Ex 37

The next item that was to be made was the Ark which was only done by Bezalel - since God filled him with His Spirit. The details were just as were mentioned in 25. Collectively, the table, lampstand (and lamps) and the altar of incense were also made to the specifications that were mentioned in 25, 27 & 30. The end of the chapter also mentions that they made the sacred anointing oil and the pure fragrant incense - the work of a perfumer.

Interesting that we (at church) use simple cooking olive oil to anoint as mentioned in James 5. It is the power of the Lord that will make us whole. Still, it is something that we do soberly and with great faith. Sorry it took so long between posts but this part of Exodus is not exactly covering new ground since most of this was covered in earlier chapters. Still, no fault but my own. Interesting Sunday service at the church we attended, where the pastor used Mark 12: 1-12 in bring a renter v owner mentality to our lives.
They do communion every Sunday as well. I enjoy this much more than what we used to go to when we come down here. The church was morphed into a satelite church and uses video sermons which is not my speed.

Still the weather has been spectacular 70-low 80s with almost no humidity and no rain. Been to the Braves-Mets on Friday, Saturday was Epcot where we saw the Guess Who (or remnants of the original group) give a small concerts with their hits. Sunday, we went to Animal Kingdom after church, and yesterday we were at the Studios (where we said hello to an old friend who works at AI there). We also picked up GG who will be with us for the rest of the time here and a few days in NJ.

Praise for today: Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. Ps 125:4

Ex 36: 8-38

The first item on the agenda for things to make is the Tabernacle. They proceeded their task with competence and alacrity. Each step and part of the Tabernacle was done as required which was amazing since all they had was the words from the Lord via Moses. The task was not a "one or two-man job" and the word "they" was repeated for every verse in this section. While the time frame for this task was not delineated, it seems that they worked non-ceasing for the 6 days and on the 7th they rested. Each detail that was described in c 26 was repeated here as well.

Looking forward to heading home tonight and having dinner with David and Irene before Irene and I head down to FL tomorrow. Time to relax and enjoy!

Praise for today: May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. Ps. 104: 34

Ex 35:30 to 36:7

The die is cast and the players are now assembled to carryforth the Lord's intent. God's chosen craftsman Bezaliel from the tribe of Judah will be the chief architect of the plan. God's Spirit has filled him with the ability, knowledge and skill to execute this to the perfection required by the Lord. Oholiab will also be blessed by God and will be able to teach others how to assist in this tremendous undertaking. Once they were assembled and given the tasks , they were also given the offerings that would be used to make the items required. The people's generosity was so overwhelming that they were told to cease since they had more than enough to do the tasks.

I don't think that those who gave were necessarily looking to "buy" their grace but rather as a sign of thanksgiving and appreciation for what the Lord has done. They gave more than what was required which was in and of itself a good thing. Truly a sign that all was good (for now).

Praise for today: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Ps 51: 17

Ex 35: 1-29

Moses is now ready to get the Lord's commands into reality. He gathers them all to him an addresses them to what is expected. The first thing he commands is that they must obey the Sabbath and the severity of maintaining it. The next thing is the materials that will be used for the Tabernacle. It will be from a free-will offering - gold, silver and bronze, blue, purple and scarlet yard and fine linen, goat hair; ram skins dyed red and the hides from cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems for the breastplate (5-9). There is also an appeal for the skilled craftsmen among them to step forth and make everything that the Lord commanded - the tabernacle, tables and poles, bread for the Presence, altar, curtains, etc.

The response was overwhelming since the needs of the supplies and the craftsmen were met. The Bible doesn't mention any item that was lacking or any need unfulfilled. It was amazing that the needs were responded to with such zeal and completeness. God's people responded with a good and proper response.

Good and relaxing weekend. Not much accomplished but then again not much sought either.

Praise for today: For you  have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. Ps 71: 5

Ex 34: 29-35

Moses's relationship with the Lord has now moved to a whole different level. When he came down from Mount Sinai with the tablets, his face became radiant and as a result the people were afraid. Moses had to bring the message first to Aaron and the leaders of the community before the people were willing to hear. It was then that he gave them al the commands and instructions that were given to him by the Lord on Mount Sinai. The use of the veil was introduced as Moses used it whenever he was done speaking to the Israelites and when he would take it off when entering the Lord's presence.

