"Sacred Objects"

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 4:1-5:31

Scripture Focus

“The duties of the Kohathites at the Tabernacle will relate to the most sacred objects.” (Numbers 4:4 NLT)

Observation

I remember how, as a youngster, I was scolded a time or two for boisterous behavior in the church building because it was “God’s house.” I remember being told once that, in any stack of books, the Bible should always be on top because of its sacred nature as a holy book. But these days? Not so much.

I don’t think that’s a bad thing, necessarily. To declare a building or a book “holy” does run the risk of diminishing *my* place as part of the “holy temple” God is building…*my* opportunity to live out the Living Word of God.

The trouble, it seems to me (and all this comes from reading how very exacting and careful the Israelites were instructed to be in their handling of the tabernacle and its furnishings), is that when we don’t have “sacred things” sometimes *nothing* ends up sacred instead of *everything* becoming sanctified. (Does that make sense? Because I know I’m not completely clear in what I’m writing at this moment.)

Am I sacred? Yes. Are the meals I’ll enjoy today sacred? Yes. Are the conversations I’ll hold today sacred? They *ought* to be—they hold the potential to be. But without the “formality” of sacred things in my life—a sacred place to meet with God, a sacred book that speaks His Words—sometimes the sacredness of everything else gets forgotten.

“Because you have redeemed me, God, everything about my life ought to be seen as just as sacred as every holy artifact handled by the Levites. Help me to see that! Help me to see each moment, every conversation, each gift the day brings, as ‘Holy unto the Lord’!”

"Order in the Camp!"

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 2:1-3:51

Scripture Focus

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NLT)

Observation

Yeah, I know—today’s Scripture focus doesn’t come from today’s Scripture passage (or even today's book or even today's Testament!).  But hey, who’s quibbling over details? Besides—it’s what came to mind as I read about God’s plan for the encampment of the Israelites around the Tabernacle.

Maybe it’s because I’m a guy who really values symmetry and sequence, but I love the “order” that characterized Israel’s campsite. In the center sat the Tabernacle, with the Levites (God’s chosen servants) allocated places around it. As part of those assignments, Aaron and his family camped in front of the Tabernacle, which faced east. Around all of that—with the Tabernacle and the Levites in their assigned places—each of the twelve tribes were given their places.

The assignments speak to the holiness of God—the placement of the Levites around the tabernacle preventing unauthorized personnel from rushing rashly into God’s presence. The placement of each tribe facing the Tabernacle speaks to the centrality of the presence of God for the people overall. The placement of the Tabernacle itself facing east speaks to the forward focus of God’s plans for His people and the promise of each new sunrise. And the assignments of the various places and responsibilities speak to the value of every individual in the health and functioning of the whole community.

It’s not a matter of God (or His ways) being rigid or inflexible If any nation were ever about “movement” and “progress”, it was this new nation birthed by God! The beauty is the settled center and forward focus of this newly liberated people—two key characteristics of every healthy believer—evidenced even in the way God organized the campsite.

"From Slaves to Soldiers!"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 27:1 - Number 1:34

Note to Purists:  *Not* An Historically Accurate Rendering!

Scripture Focus

“From the whole community of Israel, record the names of all the warriors by their clans and families. List all the men twenty years old or older who are able to go to war. You and Aaron must register the troops, and you will be assisted by one family leader from each tribe.” (Numbers 1:2-4 NLT)

Observation

Let’s be honest: Overall, Numbers can be a difficult book to read. Its structure is not the clearest. It contains interesting narrative history, but also includes things like census lists, genealogies and Levitical laws—not always the most inspirational reading for 21st century believers.

But for those who can keep the big picture in view, Numbers is the story of two generations—the generation that came out of Egypt but failed to enter Canaan, and the generation that followed…right up to the point where that second generation is ready to enter Canaan.

Given Hebrew history, Numbers opens in an interesting fashion. The Lord tells Moses to take a census identifying “the names of all the warriors”. Think of that—a generation of slaves is liberated to become a generation of warriors!

I recognize that we’re not always comfortable these days with “war” analogies or even many of the stories of battle found within the Old Testament. Still, isn’t there something of what God has called His people to be that requires a battle-ready heart? “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:11-12 NIV).

I, for one, am encouraged that—though I was a slave, I am being made a warrior—and all for God’s good purpose! I am grateful that God took someone enslaved by sin, and liberated him to advance the righteousness of God and the Kingdom of Heaven!

"Membership Has Its Privileges"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 25:24-26:46

Scripture Focus

“These are the decrees, regulations, and instructions that the LORD gave through Moses on Mount Sinai as evidence of the relationship between himself and the Israelites.” (Leviticus 26:46 NLT)

Observation

There are fascinating “decrees, regulations, and instructions” detailed in today’s reading. They deal with the sale of property within Israel, with the proper treatment of Israelites who have fallen on hard times and need assistance, and even with the expectations placed on foreigners within Israel who have prospered as part of that nation.

The overarching principle in every case is that every transaction was to be conducted with an eye to the “Year of Jubilee”. In that year, any property purchased from an Israelite was to be returned to the family from whom it was purchased, and any Israelite sold into slavery was to be released. The buyer, then, was really only buying the right to the crops the land produced, or the work the laborer produced—and not the land itself or the person himself or herself.

Though the modern reader might shrink back at regulations that seem to allow for “slavery”, in actuality even this may be one of the most humane systems of social assistance ever devised. Israel’s procedure for dealing with poverty put the impoverished one in relationship with someone who’d obviously managed to succeed. There, necessary life skills could be acquired by the insolvent one. Perhaps the hard times were the result of a poor work ethic or fiscal mismanagement or a limited skill set. What better place for the struggling Israelite to be than in apprenticeship with a skillful, diligent worker who manages money well?

