenant of the entire Bible. The LORD God’s will is to be with his creation. He walked with Adam in the Garden. Then he promised in Eden he would destroy Satan and sin through a Savior. Those saved from sin will walk with God again. In the Desert of Sin (sine) El Shaddai directs his people to build his personal dwelling place on earth. It is called a Tabernacle because “to tabernacle” means “to dwell with.” This is a display of God’s grace. Almighty God dwells in heaven and has the universe for his use. Still he wants to be with his own special family on earth. He’s a loving Father who desires to enjoy his children. The Tabernacle is also to be Israel’s worship center. It is good and right to worship God who dwells with us. Why do you think God is so very specific with his instructions? Some may find this too much to read. But look! God has said to build the dwelling exactly according to the pattern! When God speaks, we need to obey. The LORD God’s exact blueprint is an image of his perfection - his holiness. He has determined the Tabernacle will display who he is. There cannot be any deviation from the directions. You must know what God requires to make room in your life for him. Our righteous God commands perfection. Then he graciously empowers his people to precisely complete his commands. We will later read that God gifted Bezalel and his assistant Oholiab to build the Tabernacle. Then the LORD defines specific worship requirements for the priests and the people, so his Presence could be with them. When all was done, the righteous LORD came from the mountain to the Holy Tabernacle to dwell with Israel. Today, through Jesus Christ, you can become God’s living Tabernacle. He has commanded the way to him through Jesus. And Jesus came to be the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit graciously gifted you to meet the Father’s commands. Made holy in your confession of Jesus’ saving blood, you can welcome God from heaven into your heart. And now, if you haven’t invited God to dwell with you, it is time for you to do so. Confess your sins. Confess Jesus is risen. Confess Jesus is your Savior. Receive the God who wants to dwell with you. It’s True: In God’s perfect plan, his purpose is to be with you. Read Exodus 25-28
Exodus 25:8 “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary, so I can live among them. 9 You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.” GOD’s promise to live among his people is the essential covenant of the entire Bible. The LORD God’s will is to be with his creation. He walked with Adam in the Garden. Then he promised in Eden he would destroy Satan and sin through a Savior. Those saved from sin will walk with God again. In the Desert of Sin (sine) El Shaddai directs his people to build his personal dwelling place on earth. It is called a Tabernacle because “to tabernacle” means “to dwell with.” This is a display of God’s grace. Almighty God dwells in heaven and has the universe for his use. Still he wants to be with his own special family on earth. He’s a loving Father who desires to enjoy his children. The Tabernacle is also to be Israel’s worship center. It is good and right to worship God who dwells with us. Why do you think God is so very specific with his instructions? Some may find this too much to read. But look! God has said to build the dwelling exactly according to the pattern! When God speaks, we need to obey. The LORD God’s exact blueprint is an image of his perfection - his holiness. He has determined the Tabernacle will display who he is. There cannot be any deviation from the directions. You must know what God requires to make room in your life for him. Our righteous God commands perfection. Then he graciously empowers his people to precisely complete his commands. We will later read that God gifted Bezalel and his assistant Oholiab to build the Tabernacle. Then the LORD defines specific worship requirements for the priests and the people, so his Presence could be with them. When all was done, the righteous LORD came from the mountain to the Holy Tabernacle to dwell with Israel. Today, through Jesus Christ, you can become God’s living Tabernacle. He has commanded the way to him through Jesus. And Jesus came to be the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit graciously gifted you to meet the Father’s commands. Made holy in your confession of Jesus’ saving blood, you can welcome God from heaven into your heart. And now, if you haven’t invited God to dwell with you, it is time for you to do so. Confess your sins. Confess Jesus is risen. Confess Jesus is your Savior. Receive the God who wants to dwell with you. It’s True: In God’s perfect plan, his purpose is to be with you. Read Exodus 19-20 Then Exodus 23:20-24:18
Exodus 20:1-3 Then God gave the people all these instructions: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. 3 You must not have any other god but me.” FIRST, note the Chronological Bible moves past some chapters here. These will be included later as the editors combine certain laws into one place. Exodus 20:1-17 is God’s ten main commandments to the Jews. This is the formal beginning of the Law. We have been reading of God’s powerful revelations to the patriarchs in Genesis and now to Moses and Israel. His many nature-changing miracles, including the Flood, Isaac born in Abraham’s and Sarah’s old age and the plagues. Now he begins to command his authority over mankind’s sin nature that is prone to resist and reject him. God wants his nation’s love and worship. His will is that they love him with their minds and hearts – to know and desire his presence in their lives. And he wants Israel, his inheritance, to love each other with respect and kindness. The commandments point to these two purposes: to love God and to love one another. God’s first command establishes his supremacy, “You must