What a unique and special relationship! Interesting that the Men's devotional Bible uses the concept of being "caught up again in love" by Tim Stafford as a devotional for this passage. "When you are apart from the Lord and when your relationship with Him has grown cold, you've lost your spiritual edge. You can think it will take a lot of time, a month or so of spiritual disciple, to get going again with him. Then you sit down and discover, in just minutes, that you don't have to do a thing - except take some time.  Be alone with him. In what feels like no time you are caught up again in your love."

Heading home later after a long workweek. Looking forward to heading home - nothing but upside!

Praise for today: Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.  Ps 107: 8-9

Ex 34 :1-28

The Lord and Moses continue their encounter on Mount Sinai where he will get the new stone tablets which will embody the 10 Commandments. He was to go to the mount alone and there he would stay for 40 days and nights without food and water. The Lord showed himself in the cloud and passed in front of Moses. Moses then proceeds to fight for his and the Lord's people in spite of their sin and shortcoming. The covenant that the Lord makes here will set the tone for what is to come as they proceed towards the Promised Land. They are to remain pure and unattached to the people and the lands that they will conquer. They will not take the customs or the gods of the peoples that they will defeat nor will they take the people as their own. The firstborn will belong to the Lord and the Sabbath will remain holy. They will follow the pattern of the feasts and will not use yeast.

Such an encounter between God and Moses. This was so unique that it remains one of the most detailed encounters between God and man ever recorded in the Bible. Do I want to be a man like him? You bet! To have an attitude and an aptitude for God is what I strive for. I pray we all have that desire.

It will be a long day today - impromptu business dinner later and having to stay for the duration tomorrow will be a long evening coming home before heading out to SI for FW.

Praise for today: The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining  love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Ex 34: 6 & 7

Ex 33 : 12-23

This perhaps is my favorite part of the book of Exodus and perhaps of the OT. Moses, who has been at the Lord's beck and call, is now realizing that he has a special relationship with the Lord (11). He has found favor in the eyes of the Lord since he has been called by name to lead His people. His goal is to know His ways so that Moses can find favor with Him. The relationship now has taken Moses to a whole new level of understanding and he wants more - he wants the see the glory of the Lord. God knows what is on his heart even before he asks and has even planned the ways to reveal Himself to him. God literally uses His hand in this matter. Show me your glory! We ask it and don't deserve to. My question is what if God asked to show Him our glory. What would we bring to the table? Our wealth, accomplishments, possessions, children? Would he be proud of our dreams and aspirations? Would He look at how we treat people and others? Would He want to come down from heaven for us and live forever?

This is what I have chosen to speak about the next time I speak in May to the congregation.

Great day weather-wise and it truly has been a winter-less season. 70s and sunny? Love it!

Praise for today: And the Lord said to Moses,"I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and know you by name."  Ex 33:17

Ex 33: 1-11

Clearly, the Lord's displeasure grew with the Israelites as they exhibited more and more that they were a rebellious and stiff-necked people. While the Lord would fulfill his promise to take them to the PL, they were no longer going to have His Presence go with them as He had in the past. Reality set in as they no longer were the "proud" and "ornamented" and left their adornments at Mount Horeb. The only place that Moses would go to "meet the Lord" would be a portable tent outside the camp. Any time the Lord and Moses would converse, it would be there and the people would have to wait outside and await the Lord's command after the meeting since they would no longer be granted the Lord's voice directly. The sign of the Lord's presence would be the pillar of cloud that would come down and stay at the entrance. The Lord would speak to Moses, face to face as a man would speak to a friend (11) with Joshua standing with the tent at all times.

What a privilege the Lord would grant Moses! I wonder what it was like to be spoken to by God in such a manner. We don't hear His audible voice but we do follow His calling ( or not). I guess since this came in the form of Jesus or an angel since he would still want to see the Lord's glory later on in the chapter. Still the Lord is committed to the Israelites despite their many shortcomings.

Long day at work as expected. Still much done and accomplished. Whether or not it is appreciated is another story...but labor for dollars as we used to say at ML.

Praise for today: The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Ps. 116: 5-6

Ex 32:17-33

This was a spectacular scene in the movie but visually it still draws chills down my spine to think of the consequences for the people and Aaron's actions. Joshua, is starting to get more attention as the book of Exodus draws near its end. Clearly, Moses showed his anger towards an ungrateful and rebellious people and his wrath turned to Aaron, who was clearly the "man-in-charge". Rather than take responsibility, he shifted the attention to the people who "forced" his hand. Aaron had become a laughing stock to the enemies of the Lord but still the Lord had plans for him and his sons despite his shortcomings. The Levites rallied with Moses and slayed 3,000 people on the Lord's behalf. It was then that they received the blessings and the charge to remain seperate and distinct. With the tablets broken, Moses goes up to the mountain to receive the new ones and to make restitution with the Lord. The Lord then sends a plague to attack the people who wanted the golden calf.