By contrast, in contemporary American culture we allow (encourage?) someone to borrow themselves into financial oblivion. Then—when there’s no way out—a bankruptcy filing means everyone loses (except the lawyers, maybe), including the creditor who’s lost his investment and the borrower, who’s financial integrity and standing is destroyed.

What of the foreigners who were allowed to be sold into slavery without hope of redemption in the Year of Jubilee? (Do I dare attempt to answer this?)

The closing verse of this section says that these regulations exist “…as evidence of the relationship between [God] and the Israelites.” Again I remind myself that the Mosaic covenant engages God’s chosen people in contrast to all the other peoples on the face of the earth. Should it bother me, then, that special redemptive privileges accrue to those who belong to God? I think not! Indeed, in some sense, that is the message of the whole of Scripture!

“To as many as received him, to those who believed in his name, to them gave He power to become the children of God. And that is what we are.”

The contrast is that, for Israel and the surrounding nations, the privileged were selected and pre-determined. Today (Calvinists not withstanding), the choice is mine. The offer is His, the opportunity is mine.

"Rest -- Pt 2"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 23:1-25:23

Scripture Focus

“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly. It is the LORD’s Sabbath day, and it must be observed wherever you live.” (Leviticus 23:3 NLT)

Observation

I can’t get past “Commandment One” in today’s reading. I know that the whole passage matters. I understand that each of the feasts listed here—feasts for Israel to observe—point to and find their fulfillment in Christ. They are in some sense “prophecy by party”—“Have a feast day,” the Lord says, “and even in your celebration, you’ll be saying more than you know, and anticipating all I’ll accomplish in Christ!”

But all the appointed festivals stand “in addition to the Sabbath” (v. 4). The Sabbath Day is the “foundational festival”—the one day a week devoted to “complete rest, an official day for holy assembly” (v. 3). It is holy unto the Lord (“the Lord’s Sabbath day”) and it is trans-geographical, i.e., not merely a local or cultural custom but one to be “observed wherever you live.”

The Sabbath is as old as creation itself. It is what God created on the seventh day—rest. And yet perhaps no principle for God-honoring living—the principle of Sabbath rest—is more routinely ignored by contemporary believers. No New Testament believer would hold himself or herself to the letter of the law of the Mosaic covenant (remember that commandment about not trimming the edges of your beard?). But for almost every command, we understand—and adhere to—the principle involved.

Every command, that is, except this one. Here, we run ourselves ragged, embrace the fully unbiblical notion that “busyness is next to Godliness”, and go, go, go until we crash, crash, crash.

That’s stupid.

There is no virtue in exhausted worshippers stumbling into the house of God the one day a month (or maybe two) when some other obligation doesn’t keep them away, throwing a line or two of some unfamiliar song towards God, and wondering why church is such a drag these days.

The Biblical principle is one day a week. And not just for “rest”, but for “assembly”. And not just “when convenient”, but “wherever you live.” Bigger than the commands of the Mosaic covenant—indeed, as old as creation itself—the God of Sabbath rest calls His people to reflect who He is—starting with one day a week for “R and A”—“rest and assembly”.

"Set Apart"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 20-22:33

Scripture Focus

“I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from all other people.” (Leviticus 20:24 NLT)

Observation

These are troublesome verses for some. The restrictions seem reasonable enough—most people have no trouble with the kinds of prohibitions listed in chapter 20—but the punishments seem so severe! Practically every offense in chapter 20 results in capital punishment!

Again I think understanding rests in appreciating Israel’s unique status as a redeemed nation. They enjoy a status shared by no other people on the face of the earth. They’ve entered into covenant with the utterly awesome and absolutely holy God who rescued them from merciless bondage in Egypt. As God’s covenant people, they have chosen to embrace the character of their Redeemer-King, and to reflect that character to rest of the world. They represent Him. They show who He is. He is not marked by self-indulgence, decadence, or hedonism of any kind (like so many of the false gods were), and so neither can be the people who are uniquely His. He is holy without exception, and so they must be, too.

Why? Because there was nothing about the life of an Israelite that built any distinction between the sacred and the secular. Everything was about reflecting the character of Israel’s God. Even the requirements for a “perfect” priest and “perfect” sacrifices—something that, in today’s culture might be seen as discriminatory—anticipates our perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. You can say Israel’s regulations seem unfairly restrictive, but you wouldn’t want any less than perfection in who Jesus is and what He accomplished, now would you?

Here we go: The same remains true for us, today, as God’s representatives in the world. There are things that might be deemed “acceptable” in any other context…activities, practices, pursuits, behaviors…that simply won’t do for the Spirit-filled believer. Why? Because they’re inherently wrong or sinful? No—not necessarily. Rather, it’s because they won’t accurately reflect, through our lives, the holy glory of the God who is our Redeemer-King.

"Mirror, Mirror..."

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 17:1-19:37

Scripture Focus

“You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2 NIV)

Observation:

About this verse, Tyndale’s NIV Bible Commentary makes this observation:

“The character of God is behind his commandments. Among the sensual and foolish deities of antiquity, no god could ground all moral duty in his divine character; only the God of Israel could.”

