Finished

O. T. #260 "Finished"
April 3, 2014
Exodus 39-Part 2
And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them. Exodus 39:43

LET IT GLOW

Finished. All done. What a load off the mind when something is impending and finally completed. I have several projects that I would like to say that about, don't you? Looking around, I see one in particular. It is a baby blanket for my new grandson, who will be one year old next month. Where did the time go? I meant to do it, get that blanket made for him before he walked. I better do it this month if that happens. So, I simply have other projects to do. Are you like me? Can you imagine the thrill that the Israelites experienced when everything was completed for the Tabernacle? What about the excitement of Moses?

Verse 32 states that all the work on the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. They brought all the items, from furniture to tent pegs, to priests' garment. Finally it all was done.
I wonder if they asked if they could move on, getting out of the wilderness. But, not just yet.

Liberty Bible Commentary has this to say about the rest of chapter 39:

Just as each item was important in God's service, so no item is omitted from mention in the final summary (one long sentence) of the finished products.Compare Numbers 7:1-89, where each tribe's offering to God is completely enumerated, though all were the same. God is interested in the the offerings and the work of each individual, no matter how small it may seem to others.

How faithful are we in the small things?

John 19:30 records some of Jesus' last words while on the cross, It is finished.

He had come to do the Father's will, and He completed it. Now Jesus sits on the right hand of the
Father, awaiting the time He can return to get His children, you and me.

LET IT GROW

Moses looked over all the work. He wanted to be certain that it met the specifications of God, before the
Tabernacle was assembled and furniture put in place.

Moses inspected the work and confirmed its successful completion. The term work is to be taken as the end result of professional and skilled craftsmen.  (MacArthur) 

How many times do we read the words about the work which was done, according to all that the LORD commanded Moses? I counted three verses-32, 42, and 43. Then Moses blessed them (verse 43), talking about Israel.

We must take care to do things God's way if we would seek His blessing. (Falwell)

By this act (blessing), Moses set his final and formal seal of approval on the outcome of their earnestness and diligence, and expressed his prayer-wish that good would result to them from their God. This is the only instance recorded in Exodus of Moses' pronouncing a blessing on his people. (MacArthur)

Other times of blessing mentioned are found in 20:11, 24; 23:25, and 12:32.
When we finish a project that the Lord has directed us to do, then He will bless the effort and work we put into it.

Are we doing His work or ours?


LET IT GO

Prioritize my projects, seeking the Lord's direction.

Do God's will, His way.

*I apologize for posting late, but I am having computer problems this week. Hopefully, it will be fixed by next week. Thanks for your patience. Please check back during the day for a posting if it is not there when you check. God bless.

An Act of Service

O. T. #259  "An Act of Service"
April 2, 2014
Exodus 38-39:31
And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. Exodus 39:30

LET IT GLOW


Can I be honest here? This Sunday will be my fifth Sunday morning in a row to lead Children's church. I am getting a little weary in my doing good, if you know what I mean. Oh, it's not that I don't enjoy the children, I do, but I miss worshiping with the adults. Having said that, Scripture comes to my mind. Colossians 3:17 and 23 tells me, whatever I do, I am to do it (and heartily) as unto the Lord, not unto men.

Each item placed in the Tabernacle was important in God's service. Each act of service is seen by the Lord. Who am I serving, self or the Lord? Yes, I need an attitude adjustment.

We have been talking abut the items made to be placed inside the Tabernacle. As I have said before scholars estimated this construction used nearly a ton of gold, about 3 3/4 of silver, and 2 1/4 tons of bronze. (Wiersbe)

Johnson has figured the amount of gold listed as 29 talents, 730 shekels, or about 40,940 ounces troy weight. At $500 per ounce that would translate into $20,470,000, an enormous sum in that day. The silver, though amounting to only about 141,000 ounces would be valued at about $7,000,000, figuring silver at $50 an ounce. (Falwell)

Reading through the detailed instructions of the furniture, we see that artistic skills can be dedicated to God and used for His glory. God's work requires different kinds of laborers. Do we have a willing heart to be used by God with whatever skills we have?

LET IT GROW

Aaron was the High Priest and his sons were other priests for the Israelites. Chapter 39 gives the descriptive details of the priestly holy garments to be worn during the performance of the priestly duties. Exodus 28 gives detailed comments of the materials and symbolic significance of the garments. (See my previous posts for these.)

Does it matter to God what we wear to worship services?: God required the priests to wear the best. Is He pleased with anything less from us?

The priests' garments are called cloths of service (verse 1). These holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, or to strut in, but to do service in them.

What does the New Testament have to say about garments?
Those who will come out of the Great Tribulation will have washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb.

