Exodus 29:1-3
"Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them to minister as priests to Me: take one young bull and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread and unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil; you shall make them of fine wheat flour. You shall put them in one basket, and present them in the basket along with the bull and the two rams."
This chapter reflects God's ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. As Aaron and his sons were not pure, unblemished animals had to be offered (along with other elements) so these men could live another day and minister before God as priests. Life had to be given for life.
"Ordination" is being declared something we previously were not. In order to be ordained, a substitute was necessary in the sight of God and for all to understand what was occurring. The person being ordained would place their hands on the animal, identifying with its death. Moses then, killed the animal and the blood was poured at the base of altar (v.10-14).
Christ, the reality behind all these sacrifices, died for you and me. His shed blood (poured out at the base of the cross) cleansed us from all sin and replaced the need for any other sacrifices to be made. He has been ordained by God as our High Priest and now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us day and night.
The Truth
“And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:11-14)
Monday, August 31, 2015
The High Priest
Exodus 28:1 (a)
"Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me…”
In Chapter 28 we get a look at the priesthood from God’s point of view. Here God will show us His intent for this office, occupied by by sinful men, bringing God to the people and the people to God. Ministering not only for God but to God with praise, honor, glory and worship on behalf of the people.
Just as Aaron (and his family) was selected to perform the duties of high priest before the Lord in the temple under the Mosaic Law, so God selected His Son Jesus Christ to be our great high priest and intercede for us before His throne in heaven under the new covenant of the blood of Jesus Christ.
Interestingly enough, You and I also have a role to play in this as well. The Bible says in I Peter 2:9 (written to ALL believers), “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you”. Therefore, if you trust in the Lord you are His priest, a representitive of Him in your daily life before a lost world.
So praise Him, give Glory to Him, Worship Him our Great and Awesome High Priest.
The Truth
“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2)
"Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me…”
In Chapter 28 we get a look at the priesthood from God’s point of view. Here God will show us His intent for this office, occupied by by sinful men, bringing God to the people and the people to God. Ministering not only for God but to God with praise, honor, glory and worship on behalf of the people.
Just as Aaron (and his family) was selected to perform the duties of high priest before the Lord in the temple under the Mosaic Law, so God selected His Son Jesus Christ to be our great high priest and intercede for us before His throne in heaven under the new covenant of the blood of Jesus Christ.
Interestingly enough, You and I also have a role to play in this as well. The Bible says in I Peter 2:9 (written to ALL believers), “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you”. Therefore, if you trust in the Lord you are His priest, a representitive of Him in your daily life before a lost world.
So praise Him, give Glory to Him, Worship Him our Great and Awesome High Priest.
The Truth
“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2)
Sunday, August 30, 2015
The Altar
Exodus 27
In Chapter 27, we step out of the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and enter the Tabernacle Courtyard. Here the people would bring their sacrifices to the priests to be placed upon the altar for the remission of their sins. And according to the law (old covenant) almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).
Today we have no need to bring an animal to an altar, for we have a new covenant through Jesus Christ. His ultimate sacrifice upon the cross, made that possible for all mankind.
The Truth
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)
In Chapter 27, we step out of the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and enter the Tabernacle Courtyard. Here the people would bring their sacrifices to the priests to be placed upon the altar for the remission of their sins. And according to the law (old covenant) almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).
Today we have no need to bring an animal to an altar, for we have a new covenant through Jesus Christ. His ultimate sacrifice upon the cross, made that possible for all mankind.
The Truth
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)
A Place Of Beauty
Exodus 26
Our God is a God of details. Here in chapter 26 the various coverings over the structure will be seen, the framework for the dwelling place where the Lord would encounter Israel would be described in detail. Even the fittings, hooks, rings, sockets, material and colors to be used were all laid out here for Moses to follow to complete this place of beauty.
The LORD sees you and I as His workmanship. He is chipping away at us constantly forming and shaping us into what He would have us to be. We are the clay in the hands of the Master Craftsman who will make us into a place of beauty if we will just submit to His Lordship in our lives.
The Truth
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Our God is a God of details. Here in chapter 26 the various coverings over the structure will be seen, the framework for the dwelling place where the Lord would encounter Israel would be described in detail. Even the fittings, hooks, rings, sockets, material and colors to be used were all laid out here for Moses to follow to complete this place of beauty.