It’s easy to forget the pantheon of man-made deities worshiped in Israel’s day by the nations. Some of these false gods and false practices are hinted at in Leviticus 18:3, where God says, “So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life.” These man-made gods reflect the foibles and failures of men. They are often emotionally driven, sensual and immoral, and quite easily manipulated by the right offering or vow from a worshipper.

By contrast, the God of the Scriptures, who reveals himself to Israel, does not reflect the foibles and failures of his worshippers, but rather, calls on his worshippers to reflect who He is! “You be holy because I am holy!” The challenges (if that’s the right word) of living out this life of faith—adherence to the kinds of moral living described in today’s chapters—are not the result of a God who looks for all the ways He can to limit and restrict human behavior, but rather, flow from His character of always operating out of love and giving Himself in ways that result in the best for others.

It is amazing how lightly many of the commands from today’s reading are lightly regarded—or brazenly violated—by contemporary American society. But the believer, who desires to honor God and express by his or her life appreciation for redemption, would do well to remember that these are not random restrictions but, rather, reflections of holiness—God’s holiness—the essence of who He is.

"Don't Do *This* Dew!"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 14:33-16:34

Scripture Focus

“It appears that my house has some kind of mildew.” (Leviticus 14:35 NIV)

Observation

The health regulations continue! It’s like reading a college textbook! While I remain not especially stirred by such a document, I am appreciating something I’m not sure I’ve valued enough before.

I do see in a fresh way the necessity and value of regulations like these for the health management of 3 million people. From that perspective, while my eyes glaze over at the details, they are—in fact—quite simple for the scope of circumstances they might cover.

More fascinating is how they are not just about “health”, but about “cleanliness”—ritual cleanliness versus ritual impurity. Everything about these regulations not only protected Israel from the spread of disease. (Hey, if it’s not too personal to say so, bathing was not a particularly high priority in this culture, but I bet that making love was. So create a rule that says “take a bath after you’ve made love” and how significantly have you improved the health of an entire nation?) Wait—where was I?

Everything about these regulations not only protected Israel from disease but pointed Israel toward the holiness of God!

And so smack in the middle of regulations that protect public and personal health come regulations and ritual for the Day of Atonement—the once-a-year day when the sin—the uncleanness—of Israel was atoned for.

Everything about the daily routine of the Israelite, then, reminded them of the need for cleanliness—not just physical cleanliness for health reasons, but ritual cleanliness for spiritual reasons. It reminded them of the holiness of the awesome, all-consuming God with whom they had entered covenant. And once a year, on the Day of Atonement, all the uncleanness that marked their lives would be ceremonially addressed—in anticipation of that “once for all” sin offering Jesus would make on behalf of our unclean lives—unclean not just ceremonially, but actually, and irreparably, apart from what He’s done for us.

So I read about what a priest in ancient Israel should do about a house where mildew has been found on a plastered wall, and I then have reason to be grateful again for the unmatchable cleansing work Jesus has done in me.

"Bald-Faced Truth"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 12:1-14:32

Scripture Focus

“When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is clean.” (Leviticus 13:40 NIV)

Observation

Okay, I confess—today’s “Scripture Focus” is offered tongue-in-cheek by a “follicly-challenged” man. The fact is, though, any honest daily Scripture reader will be hard pressed to find a particular verse in today’s reading that seems to carry a “special blessing”. We’re reading a section of health regulations, for heaven’s sake!

I get lost in the minutiae, but I do marvel at the comprehensiveness of God’s care for Israel. What I read as boring health regulations really meant life to upwards of 3 million people traveling together in primitive conditions. These rules and regulations—administered by the priests as the first “public health officials” of their kind—“…protected Israel from bad diet, dangerous vermin, and communicable diseases. These were rule-of-thumb laws that God gave in his wisdom to a people who could not know the reason for the provision.” (Good words from Zondervan’s NIV Bible Commentary.)

What Israel could not have understood from a scientific perspective God provided from a religious perspective. And centuries later, we understand better the reasons behind the infinite wisdom of God revealed in “religious” (“clean” and “unclean”) terminology.

Makes a guy wonder what, of God’s wisdom so easily rejected today, might be understood centuries down the road as obvious and commonsensical truth. Makes a guy wonder, when he’s tempted to balk at some yet-to-be-understood command, if maybe he ought to just obey, and leave the understanding and results up to God.

"Unholy Fire"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Scripture Focus

“They disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded.” (Leviticus 8:22-24 NLT)

Observation

Honestly, it’s a tough passage today. Yesterday was rockin’—the majestic ordination of the priests and the reminder that we, too, have been made “a kingdom and priests to serve our God” (cf Rev 5:6-10).

And today starts strong—with the presentation of sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings, and grain offerings. The Bible says “…the glory of the Lord appeared to the whole community. Fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar” (Lev 9:23-24 NLT).

But then Nadab and Abihu get stupid. “They disobeyed the Lord,” the Bible says, “by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. So fire blazed forth from the Lords presence and burned them up, and they died there before the Lord” (Lev 10:1-2 NLT).

Bummer. I mean, that’ll put a damper on your celebration service. And on the surface, some might argue that God seems really uptight here—one false move and the smackdown is on! Who’d want to serve a God like that? Talk about living life on pins and needles!

But I return to what I wrote on February 6th about Exodus 19:4-6:

“What’s so easy to forget when we read the Old Testament laws is that God delivered Israel from Egypt as an unequaled king, and then offered them a covenant agreement allowing them to be His people. [This covenant with its regulations is] an agreement between a powerful king and the people whom He has rescued from oppression, a king who offers continued covering in return for continued loyalty.”