Clearly this was a turning point in the lives of the Israelites. They would see the wrath of the Lord firsthand for their rebellious ways. They would also receive the tenets of their faith and the means to live by.

A good weekend, despite losing the hour sleep. The dinner for Irene's mom went well, David got home and was able to join the clan, the food was great and on Sunday, GG came home and we all had dinner as a family to catch up. Long day ahead so I will pace myself....

Praise for today: Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. Ps 66: 8-9

Ex 32: 1-16

It was around 40 days that Moses was up on the mountaintop receiving the tenets that would shape the nation for years to come. The expression that the "natives grew restless" was an understatement. Their discontent and mounting lack of discomfort was explanable as they were mindless sheep lacking direction and purpose. What was inexcusable was the elders and Aaron who saw the purpose behind Moses' mountain trek and did absolutely nothing to promote and maintain the momentum that took them out of Egypt. They failed to lead and to judge and direct. Aaron was definitely weak and someone who didn't draw upon his experience in witnessing the power of the Lord. He was an exact opposite of when the "going got tough, the tough get going". To ask for the gold to mold the calf and to be the one that would actually do the deed was inexcusable and an ultimate sign of weakness. I think a more appropriate animal would have been a donkey but that would have been an insult to the donkey (right, Shrek?) so really it should have been the serpent or snake since they were deceived by the ultimate deceiver.

God knew what was happening and told Moses to leave Him before the people are destroyed. Moses pleads with God to spare them so that His Name will ultimately be glorified. Moses leaves with the tablets.

So glad to hear that David's trials for now are behind him and he is enjoying the Seeds conference with his "adopted" church out there - BayCC. Thanks to Mark and Nic for watching over him and being Jesus to him during this time. Also thanks to Andy and Jackie for taking the time to be with him as well. Looking forward to the weekend, family gathering to celebrate Irene's mom's birthday. So much to do to get the house in order... Prayers for Daniel as he makes it home late Sunday and his time home early next week.

Praise for today: Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we wil recount your praise. Ps 79:13.

Ex 31: 12-18

How important to the Lord is the Sabbath! After all of the instructions to prepare the Tabernacle, ark, priestly garments, etc.  the Lord is explicit to Moses how the Sabbath(s) will be treated due to its holiness. It's not only a day of needed rest but it is to be the covenant between the Israelites and the Lord. When it is all said and done, the Lord gave Moses the two tablets of the Testimony (10 commandments) which were carved by God's own finger.

A tumultuous day!  God truly had his hand on the outcome for David as he made his way to the Seeds Conference at COTM yesterday. Testing makes strength and purity as he found out, firsthand. Praiseful for the outcome. Hopefully, Irene's truck has similarly decent news (check engine light). Weather wise, looks like a winner today. Prayerfully, the rest of the day is the same.

Praise for today: May my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding  according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. Ps. 119: 169-170

Ex 31: 1-11

God not only provides the design for all of the things that are necessary to symbolize His place among the people but He also provides the skilled people who can carry out the task. Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, was filled with the HS and was given the skill, ability and knowledge of all kinds of craft. Talk about a sensory and skill set overload! He will have an assistant, Oholiab from the tribe of Dan. God also provided the craftsmen assigned to this task with the skill set given there is no architect school or craftsmen that have ever made anything like this. All will go according to God's plan.

How often we forget who is the one that provides us with our talents and skills, our aptitude and abilities. We get caught up in our accomplishments and what we perceive as our victories that we forget the One who allows and grants us what we have and can do. May we never lose sight of the forest from the trees.

Praise for today: But you are a shield around me, O Lord, you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Ps 3:3

Ex 30

This chapter deals with several items that are to be used in the Tabernacle - altar of incense, basis for washing as well as atonement money and anointing oil and incense. The altar of incense is to be 1.5' square and 3' high out of acacia wood. It is to have gold rings for transport via poles and is to be placed in front of the curtain before the ark. Aaron is to burn incense every morning and is only used for the annual sacrifice. The atonement money is to offered by everyone as a reminder of their exodus out of Egypt. This is to avoid plagues. The basin for washing is for cleansing before entering the Tent of Meeting. The anointing oil is to be made from fine spices and olive oil as a perfume to anoint all of the created things that were mentioned in previous chapters. This is not for people since this is sacred. The incense is to be made from fragrant spices and salted to preserve it. The incense is not to be made by others since this is holy.