The LORD sees you and I as His workmanship. He is chipping away at us constantly forming and shaping us into what He would have us to be. We are the clay in the hands of the Master Craftsman who will make us into a place of beauty if we will just submit to His Lordship in our lives.
The Truth
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Follow The Pattern
Exodus 25:8-9
“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. According to all I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.”
Here God tells Moses to construct Him a tabernacle. He later gives Moses explicit instructions, a plan, a design, a pattern, for the construction of it and each object to be found within - and Moses was to follow that plan.
The application for us is when God calls you, follow the pattern of His call. If you’re a teacher, then teach. If you’re a helper, then help. We are simply what He has called us to be. Don’t try to do what someone else should be doing. Just follow His pattern, pray for help when needed and you will find His rest.
The Truth
“Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. According to all I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.”
Here God tells Moses to construct Him a tabernacle. He later gives Moses explicit instructions, a plan, a design, a pattern, for the construction of it and each object to be found within - and Moses was to follow that plan.
The application for us is when God calls you, follow the pattern of His call. If you’re a teacher, then teach. If you’re a helper, then help. We are simply what He has called us to be. Don’t try to do what someone else should be doing. Just follow His pattern, pray for help when needed and you will find His rest.
The Truth
“Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Friday, August 28, 2015
Moses Is Called
Exodus 24:1-2
"Then He said to Moses, 'Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance. Moses alone, however, shall come near to the Lord…”
Out of the millions of people from the children of Israel, the Lord here calls 73 men to come and worship with Moses but only Moses was allowed to approach God.
Why Moses? Why not somebody else? We saw the choices he made that led to his exile and then forty years later we saw his reluctance in accepting the call of God. So again one may ask, why Moses?
The reality is that Moses had an honest faith in the Lord (Hebrews 11:27) and God can get extraordinary things done with ordinary people who have faith. The application here is to act in faith when called by God. He will give you the strength and the gifts needed to do His will.
Moses followed God's call did what the Lord revealed to him must be done. We are at our best when we faithfully follow the Lord, as Moses had learned to do.
The Truth
“He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants - God’s own people, Israel.” (Psalm 78:70-71)
"Then He said to Moses, 'Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance. Moses alone, however, shall come near to the Lord…”
Out of the millions of people from the children of Israel, the Lord here calls 73 men to come and worship with Moses but only Moses was allowed to approach God.
Why Moses? Why not somebody else? We saw the choices he made that led to his exile and then forty years later we saw his reluctance in accepting the call of God. So again one may ask, why Moses?
The reality is that Moses had an honest faith in the Lord (Hebrews 11:27) and God can get extraordinary things done with ordinary people who have faith. The application here is to act in faith when called by God. He will give you the strength and the gifts needed to do His will.
Moses followed God's call did what the Lord revealed to him must be done. We are at our best when we faithfully follow the Lord, as Moses had learned to do.
The Truth
“He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants - God’s own people, Israel.” (Psalm 78:70-71)
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Do Not Give A False Report
Exodus 23:1
"You shall not give a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.”
Simply put, we are to tell the truth, in court and in all of life. We are to follow God; not follow, join, conspire or buy into the "crowd in doing evil." We are not to repeat, spread or even listen with interest (as people often do) to a false report but instead we should discourage and reprove the reporter of it. (Proverbs 25:23)
Sometimes however, we cannot avoid hearing a false report but we must not receive it, we must not hear it with pleasure, nor easily give credit to it, for there are consequences for joining yourself to evil.
God's laws for Israel were tailor-made for that nation of 3,500 years ago but, many continue to apply to you and I today.
The Truth
“Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the Lord. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.” (Numbers 14:36-38)
"You shall not give a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.”
Simply put, we are to tell the truth, in court and in all of life. We are to follow God; not follow, join, conspire or buy into the "crowd in doing evil." We are not to repeat, spread or even listen with interest (as people often do) to a false report but instead we should discourage and reprove the reporter of it. (Proverbs 25:23)
Sometimes however, we cannot avoid hearing a false report but we must not receive it, we must not hear it with pleasure, nor easily give credit to it, for there are consequences for joining yourself to evil.
God's laws for Israel were tailor-made for that nation of 3,500 years ago but, many continue to apply to you and I today.