That means He’s the boss, and can expect to have His decrees followed to the letter. What’s at stake here is Israel’s understanding the absolute holiness and unequaled authority of this awesome, consuming God who had—by that very awesomeness—delivered them from unspeakably brutal oppression.

Apparently, the very priests who presented the sacrifices failed to understand that and considered the holiness of God a not-so-significant thing. The prohibition against alcohol in Leviticus 10:9 suggests that Nadab and Abihu may have even been drunk on duty. I’m not sure which is worse—ignoring the direct commands of God with a clear mind, or approaching the altar of a holy God in a drunken stupor! Either way, I’ve got no legitimate complaint to lodge against the swift response of Israel’s Redeemer-King.

What I need is a fresh appreciation for the awesomeness of the God I serve. I don’t have to walk on pins and needles. God’s not just waiting for me to screw up so He can pounce. The grace of God expressed to me in Christ Jesus assures me of that. But I do need a living knowledge of the holiness of my King, and to live myself in a way that reflects that awareness.

"Rockin'...just Rockin'"

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 7:1-8:36

Scripture Focus

“Then Moses presented the other ram, which was the ram of ordination. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram’s head, and Moses slaughtered it. Then Moses took some of its blood and applied it to the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot. Next Moses presented Aaron’s sons and applied some of the blood to the lobes of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and the big toes of their right feet. He then splattered the rest of the blood against all sides of the altar.” (Leviticus 8:22-24 NLT)

Observation

What an incredible moment—day, actually—it must have been when Aaron and his sons were ordained to the priesthood! How significant the sacred garments, the anointing oil, the bull, the rams, the basket of bread, the entire community gathered for the ceremony of ordination!

I like especially to think of that moment when the ram of ordination was sacrificed, and the blood applied to the right ear, thumb, and big toe of Aaron and his sons. The symbolism seems obvious to me—an anointing to hear the voice of God, so that everything they do and everywhere they go would be exactly as the Lord directs. Later, both anointing oil and blood from the altar were sprinkled on the priestly garments, as well.

The thing is, the unique call experienced by Aaron and his sons in the Levitical priesthood has now—under the New Covenant instituted by Christ—been extended to every believer. We have been made “a kingdom and priests to serve our God” by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (see Revelation 5:6-10). Both the covering necessary and the anointing required to serve have been provided, and an equipping greater than even that experienced by Aaron and his sons is ours!

Rockin’! I mean, really…that rocks…to a point where there are no words to describe it! Rockin’!

"In Case of Sin..."

Scripture Passage for Today

Leviticus 4:1-6:30

Scripture Focus

“This is how you are to deal with those who sin unintentionally by doing anything that violates one of the LORD’s commands.” (Leviticus 4:1 NLT)

Observation

Let’s face it—today’s passage can seem a bit laborious. Regulation after regulation for the offering of sacrifices is addressed…offerings we’ve never had to make—and never will have to make. On some level, it’s like reading a technical manual for the repair of VCRs. Don’t need to know—why should I care?

But the thing is—we *do* need to know! It’s not that I need to know how to prepare a sacrifice. I need to know something of the holiness of God, the heinousness of sin, and the cost of reconciliation. Everything about these rules and regulations speak to those realities.

The regulations define what Israel was to do in case of sin. Doing *something* was necessary, because they were in covenant with God Himself—the God above all gods, who had already proven Himself mighty by means of delivering Israel from Egypt. Nobody with any sense wanted to be at odds with that God!

And yet that’s exactly what sin does—puts us at odds with God! It separates. It divides. It creates an impassable gulf between a person and his or her source of life itself—a necessary gulf, given that God is altogether holy and therefore cannot be approached by that which is unholy.

Through the practice of these regulations when sin had been committed, Israel came to see—in particularly vivid terms—how costly sin was and how necessary atonement is…with all of this, of course, looking forward to what Jesus our Christ—the Lamb of God—accomplished for us at Calvary.

I’m grateful I’ll never have to actually follow the procedures I read about today. But I certainly need to know of them, for they anticipate the price Jesus paid to accomplish my reconciliation and give me life.

"The 'Offering' of Full-Time Ministers"

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 8-9:14; Leviticus 1-3:17

Scripture Focus

“When you present the Levites before the LORD, the people of Israel must lay their hands on them. Raising his hands, Aaron must then present the Levites to the LORD as a special offering from the people of Israel, thus dedicating them to the LORD’s service.” (Numbers 8:10-11 NLT)

Observation

I love seeing something in the Scriptures I’ve not seen before. That happened today, when reading about the presentation of the Levites before the Lord in this act of dedication and consecration. Please note:

It was the people who presented the Levites to the Lord “as a special offering”. They were “given”, the passage explains, “…in place of all the firstborn sons of the Israelites” (8:16). They were to “serve in the Tabernacle on behalf of the Israelites…” (8:19).

Here’s the thought that grows from that—written as one who has enjoyed the privilege of serving in “full-time” ministry for over 25 years. Is “full-time” ministry simply a necessity because of the complexities of the modern (American) church? (I’ve heard that suggested, in a call away from “CEO-type” pastors and towards simplicity in church form and function.) Or is there something more significant in consecrating certain people who are granted the privilege of “serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of the Israelites”? Does it perhaps say something about how significant the people as a whole consider their walk of faith, and how significant they deem the maintenance of leadership who can encourage them in it?

I continue to be fascinated by the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 6, where there was a genuine and pressing need among the people, but the apostles declared that it would “not be right” for them to be the ones to address it!