While this is some of the "drier" aspects of the book, there is still much to glean from it since it shows how God should be treated by his people. I still appreciate these chapters albeit from a historical perspective.

Praise for today: For you are great and do marvelous deeds, you alone are God. Ps 86:10

Ex 29

This chapter deals with the consecrating Aaron and his sons for the royal priesthood. Animal sacrifice of a young bull and 2 rams are made as well as unleaven bread. They are to be dressed with the garments made in 28 and the bull is to be the sin offering. The blood of the rams is to be put on the altar on all sides and the ram is to be a burnt offering to the Lord. The blood of the second ram is to be used on parts of the body of Aaron and his sons as a consecration and ordination. The unleaven bread is to be used for the wave offering along with the breast meat of the ram. Portions of the sacrifice is to given to Aaron and his sons from the Israelites henceforth as a permanent share of the sacrifice and that will constitute the fellowship (or peace) offering. The balance of the chapter talks of the sacred garments  and how they will do their offerings annually. After all is said and done, the Tent of Meeting and the altar will be consecrated as well as Aaron and his sons and then the Lord will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. Then they will know who is the Lord and who brought them out of Egypt  so that He can dwell among them.

Pretty interesting chapter since there wasn't any rabbinical school that they could have graduated from but rather from the Professor himself. Outwardly the Lord at least made it apparent that this was necessary to be set apart for His work but the heart of man still was an issue.

Enjoyable weekend even though I left work early since I felt run down. Hopefully, there is a little more bounce to my step this week....

Praise for today: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

Ex 28

Now the Lord turns his attention to those who will attend to Him in the tabernacle - Aaron and his sons. He will be adorned with the proper garb to give him dignity and honor. The garments that need to be made will be the ephod, a breastpiece, robe, woven tunic, turban  and sash. The materials to be used will be gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn as well as fine linen.The ephod is the most interesting since the 12 tribes of Israel will be engraved on stones and put in there as a memorial before the Lord. The breastplate too will have the names engraved upon it as well with 12 stones. Aaron is also to wear gold bells when he ministers so that when he enters the Holy Place, God will not slay him. A gold plate with the engravement "HOLY TO THE LORD"will be worn on a turban on his forehead since he will carry the sins and guilt of the nation. When it is all done, Moses is to anoint and ordain Aaron and his sons so they can be consecrated and serve the Lord as priests.

This is the first of two chapters that will define Aaron and his sons as the priests of the Almighty. Do we take our priesthood seriously as we are told in 1 Peter? Do we make our hearts and minds special before the Almighty as we should? I know that it is tough even to clear our minds before Him when we pray. Perhaps if we have less distractions....

Praiseful that it is the weekend. Looking forward to going home! Was able to share my faith and the Bible with a few people over a business dinner. Glad for the opportunity!

Praise for today: With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng I will praise Him. Ps 109:30

Ex 27

This chapter deals with an altar for burnt offerings, a courtyard and how the oil for the lampstand is to be created. The altar is to be made of bronze and of acacia wood and will be 4.5' and 7.7' square. The altar will have rings to be allowed to be transported by poles. The courtyard is very elaborate and have pretty big dimensions - south side will be 150' long, the north side 150', and 150' wide. The courtyard will be adorned with fine linen, purple and scarlet yarn and all of the ornaments are to be made from bronze. All the other articles that will be used for service of the tabernacle will be made of bronze. The oil for the lampstand will be brought by the Israelites of clear oil of pressed olives. Aaron and his sons will be in charge of keeping the lamps burning.

This is entirely new ground for a nomadic group like the Israelites. They were not cohesive and for them to be reined in like this would be a task in and of itself. God has taken them to the next step and forced them to be drawn to him in order to thrive and not just survive. Clearly these materials are not picked up at the Home Depot or at Michaels but have to be create within their ranks. What is interesting is the amount of acacia wood that will necessary to get the job done as well and the tools need to get this project going. God will be honored when this is completed.

Praise for today: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Ps. 19:1.