The Truth
“Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the Lord. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.” (Numbers 14:36-38)
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Responsibility Of Restitution
Exodus 22:1-27
In this chapter the first 27 verses deal with theft. Sin has not only made us murderers, but also thieves. Honesty does not come naturally to sinful man. Sin and lying go together. The first thing Adam and Eve did after they fell into the sin of disobedience was to lie about it.
God respects private property. It is part of man's dignity to own. Stealing, therefore, is more than taking what belongs to another, it is an insult to the image of God in man. God takes such insults very seriously. Stealing was not considered to be just an act of taking someone else's property, the thief became guilty before the Lord and had to atone for his sin by bringing a guilt offering.
As far as life on earth is concerned, in the event that the thief is caught, God wants him to make restitution above and beyond that which he stole. This is what Zacchaeus did when he was visited by the Lord Jesus and understood that his sins were being forgiven (Luke 19).
The Truth
Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:6-9)
In this chapter the first 27 verses deal with theft. Sin has not only made us murderers, but also thieves. Honesty does not come naturally to sinful man. Sin and lying go together. The first thing Adam and Eve did after they fell into the sin of disobedience was to lie about it.
God respects private property. It is part of man's dignity to own. Stealing, therefore, is more than taking what belongs to another, it is an insult to the image of God in man. God takes such insults very seriously. Stealing was not considered to be just an act of taking someone else's property, the thief became guilty before the Lord and had to atone for his sin by bringing a guilt offering.
As far as life on earth is concerned, in the event that the thief is caught, God wants him to make restitution above and beyond that which he stole. This is what Zacchaeus did when he was visited by the Lord Jesus and understood that his sins were being forgiven (Luke 19).
The Truth
Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:6-9)
Judgments For Israel
Exodus 21:1
“Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them:”
Chapter 21 is an extension of Chapter 20, continuing God’s Word to Moses for the people outlining His judgments.
As you read God’s Judicial Laws beginning here in chapter 21, one can see that it is the basis of much of our “modern” law. If you caused loss to someone, they should receive value to compensate them for what is gone, and that has been the basis of courtroom decisions through the centuries.
We are taught here in Chapter 21 that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. However, if we do, we must be willing to make it right by providing restitution.
The Truth
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33)
“Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them:”
Chapter 21 is an extension of Chapter 20, continuing God’s Word to Moses for the people outlining His judgments.
As you read God’s Judicial Laws beginning here in chapter 21, one can see that it is the basis of much of our “modern” law. If you caused loss to someone, they should receive value to compensate them for what is gone, and that has been the basis of courtroom decisions through the centuries.
We are taught here in Chapter 21 that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. However, if we do, we must be willing to make it right by providing restitution.
The Truth
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33)
Monday, August 17, 2015
Moses Went Up At God's Call
Exodus 19:20
“And the LORD came down on mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.”
Just as God came down and Moses went up, Jesus will come down and the church will go up to meet Him in the air. Amen.
The Truth
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
“And the LORD came down on mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.”
Just as God came down and Moses went up, Jesus will come down and the church will go up to meet Him in the air. Amen.
The Truth
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Thursday, August 13, 2015
God Knows Your Needs
Exodus 16:6-7
"So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, 'At evening you will know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your grumblings against the Lord; and what are we, that you grumble against us?'"
The Lord is fully aware of our needs and just like Israel, He will provide for us. God knows the "grumblings" in our hearts and on our lips and yet, He still loves us enough to provide for each and every one of us.
Just as Moses and Aaron were the targets of the grumbling and complaining, the ones God had chosen to be the examples to the people of FAITH, so we as Christians are to be examples to others around us of FAITH as well. As we walk through different seasons in life, may we be that example of faith to all.
Thank you LORD for your daily provision in our lives. Help us to walk in faith. Amen.
The Truth
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)
"So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, 'At evening you will know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your grumblings against the Lord; and what are we, that you grumble against us?'"
The Lord is fully aware of our needs and just like Israel, He will provide for us. God knows the "grumblings" in our hearts and on our lips and yet, He still loves us enough to provide for each and every one of us.
Just as Moses and Aaron were the targets of the grumbling and complaining, the ones God had chosen to be the examples to the people of FAITH, so we as Christians are to be examples to others around us of FAITH as well. As we walk through different seasons in life, may we be that example of faith to all.