The twelve gathered all the disciples together and said "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:2-4 NIV)

I write all this as one privileged, and not as one on the outside looking in. Still, I wonder if this “offering” of Levites—able-bodied men who could have acted productively in other ways—…if this offering of Levites who would be devoted completely to spiritual pursuits at the expense of the Israelites speaks not to a privileged class of elitists, but to the priority and value of corporate attention to the spiritual dimension of life.

"The Offering"

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 7:1-89

Scripture Focus

“On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, leader of the tribe of Naphtali, presented his offering.” (Numbers 7:78 NLT)

Observation

Let’s face it—much of what goes on in the name of “offering-taking” in American Christendom leaves much to be desired. Even though I believe many of the things that are said in conjunction with encouragement towards giving, I often find myself so unhappy with the manner in which they’re said, that I keep my distance in order to not be guilty by association! God’s not looking for hucksters to cajole people out of what they’ve got, but rather for spiritual leaders who might guide people in a loving response of generosity towards God.

There’s a wonderful picture of the joy of generous giving found here in Numbers, chapter 7, though. Each day—over twelve days—a representative leader from a different tribe brings a generous gift on behalf of the tribe before the Lord. There’s no record of coercion, only the presentation of opportunity. There’s no record of manipulation, only a rich history of deliverance from which generous giving springs. There was no showboating, only an appropriate pacing of grandeur befitting the presentation of gifts to the Eternal King.

And oh, how I wish the offering we bring might be increasingly characterized by those sorts of qualities! Oh, how I want my gifts—and the gifts of all the people—to be generous, fit for a King, and given with a rejoicing heart!

"The Glory Cloud"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 39:32-40:38; Numbers 9:15-23

Scripture Focus

“And so at last the Tabernacle was finished.” (Exodus 39:32 NLT)

“Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34 NLT)

Observation

The language of Exodus 39:32—“And so at last the Tabernacle was finished”—echoes the language of Genesis 2:2—“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing.” And then, in both cases, something glorious happens. In Genesis, God rests…and by resting, creates the Sabbath—a rest into which He invites His people. In Exodus 40, God comes to rest among His people…filling the tabernacle with His glory!

Each case pictures both a completion and beginning. And each case points to yet another completion and beginning. In John 19:30, Jesus declares a completed work of atonement: “It is finished.” And fifty days later—the work completed and the tabernacle ready—God’s power once more descends, filling the tabernacle that is His redeemed people!

It’s remarkable, really. When I read the account in Exodus, one reaction is to be a bit envious of the warm intimacy and clear direction the Israelites received from such a powerful and clearly present God. But the fact is, as a Spirit-filled New Testament believer, I have even more—this same glorious God who filled the tabernacle in Exodus has taken up residence in me! The Eternal has invaded the here-and-now in the person of Kent Duncan.

Oh, I know—there’s a million ways in which that doesn’t seem to be consistently evident in my life. I’ll be the first to admit that. But my inconsistencies don’t shortcut Biblical realities for even a moment. And “the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39 NIV).

"Corporate Craftsmanship"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 37:1-39:31

Scripture Focus

“Bezalel made…” (Exodus 37:1,17,25,38:8,9,39:8,22)

Observation

What is it with this guy, Bezalel? Seven times in three chapters the phrase “Bezalel made” shows up! The truth is, his name shows up as the one responsible for multiple facets of tabernacle construction *eleven* different times in these three chapters alone! “Sounds like the church,” (the pastor laughed under his breath), “—one person doing everything!”

The truth is actually a little broader than that. Certainly Bezalel was an eminently qualified craftsman, but Exodus 36 also makes it clear that Bezalel didn’t work alone.

“The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded.” (Exodus 36:1 NLT)

I’ve done diligent work, with excellence, for which I’ve received no credit whatsoever…and I’ve been praised for progress that was the result of others’ diligence much more than mine. Bezalel reminds me again that it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.

"Rest"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 35:1-36:38

Scripture Focus


“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.” (Exodus 35:2 NLT)


Observation


At the end of chapter 31, in the middle of chapter 34, and again at the beginning of chapter 35, are commands regarding the Sabbath. (They’re found a number of other places, as well—I’m only observing that exhortations regarding the Sabbath have shown up in every daily reading for the last three days, at least!) I have a couple of observations about that observation.


First, when I was a kid (yep, long, long ago), observing the Christian Sabbath (Sunday as a day of rest) was still taken pretty seriously. I grew up in Missouri, near the Kansas state line, and still remember how “blue laws” in Missouri forced “shopaholics” to drive into Kansas for Sunday shopping. My recollection is, though, that people perceived “Sunday stillness” as much more *restrictive* than it was *liberating*—that is, that “observing the Sabbath” had more to do with what you *couldn’t* do than with what you *got* to do—rest.


Second (and a more general observation), isn’t it funny how when we’re forbidden to do something, we insist on doing it?


To these Hebrew people, who had been forced to work like pack animals every day of every week of every month of every year—to a people brutalized as slaves—God says, “You’re *my* people now, and I’m giving you rest. Devote one day a week rest for yourself and to strengthening your relationship with me.”


The Sabbath Day had to do not with restrictions, but with freedom—freedom to rest! Indeed, it uniquely identified this people as those whom *God* would care for…whom *God* would provide for…so that they would not have to work like pack animals any longer!


And yet what did they do? The first Sabbath after manna from heaven was supplied, some went out looking to collect it, even though God had given explicit instructions otherwise!