not have any other god but me.” None of the law will be obeyed if Israel disobeys this one. The first sin was the temptation people could be as God – in other words, we could worship ourselves. Our sin nature since then automatically goes to worship everything but God. As we have seen in Israel’s mindset since they left Egypt, they have been quick to condemn any circumstance that challenges them. Having seen God act to free them, they still worship their own desires and abilities above the LORD. Now as the nation settles into what is supposed to be a direct, short journey to the Promised Land, God commands their full submission to him. He is above all other things. They must worship him only, never make any image of him and never speak his name vainly. Israel is to obey God through keeping the Sabbath, honoring their parents, holding life sacred, keeping their marriages, protecting each other’s possessions, telling the truth and being satisfied with their own possessions. There will be many more laws on worship and community administration. But these are foundational covenant conditions. If Israel cannot obey these ten, they will weaken and threaten God’s covenants with Adam to send a redeemer and with Abraham to form a great nation that will bless the world. It is significant to note that before God writes these laws, he gives this promise: Exodus 19:5 “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.” Israel is to be a theocracy. God is the law. He has given the first laws. They are non-negotiable. Will Israel accept their King’s decrees? Do you? Read Exodus 15:22-18
Exodus 16:3 “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” … 8 Then Moses added, “The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us.” ISRAEL was thirsty at Marah. Now they are hungry in the wilderness at Sin (sine) near Mt. Sinai, where God first came to Moses. As Moses once argued with God here, Israel now complained against God. They also criticized Moses and Aaron for the lack of food. Some might see Moses’ response to Israel’s anger and impatience as shifting the blame away from himself and toward God. But Moses was pointing Israel to God’s supreme authority over all things. Israel needed to personally know that in all things, they fully belong to God. God has a land of promise awaiting his people. Will they submit to his leadership to the land and life in his provision? This, of course, is true for Jesus’ church today. God has a heaven prepared for his own. Will we trust his leadership through life to eternity? The apostle Paul wrote of God’s personal care in Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. With awe and worship we are to humbly submit to God’s headship. To know “God did it!” – he saved us to himself is to recognize he is El-Shaddai – LORD God Almighty. When we only see the immediate circumstances, let’s pause and put God’s commands over our demands. Trust he is guiding us to the good. And consider this. If Moses had not pointed to God as the Supreme Leader, Moses might have received the credit when God daily delivered the manna. God’s leaders are to never say, “I did this.” Instead they must always proclaim I AM’s authority in humble submission to his will. Know the Holy Spirit leads you. See God’s provision in the trials, so you will celebrate him in the victories. Time to Rest Exodus 18:14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” MOSES was overwhelmed with hundreds of people coming to him daily to decide their disputes. So Jethro gave Moses an administration plan. Moses was then able to focus on his primary role to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. To teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. (Exodus 18:19b). Moses couldn’t do it all and neither can you. If you are overwhelmed with work and responsibilities, remember God doesn’t want you to wear down. He wants to build you up into an effective kingdom citizen. Do you need help? Remember the Holy Spirit is your Helper. Pray for God’s guidance. Know when to work and when to rest. That’s what Jesus did. Mark 6:31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Read Exodus 13:17-15:21
Exodus 13:20-22 After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or travel by night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. WHEN I was very young, my mother kept a hall light on at night as my brother and I went to sleep. One night she turned off the light thinking we were old enough to accept the darkness. But we weren’t. In the fearful darkness, I cried out, “Turn on the light!” She quickly responded. How comforting it was to know mom never left her place to care for us. The LORD was giving his very personal presence to his people. Yes, he gave his pillars of fire and cloud to tell them he would never leave his place to lead his people. El-Shaddai is a good Father. The One who said, “Let there be light,” at Creation’s dawn, turned on the light at night and gave a pillar of cloud by day to lead Israel into his promises for them. To confirm his promises of safekeeping, God led his people into peril. This seldom makes sense to us, but it is completely within God’s plan to personally demonstrate he gives his presence to us. The final confrontation with Egypt and the journey through the sea in Exodus 14 were two more events to demonstrate God’s personal power is with Israel. Did Israel then resolutely follow and obey God’s every command? Did they quickly turn to him in new trials that would come? Were the plagues, the Passover and the Red Sea sufficient evidence for God’s nation to trust him in each crisis to come? Sadly they were not. Just three days later, at the oasis of Marah (Exodus 15:22-25) Israel would reject God’s leadership. In fear they did not consider God would provide fresh water for them. At the bitter water, they urgently wanted him to “turn on the light” to ease their thirst. We can’t blame them for needing water. But we could ask, “Why did they not praise God and pray for water?” Then El-Shaddai answered their anger with his grace. He made the bitter water fresh. Then the LORD gave his people this loving protection promise: He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26) This is a conditional covenant. “if you will” then “I will”. God wanted his children to always know he would comfort them in any darkness if they were faithful to hear and do as he commanded. Let’s remember the Light of the World has come in person. Let there be light in your mind to come out of any darkness in your heart. See and know the Living God has never left his place to lead you. Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Read Exodus 12-13:16