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.  Rev. 7:15

The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible  states:

Christ is our High Priest; when He undertook the work of our redemption, He put on the cloths of service-He arrayed Himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit , which received not by measure-girded Himself with the curious girdle Himself with all God's spiritual Israel, bare them on His shoulders, carried them in His bosom, laid them near His heart, engraved them on the palms of His hands, and presented them in the breastplate of judgment unto His Father. True believers are spiritual priests. The clean linen with which all the cloths of service must be made, is the righteousness of saints and Holiness to the Lord (Rev. 19:8) must be so written upon their foreheads, that all who converse with them, may see, and say, that they bear the image of God's holiness, and are devoted to the praise of it.

Are we clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ?
Are we bearing witness of His love, forgiveness, holiness, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness?


LET IT GO

Be the written Word to others.

Be the hands, feet, and tongue of Jesus to others.

Watch what I say, do, and where I go, for others are watching me.

Curtains

O.T. #258 "Curtains"
April 1, 2014
Exodus 38

These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of Testimony, which were recorded at Moses' command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar, son of Aaron, the priest. Exodus 38:21

LET IT GLOW

Recently, I purchased a comforter set and curtains for our bedroom. I had to measure the window so I got the right size. Did you know that the Bible mentions curtains? Read on for details.


The dimension of the courtyard of the Tabernacle, bordered by curtains and poles, was 150 feet by 75 feet. Entry into the courtyard was not freely gained from all quarters. There was only one way to enter, by the gate. (MacArthur)

In John 10:9, Jesus said, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

Have you entered the Door?
Do you know Jesus, the Door to heaven?

LET IT GROW


The Levites were put in charge of the gold, silver, and bronze used in the Tabernacle. Ithamar, Aaron's son, was responsible for totaling it all. The total number of men 20 years and older, was 603,550. Don't you know that was quite a task? He was a very responsible person. (Num. 4:28,33)

Are you considered a responsible person?
Would others trust you with their money?

LET IT GO


 Trust Jesus to be my door to heaven.

 Be a trustworthy person.

Abilities

O.T.#257  "Abilities"
March 31, 2014
Exodus 37-Part 1
And Bezaleel made...    Exodus 37:1

LET IT GLOW



What abilities do you have? Can you play the play a musical instrument? Sing, drama, clean, cook, serve? Are you thinking that you have none? It isn't so. Read on.

In this chapter, we read of the plans for the Tabernacle which God gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai the second tine. (See chapter 25 for the original instructions.) The construction took about six months.

Verse 1 states : And Bezaleel  made...

Remember now, he was one of the two guys that God gave wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary according to all that the LORD commanded. (36:1) They were faithful in constructing the Tabernacle, where sacrifices were made for the sins of the Israelites, and where God dwelled at the Mercy Seat.

Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, said:

Only you can be you. God designed each of us so there would be no duplication in the world. "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." (Romans 12:6a) God has a place in His church where your specialties can shine and you can make a difference. It's up to you to find that place.

 Are we willing to do His will?


LET IT GROW

Did you notice that God is in the specific details of the Tabernacle?
Is He giving you specific details in your life?
Are you asking?

LET IT GO


Trust God for the details.

Let Him use my abilities.

Fathful Workers

O. T. #256 "Faithful Workers"
March 28, 2014
Exodus 36-Part 1
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.  Exodus 36:1

LET IT GLOW

Verse 1 is a review. Bealeel and Aholiab were called by God to do and oversee the work the work required for constructing the Tabernacle and the priests garments. (35:30-35) They would follow the details which God gave to Moses. Every skilled worker to whom the LORD had given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work set to do it.

In this chapter, we read the descriptions of the men helping in the construction as being:

• wise hearted, which means to become a Judean; Judaize; live as a Jew;
• one in whom  the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary;
• faithful to follow all that the LORD had commanded;
• a man whose heart was stirred up to do the work

When God had qualified them for the work, then they applied themselves to it. The talents we are entrusted  with must no be laid up, but laid out; not hid in a napkin, but traded with. What have we all our gifts for, but to do good with them?  (Matthew Henry)

The workers began when Moses called them to begin.

Our church has been in the process of building a new sanctuary with classroom for a couple of years. We are blessed with members who have as their profession and hobby-electrical, construction, wall installation, artistic painting, woodwork (stairs, prayer benches), beams, and landscaping. These guys give instructions to helpers, as well as doing work themselves. They have been giving their time on Saturdays to help in the construction. Because of their volunteer labor, they are saving the church a lot of money. Certainly, we are blessed.

Our volunteer painters have had to wait until the walls were put up, mudded, and readied before the painting could begin. They have spent time painting the walls in the classrooms and offices. We have an elementary art teacher who is drawing and painting Noah's Ark and the animals in our nursery and toddler room. I told you we are blessed.