Now, before I wrap this up—I understand: I’m not living under the Mosaic covenant, but under God’s New Covenant of abounding grace in Christ. Still—hear this: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9- 11 NIV)


Three questions: Why do I see God’s invitation to Sabbath as restrictive instead of liberating? Why do I embrace this culture’s frenzied, frenetic pace instead of God’s invitation to rest? Could neglect of Sabbath rest have anything to do with those days when I ask myself, “Why is my body so weary…and my soul so empty?”

"Pleasing God (or) Pleasing People"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 32-34:35

Scripture Focus

“Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the LORD!” (Exodus 32:5 NLT)

Observation

Sandwiched between God’s instructions on worship and the implementation of those instructions is one of the best known and least comprehensible stories in Scripture. What a study in contrasts!

Moses is on the mountaintop communing with God, hearing his voice for the people, and the people are in the valley, growing restless and discontent. Before the covenant is even implemented—“before the ink is dry on the page” (in today’s vernacular)—Israel is violating her agreement with God by leaps and bounds.

And there’s just no explaining Aaron’s role. The people complain: “Come on—make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this ‘Moses’ fellow!” And so Aaron does! Please—what was he thinking?

And the people were pleased. And verse 5 says…

“Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the LORD!” (Exodus 32:5 NLT)

What?!? I mean, honestly… It’s absolutely perplexing how quickly all of this goes downhill—with Aaron’s help! What was it about Aaron that made him so interested in pleasing the people? What was it about Aaron that caused the people’s excitement to so quickly take precedent over the Lord’s commandments?

As a leader, I confess—I like it when people are pleased. I’d much rather get hugs and handshakes than glares and growls any day. But God’s ways don’t get decided by popular vote, and God’s priorities don’t always align with what’s convenient to the crowd. Living to please God is far more important than leading to please people.

And that’s not, by the way, just a word for “leaders”—it’s a word for everyone.

"Where'd You Get That Garb?"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 29:1-31:18

Scripture Focus

“Aaron’s sacred garments must be preserved for his descendants who succeed him, and they will wear them when they are anointed and ordained. The descendant who succeeds him as high priest will wear these clothes for seven days as he ministers in the Tabernacle and the Holy Place (Exodus 29:29-30 NLT)

Observation

I am an ordained minister, and the son of an ordained minister. More specifically, I am a pastor, and the son of a pastor. My dad was more than just a “preacher”...and more than just a “minister” (a word describing one who is legally authorized to conduct weddings, administer communion, and such)—he was a spiritual shepherd who watched over a flock even while living out the truth of the gospel among them.

A person can be ordained without being a pastor, and a person can be a pastor without being ordained. Dad was both, as am I. Indeed, the last time I was in a church service with my dad was the evening he laid hands on me and prayed over me as I was ordained to the ministry. Dad passed away unexpectedly three months later.

That memory remains poignant nearly twenty years later when I read about the instructions for the ordination of Israel’s first high priest, and Israel’s succeeding priests. As part of the ordination process, the sacred garments were to be preserved from generation to generation, and each succeeding high priest was to wear the garments for seven days upon his ordination.

I can’t imagine how any newly ordained priest could wear—for seven days straight—the same priestly garments worn by those who had served ahead of him without feeling both the sacredness and the honor of spiritual leadership. Whatever ministry I offer, I offer in the spirit and heritage of great men and women of God who have served before me—and done so courageously, sacrificially, passionately, and faithfully.

Of course, I do dare to believe that this honor and challenge of serving Christ by serving others is not reserved for those formally “ordained”. Every believer is called to “put on” Christ, and to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us”—on the trail He has already blazed for us.

Perhaps today I can live with a deepened awareness of my life wrapped up in Christ’s—tied inextricably to His—and live in a way that reflects His courage, sacrifice, passion, and faith.

"Inside-Out"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 25-28:43

Scripture Focus

“Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood… Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.” (Exodus 25:10, 21-22 NLT)

Observation

If you can keep from getting swallowed up by all the details, there is much to enjoy from reading God’s instructions for the construction of a tabernacle. The finished product would have been spectacular to behold—on the one hand, just a tent, but on the other, a tent like no other! This tabernacle would have put on display the skills of the finest Israelite craftsmen.

And it starts on the inside. It’s built from the inside-out.

At the heart of the tabernacle—and explained first—are the details for the Ark of the Covenant…a “storage chest”, really…that would (1) contain a copy of the covenant agreement between God and Israel and (2) serve as *the* place where God would meet with and talk with His people. “From there,” God says, “I will give you my commands…”

The whole thing—the tabernacle itself, the furnishings, the garments for the priests—would be spectacular to behold. But the real action would take place in the hidden, innermost place.

And so it is—or certainly ought to be—with us. While man looks on the outward appearance, God looks on the heart. And from there He works, shaping us from the inside out, so that all of who we are can be beautiful in His sight…by means of the blood covenant we enjoy through Jesus Christ.

It’s terribly easy in our hectic, "every-second-a-new-demand-or-expectation-or-opportunity" culture to become consumed with the outside and neglect the inside. When I read where God started the instruction and construction of His dwelling place with Israel, I am reminded that I must give due attention to His dwelling place in me.

"That's Gonna Leave a Mark!"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 22:16-24:18

Scripture Focus

Then Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it over the people, declaring, “Look, this blood confirms the covenant the LORD has made with you in giving you these instructions.” (Exodus 24:8 NLT)

Observation

Just a thought before I get to my thought? (Like the preacher said, “I want to say something important before I preach.”)