Exodus 12:13-14 But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time.” HERE is an easy way to remember where the Passover scripture is: Exodus 12, 13, 14. “Remember” is a key word in this passage and in God’s continuing covenant to be our God. Throughout the Old Testament, God will call his people to “Remember.” He says in Exodus 12:24 “Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever.” Moses commands it in Exodus 13:3 “So Moses said to the people, “This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the Lord has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand.” At the end of the Old Testament record, about 1400 years later, God spoke through the prophet “Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel.” (Malachi 4:4) Why remember? What happens if Israel would forget? To not remember the Passover, Israel would forget God’s profound grace to save them from Egypt’s slavery and the plague of death that dreadful night by the lamb’s blood on the doorpost. To not remember God’s grace, Israel would not know the special purpose God has called them to as his people. To not remember God’s love, grace, and salvation, Israel would worship idols and turn their hearts to terrible sins. To not remember, Israel would not trust God’s covenants to be their God. But Israel did forget. When they reached the Promised Land, they stopped remembering who had led them there and who had given them the land. They would forget God and forget his Passover grace. They forgot the laws and the commanded feasts. Their lost memory caused a lost relationship with El Shaddai – the eternal, giving God. Nearly all of Israel would become a wandering people because they forgot who to follow. Thankfully in his grace, Jesus came to restore mankind’s memory. The New Testament is a new blood sacrifice all people in Christ are to remember. Here’s why: Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me. This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” (Luke 22:19-20) In what way might you need to be closer to God today? Whatever you need, stop to remember who God is. Remember what he is love. Remember what he has done for your life now and forevermore. Remember you are saved by grace, chosen by God to have the mark of Jesus’ blood on your soul. Remember, the plague of death will not touch you because the Father has struck the Lamb, whose blood is marked on your heart. Read Exodus 9-11
Exodus 9:2-4 If you continue to hold them and refuse to let them go, 3 the hand of the Lord will strike all your livestock—your horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, sheep, and goats—with a deadly plague. 4 But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die…16 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed throughout all the earth.” HERE are three ways God demonstrates his supremacy and authority – that he is El Shaddai, LORD God Almighty. First, the LORD created a storm to punish Pharaoh and Egypt. When a storm rages through an area, it seems impossible for us to believe it is the LORD’s work. It’s true that not all storms are God’s judgment. But he does control every element through the heavens and earth. Second, God’s supreme authority is revealed in the storm’s pointed destruction. It will kill Egypt’s animals but not touch Israel’s animals. God’s authority is very specific and purposeful. Third, through Moses God tells Pharaoh. “I have raised you up for this very purpose.” Again, it’s difficult to understand that God raises and gives even evil rulers their power. But in his will all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (Romans 13:1b) – [If you’d like I can send you my notes on Romans 13.] Pharaoh would reject God’s authority. His prideful disobedient caused great destruction in Egypt, he would eventually die. On many days in the months and years to come, Israel, too would reject God’s authority. And many would die in their rebellion. Pay attention. Remember HE IS is charge. The LORD’s Grace Exodus 11:3 The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people. DID you know the Egyptians – even Pharaoh’s officials – highly regarded Moses? Would we not assume every Egyptian hated him? And could we think that many Israelites were suspicious of Moses? Some certainly opposed Moses. Yet, a vast nation eventually followed Moses into a wilderness. Moses’ favored status in Egypt is another demonstration of God’s power over nature – even over human nature. Moses, the reluctant servant, became God’s ambassador to both Egypt and Israel. The Egyptian people’s favor gave Moses leverage against Pharaoh and leadership strength for Israel. God was preparing Israel’s hearts to say, “Yes!” when Moses said, “It is time to leave Egypt.” The Lord God does the same for you, doesn’t he? With the Holy Spirit’s anointing, you are transformed to be Jesus’ ambassador. Pray for God’s favor of fellowship with others, so they will say, “Yes!” when you invite them to God’s kingdom. |
AuthorBob James Archives
November 2024
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