I have served on the new building committee for about five years now. We have visited other sanctuaries, employed architects, picked out carpet, roof, fixtures, whatever is needed. (We pray for God's leadership in what pleases Him.) I did not realize there was so much that went into building a new building, much less a new sanctuary.

Not only is there the physical building where the church meets, but there is also the people, called the church. We have teachers, deacons, directors, and a pastor.

Are we doing our part in reaching people with the gospel of Jesus?
Are we willing to do God's work when He calls us to a task?
Are we faithful in building up the spiritual house of our people?
Are we faithful to complete it?


LET IT GROW

Verse 3 tells us that the people, Israelites, continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning.

Are we faithful to bring our offerings of praise and thanksgiving, prayers, our self as a servant surrender unto the Lord each morning?
God's grace is free; His compassions are new each morning.

LET IT GO

Be a faithful servant to the Lord Jesus.

Give myself to the Lord's work.

Spend time with my heavenly Father in personal worship each morning.

Be ready when God's time is right.

Willing Hearts

O. T. #255  "Willing Hearts"
March 27, 2014
Exodus 35-Part 1
From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of ...     Exodus 35:5

LET IT GLOW

Are we giving people? Do we give to meet needs of others? Are our hands open when God wants to use something we have? Is our heart open to give? Do we have a willing heart? Things to think about.
 
After being on the mountain forty days without food and water, Moses came down to the people. He gathered the children of Israel together and gave the Sabbath regulations to them:

• These are the words the LORD commanded them to do.
• They were to work six days, but not on the seventh.
• They were to treat the seventh day as their holy day.
• It was to be their Sabbath day of rest to the LORD.
• Whoever does any work on it must be put to death.
• They were told to not even light a fire in their dwellings on the Sabbath day.

Moses had already told the people that God wanted their willing gifts so that the tabernacle could be built (25:1-8). What grace that God would accept gifts from a people who had disobeyed Him and grieved His heart. This was the Lord's offering, so they wanted to give their best. In fact, they gave so
much that Moses had to stop them from bringing more (36:4-7). (Wersbe)

The offering of the LORD was to be given by those who possessed a willing hear. One who gives out of a feeling of group pressure, or for any other reason, ought not give at all. They were to bring precious metals, cloths, skins, and lumber, olive oil, and precious stones. (Falwell)

Have you accepted grace from the Lord? He is willing to give it. He has already paid for it, so it is free to us. We don't deserve it, but He still offers it, even when we disobey.
 

LET IT GROW

The Holy Spirit gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the wisdom to know what to do and the ability to do it. They also taught others how to assist them. They were to construct the Tabernacle and make the priests' special garments.

Scholars estimated the construction of the Tabernacle used a ton of gold, 3/4 tons of silver, and 2 1/4 tons bronze.  (Wiersbe)

Do we use our talents to honor God?
Are we willing to use our stuff for kingdom work?

LET IT GO

Keep the Lord's Day holy.

Use my talents and abilities to honor God.

Candlelight

O. T. #254  "Candlelight"
March 26, 2014
Exodus 34-Part 5
When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. Exodus 34:30

LET IT GLOW

Do we light a candle and hide it? No, I light candles so it can give light. (Some candles have a nice scent.) Several times out electricity has gone off and I had use the candles for a light source. Moses' face shone for a while. Read on to find out the details.

The laws were repeated to Moses a second time on Mt. Sinai by God. Perhaps it was due to the
situation with the golden calf and the breaking of the stones on which the Ten Commandments were written. Maybe due that event, frustration caused Moses to forget what he had seen and heard before. Whatever the reason, we know that Moses wrote the Pentateuch, first five books of the Bible.

Verse 26 is a reminder for the children of Israel, when they are living in the Promised Land, to bring their first fruits of their crops into the house of the LORD their God as a sacrifice.

Do we give God the first of our fruits by writing the first check to the church?
It is a matter of worship and attitude.

Christ is the firstfruit, the first born, the first to rise from the dead. (1 Cor. 15:23; Rev. 1:5)
We are the firstfruits of His creatures. (James 1:18)

How often do we worship our Creator?
Are we giving Him the first of our day?

LET IT GROW

What else do we learn?

• Moses was with the LORD 40 days and 40 nights without bread or water.
• Moses wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.
• Moses' face did shone brightly as it had after the first trip up the mountain. It was the glory of God reflecting upon him.
• He wore a veil on his face after talking to the men, Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation after returning to them.
• Moses removed the veil when talking with God.

Jesus was the reflection of God with His life.
Are we letting out light, God's love, shine before people?

LET IT GO

Honor God with my firsts.

Let Christ shine I my life.

*Please excuse my lateness. Pop ups kept interfering with my writing, so I had to stop and work on deleting them.