Sometimes we read strong things in the Old Testament law and shrink back a bit. “You must not allow a sorceress to live,” for example. Or “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must certainly be put to death” (Ex. 22:18-19). For me all concern is dismissed when I put this covenant in context and think about what God had done for Israel. This is a covenant modeled on covenants between powerful kings and vassal states, and Israel owed their very existence as a people to Jehovah. They didn’t have to accept the terms of the covenant—they were free to reject the covenant and return to their slavery and status in Egypt. They were free to reject the covenant and wander the wilderness on their own.

But if they chose to enter into covenant with this unmatchable God who had both (1) delivered them from Egypt and (2) promised to make of them a great nation, He had a right to expect whatever He wanted from them! (Like Tyler Perry’s character, Madea, said to a teenager in her home complaining about invaded privacy—“You’ll get your privacy the day you sign your first lease!”)

All God expected was absolute loyalty. Anybody who had a problem with that was welcome to bail. This was not a majority-rules democracy. God was establishing Israel as a theocratic nation—a nation ruled by God. “Take it, and enjoy my covering, provision, and blessing, or leave it and do without. Makes no never-mind to Me either way”—Thus saith the Lord.

What I really wanted to say was this—Wow. Do you think the significance of this covenant was duly impressed upon the people when “Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it over the people”? I’m no homemaker, but aren’t bloodstains terribly difficult to remove? Do you suppose every time an Israelite put on a bloodstained garment they were reminded again of the God who brought them out of Egypt, and the covenant responsibilities they’d committed to?

“Stain my garments, as it were, O Lord, and let me live remembering Your deliverance in my life, in order that I might live in unswerving loyalty to You!”

"I'm Counting to Ten!"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 20-22:15

 

Scripture Focus

 

“Then God gave the people all these instructions…” (Exodus 20:1NLT)

Observation

The US tax code consumes nearly 17,000 pages of text. The total number of pages required to reproduce Federal tax rules (the tax code itself, tax regulations, and IRS rulings) exceeds 50,000. The Cato Institute calculates that the army of professionals (paid tax preparers, lawyers, accountants, and computer experts) required to help Americans comply with our “voluntary” tax code far exceeds the size of the U.S. Army in Iraq!

By contrast, in ten simple declarations, God lays out a powerful strategy for successful living.

The Ten Commandments serve as bedrock for all the other decrees that would ultimately become a part of Israel’s body of law. Likewise, these commands have served as foundational to American culture for most of our relatively brief history. Unfortunately, in recent years the public display of the Ten Commandments has been under strong attack, apparently out of concern that such displays might influence people to obey the commandments! (Now, that *would* be horrific, wouldn’t it—to live in a nation where people lived according to these ten simple directives?)

The commandments fall into two simple categories—the proper honor of God, and the proper honor of people. Jesus affirmed these priorities when asked about the greatest commandment.

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)

It really is that simple.

"A *What-Kind-Of* Treaty?"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 16:1-19:25

Scripture Focus


“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 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. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.” (Exodus 19:4-6 NLT)


Observation


What’s so easy to forget when we read the Old Testament laws (he writes, jumping straight to the point) is that God delivered Israel from Egypt as an unequaled king, and then offered them a covenant agreement allowing them to be His people.


This form of covenant would have been very familiar to the people of Moses’ day. It’s called a suzerainty treaty, which is a covenant agreement made between political unequals, the suzerain (or paramount ruler) and the vassal (or subservient power). The purpose of suzerainty treaties was to guarantee that a smaller state remained the faithful ally of the empire and did not pursue an independent foreign policy. Today’s reading contains the basic offer of such a treaty—what shows up in tomorrow’s reading are the basic terms of the covenant agreement—covenant terms we call the Ten Commandments.


I’m convinced we’ll appreciate the Old Testament laws better when we read them in that context—as an agreement between a powerful king and the people whom He has rescued from oppression, a king who offers continued covering in return for continued loyalty.


The beautiful thing about today’s reading is the remarkable value placed on, and promised to, this vassal state by the delivering King.


“I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” (19:4)


“…you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth…. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.” (19:5-6)


(One note in particular—Israel would be God’s “kingdom of priests”—the whole nation acting as mediators of grace to all the nations of the earth!)

Many of the laws that Israel ultimately received would be incredibly challenging to obey, but they were part of the sovereign king’s wise management of a vassal people. In other words, God asked what He asked of Israel not just for His good, but for Israel’s good.

In like manner—when God asks of me something difficult or demanding or even simply not of my choosing—I need to recall that, as a loving King, He commands not just what’s best for Him, but also best for me.

"Hit The Panic Button!"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 13-15:27

Scripture Focus

“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them.” (Exodus 14:10 NLT)

Observation

Where to start…where to start. (Pick a verse, any verse!) What a rich passage!

I am appreciating, today especially, Israel’s knee-jerk reaction to Pharaoh’s charioteers pulling in behind them as they “camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon”—you know where that is, right? This particular translation says they “panicked”!

What’s easy to suggest is that the Hebrews should have been more faith-filled, more courageous, more lion-hearted! I mean, c’mon—they’ve just left Egypt loaded down with the wealth of the whole country…they’ve just been sent out at Pharaoh’s command. They didn’t cower as they left, or sneak away under cover of darkness—they marched out “like an army ready for battle” (13:17), delivered victoriously by their mighty God! So why (how?) the panic?

But I know how often and easily my first reaction is negative. (That’s more than a statement—it’s a confession!) I took a rather cryptic message at the office yesterday—the meaning wasn’t at all clear—and I assumed the worst. My attitude matched that reflected by the words of the Israelites here—“Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt?” (14:11).

