Today's reading takes us from Exodus 35: 4 to 39:1. Yesterday we read that God renewed His covenant with the children of Israel and promised His presence. The people begin the construction of the Tabernacle.
The attention to detail leaps from the page. As an engineer, I am somewhat known for my attention to detail and demanding a particular specification of materials and quality of construction. I am nothing compared to God. His plans and specs for His house are stunning. He knows exactly what He wants and gives complete design information that is to be followed.
He has lavish tastes as well. A quick calculation of the materials used nets about $45,000,000 in today's dollars (not including the labor). The materials to be used are gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen. Only the best for God! His house is to be the finest available. Do I expect that second best is good enough for God?
What can I learn about God and what can I learn about my relationship with Him? First, He specifies the home He will live in. Do I think that He would move into a home that isn't built to His specification? Second, He expects His people to be obedient to His commands. Following His spec is the only way to please Him. Thirdly, He expects His home is to be formed through sacrifice. His people were called upon to give the materials to build the Tabernacle.
For me to have a proper relationship with Him, I must use His spec for His home. Do I expect Him to move into His new home when I have not followed His specifications? What is His spec now? You and me, washed in the blood of His son, Jesus. (Acts 2:38,39) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (1 Cor 3:16) "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"
God expects us to keep His commands. Jesus tells His followers "If you love me, keep my commands". (John 14:15) The test of our love for God is our obedience to His commands. If I want to please God and give Him glory, I will be obedient to His word; I will step down from the throne of my life and place Him there.
His home is to be built through sacrifice. First and foremost, the blood of Christ is required. He will not move in until the home is clean and cleansing comes through the sacrifice of Jesus and the application of His blood. But in addition to Jesus' sacrifice, our sacrifice is demanded. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1) Our lives are to be a continual sacrifice, a living sacrifice. We don't have to die physically, but we do have to die spiritually. (Take 5 minutes and read Romans 6)
In conclusion, may we decide to pay attention to details in our lives. May we decide to examine our "home" and make sure we have followed His specification and that it is a suitable residence for our Father. Amen.
The attention to detail leaps from the page. As an engineer, I am somewhat known for my attention to detail and demanding a particular specification of materials and quality of construction. I am nothing compared to God. His plans and specs for His house are stunning. He knows exactly what He wants and gives complete design information that is to be followed.
He has lavish tastes as well. A quick calculation of the materials used nets about $45,000,000 in today's dollars (not including the labor). The materials to be used are gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen. Only the best for God! His house is to be the finest available. Do I expect that second best is good enough for God?
What can I learn about God and what can I learn about my relationship with Him? First, He specifies the home He will live in. Do I think that He would move into a home that isn't built to His specification? Second, He expects His people to be obedient to His commands. Following His spec is the only way to please Him. Thirdly, He expects His home is to be formed through sacrifice. His people were called upon to give the materials to build the Tabernacle.
For me to have a proper relationship with Him, I must use His spec for His home. Do I expect Him to move into His new home when I have not followed His specifications? What is His spec now? You and me, washed in the blood of His son, Jesus. (Acts 2:38,39) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (1 Cor 3:16) "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"
God expects us to keep His commands. Jesus tells His followers "If you love me, keep my commands". (John 14:15) The test of our love for God is our obedience to His commands. If I want to please God and give Him glory, I will be obedient to His word; I will step down from the throne of my life and place Him there.
His home is to be built through sacrifice. First and foremost, the blood of Christ is required. He will not move in until the home is clean and cleansing comes through the sacrifice of Jesus and the application of His blood. But in addition to Jesus' sacrifice, our sacrifice is demanded. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1) Our lives are to be a continual sacrifice, a living sacrifice. We don't have to die physically, but we do have to die spiritually. (Take 5 minutes and read Romans 6)
In conclusion, may we decide to pay attention to details in our lives. May we decide to examine our "home" and make sure we have followed His specification and that it is a suitable residence for our Father. Amen.
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