Thank you LORD for your daily provision in our lives. Help us to walk in faith. Amen.
The Truth
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Hold Your Peace
Exodus 14:14
“The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Here in Chapter 14 the children of Israel are trapped, the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army approaching them from behind. The people seeing no (humanly) possible way out of trouble began to murmur and quarrel with Moses saying, “There were not enough graves in Egypt, so you have taken us away to die in the wilderness. Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians.” (v.11-12)
So typical of how limited our vision can be and how we cannot wait for God’s appointed timing.
Moses on the other hand gets above the fear and says, “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” In other words, compose yourself, remember who is in control and have confidence in Him. If God brings his people into trouble, you can be sure He will find a way to bring them out.
The Truth
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
“The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Here in Chapter 14 the children of Israel are trapped, the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army approaching them from behind. The people seeing no (humanly) possible way out of trouble began to murmur and quarrel with Moses saying, “There were not enough graves in Egypt, so you have taken us away to die in the wilderness. Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians.” (v.11-12)
So typical of how limited our vision can be and how we cannot wait for God’s appointed timing.
Moses on the other hand gets above the fear and says, “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” In other words, compose yourself, remember who is in control and have confidence in Him. If God brings his people into trouble, you can be sure He will find a way to bring them out.
The Truth
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Don't Give Up
Exodus 11:10
"Moses and Aaron (had) performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; yet the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land."
Many people would have given up at this point, convinced that NOTHING could persuade the Pharaoh to let Israel's people go – not Moses. What did he do? He listened to and trusted in the Lord.
Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy in our lives. Help us all to trust that all things are working together for your greater good. Amen.
The Truth
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8)
"Moses and Aaron (had) performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; yet the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land."
Many people would have given up at this point, convinced that NOTHING could persuade the Pharaoh to let Israel's people go – not Moses. What did he do? He listened to and trusted in the Lord.
Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy in our lives. Help us all to trust that all things are working together for your greater good. Amen.
The Truth
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8)
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
The Men May Go
Exodus 10:11 “The Men May Go”
“…Go now you that are men, and serve the LORD; for that you did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.”
Here Pharaoh cunningly tries to get Moses to compromise and leave the women and children behind. But the demand given to Moses by God was, “let my people go” (Exodus 5:1). This demand was not the men only, but the women and children also, and all that were concerned in the service of God, and in keeping a feast to him: including their cattle.
This deception is an attempt to, not only break up the families but to gain leverage against Moses as well. Pharaoh would have most likely taken the women and children as hostages and held them captive awaiting his return. Because Moses did not take the bait, he was driven out of Pharaoh’s presence; by some of his officers, according to his orders.
Men, do not be deceived. Protect your families and your beliefs against all those who would seek to compromise them. Stand firm.
The Truth
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness..” (Ephesians 6:14)
“…Go now you that are men, and serve the LORD; for that you did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.”
Here Pharaoh cunningly tries to get Moses to compromise and leave the women and children behind. But the demand given to Moses by God was, “let my people go” (Exodus 5:1). This demand was not the men only, but the women and children also, and all that were concerned in the service of God, and in keeping a feast to him: including their cattle.
This deception is an attempt to, not only break up the families but to gain leverage against Moses as well. Pharaoh would have most likely taken the women and children as hostages and held them captive awaiting his return. Because Moses did not take the bait, he was driven out of Pharaoh’s presence; by some of his officers, according to his orders.
Men, do not be deceived. Protect your families and your beliefs against all those who would seek to compromise them. Stand firm.
The Truth
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness..” (Ephesians 6:14)
Monday, August 3, 2015
Recognition Of Sin
Exodus 9:27
“And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”
Pharaoh said, I have sinned; the Lord is righteous; I am wicked — These professions however were only produced by his fears: his heart was still untouched. His head recognized the power of God but his heart was still hardened and unbelieving.
The wicked confess their sins to their condemnation, but they cannot believe to obtain remission.
The Truth
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)
“And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”
Pharaoh said, I have sinned; the Lord is righteous; I am wicked — These professions however were only produced by his fears: his heart was still untouched. His head recognized the power of God but his heart was still hardened and unbelieving.
The wicked confess their sins to their condemnation, but they cannot believe to obtain remission.
The Truth
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)
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