Turns out the message was a simply question, simply answered—nothing more. It’s not that there won’t be days when an attacking army appears, and I need to be ready for battle—but why assume the worst? Beyond that, when the moment of battle arrived (another study in itself), all the people had to do was “stand still and watch the LORD rescue you” (14:13). Why such a panicked reaction? Why not one of trust and faith and expectation of all that’s good, instead?

"Remarkable Beyond Words"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 10-12:51

Scripture Focus

“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.” (Exodus 12:13 NLT)

Observation

Like a great symphony, this series of duels between Moses and Pharaoh (or more accurately, between Yahweh—Israel’s God—and the gods of the Egyptians) grows and swells towards a final climactic confrontation. How powerful is Yahweh—able to match and then far exceed any of the Egyptian gods! And yet, how gracious! Ten times (including the initial offer before any plague occurred) God has given Pharaoh the opportunity to do the right thing—and each time, Pharaoh has grown increasingly resistant. Now, God will strike a final blow.

But God provides a way of escape—and one that is a powerful prophecy of our deliverance in Christ. A specifically selected, watched-over, spotless lamb is to be slaughtered, and the blood used to mark the homes of those who would be passed over by the death angel.

In every detail there is significance—more than time and space allows for writing about here. But again today, I marvel that my redemption was no afterthought on Gods part. Thousands of years ago, deep in the story of Egyptian history, the story of my redemption was already being told! And the Lamb, whose blood would cover me, was already chosen, and ready to pay the ultimate price for my redemption.

It is remarkable beyond words.

"Words of Life"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 7:14-9:35

Scripture Focus

“This time I have sinned.” (Exodus 9:27 NLT)

Observation

The story of Moses is retold—with some poetic license, to be sure—in animated Dreamworks feature film Prince of Egypt. Early in the film, Pharaoh’s son (and Moses’ brother by adoption) is being groomed by his father (the Pharaoh) for the day when he will rule Egypt. He is challenged by his father about his readiness to stand his ground as a leader—his willingness to make (and stick with) the hard decisions demanded of a leader. “One weak link,” his father says harshly, “can break the chain of a mighty dynasty!”

At that moment (the script later suggests), a seed was planted in that future ruler that would lead to the oh-so-difficult-to-comprehend hardening of Pharaoh’s heart described in today’s reading. In the film, when confronted by Moses with God’s command to let the Israelites go, Pharaoh noticeably stiffens his back, strengthens his resolve, and echoes his father’s words—“I will not be the weak link!”

Now, understand—nowhere in Scripture is either “weak link” moment even hinted at. They are only fictional scenes from an animated film. But the script does make conceivable Pharaoh’s described hardness of heart, and it does provide a reminder of how powerful our words can be—how people can be impacted years after the fact by even the smallest remark…some off-the-cuff comment, joking accusation or unmerited critique.

Of course, we don’t know all that lead to Pharaoh’s hardened heart. In total, the Scripture says ten times that Pharaoh hardened his own heart, and ten times that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. I am reminded of Numbers 14:28, where God told the complaining Israelites…

“'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say.” (Numbers 14:38 NIV)

(I’m suggesting that Pharaoh chose a hardened heart, so God gave him one!)

However speculative, I read this passage and ask God for two things. First, I want my words to be words of life to others, not condemnation. Even when correction or rebuke may be necessary, I want my words to be “seasoned with grace”.

Second, I want to take my cues from what God says about me, over and above what anyone else may have to say. While others’ knowledge—and their ability to express it—is incomplete and therefore imperfect, God’s knowledge—and the grace and wisdom with which He speaks it—is both complete and perfect.

"Catching Your Breath"

Scripture Passage for Today

Exodus 4:18-7:13

Scripture Focus

“So Moses told the people of Israel what the LORD had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery.” (Exodus 6:9 NLT)

Observation

It was the dead of winter, 1985 (to my best recollection). I was scheduled to visit a Jewish synagogue as part of a cross-cultural religious experience. Even though wind chills reached -35◦ in Kansas City that weekend, because it was part of a class assignment, I went.

Perhaps it was the way the biting wind took my breath away that day, but I haven’t yet forgotten the rabbi’s lesson that morning. He commented on the difference between the Israelites’ response in chapter 4, verse 31…

Then the people of Israel were convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. (Exodus 4:31 NLT)

…and their response in chapter 6, verse 9:

So Moses told the people of Israel what the LORD had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery. (Exodus 6:9 NLT)

Literally, this phrase that describes the Israelites as “too discouraged” translates “for shortness of breath”. Difficult days had knocked the wind out of them, and they could no longer find it in themselves to believe.

Of course, the Hebrew word for “wind” and “spirit” (and “breath”) is the same word—they’d had the spirit (“Spirit”, perhaps?) knocked out of them! What once was believable and motivating and joyful and promoted worship now meant nothing “for shortness of breath”.

Life sure does that, doesn’t it? Life socks us in the gut some days, and it’s hard to stand, hard to breathe, hard to believe that God could be in this, or bring deliverance from it! And yet when I read this passage from Exodus, I know that it’s possible—especially in this blessed age of God’s abundant grace—to catch a second wind…to let the Holy Spirit fill us…breathe life in us…again and again and again—as often as necessary (cf. Acts 2:4, then Acts 2:31—same people both times!)

I believe that when life knocks the “wind” out of me, I not only have the opportunity but the responsibility to find a time and place to “catch my breath” again, spiritually speaking…to let the wind of the Holy Spirit—the breath of God—fill me and move me to a place of faith once more!