The Tabernacle set up

The readings today finish up Exodus, chapters 39 & 40.

This section is also full of details. First the breast piece that the priests would wear, with jewelry that represents the 12 tribes.

In the last section the Tabernacle is completed. As you read you'll note how the individual pieces are arranged. The Tent of meeting has two parts: The first part is the place of the table of show bread, the candlestick and the altar of incense. The curtain separates this section from the second part: The Holy of Holies which contains the Ark of the covenant.

The outside has the altar for burnt offerings and the large basin of water that was used for the priests to wash in before entering the Holy place. Surrounding it all is the wall of curtains that surround the whole structure. It was the Tabernacle in the wilderness that would last until the Temple is built under Solomon some 400 years later.


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The Tabernacle

The readings today are Exodus 36, 37, 38

I wanted to post some pictures of what these various parts of the Tabernacle looked like. It's not the easiest read in the world, but if you persevere through it, you can get a picture of all the different pieces that made up the tabernacle.
It is a replica of the various parts of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness:

First thing in the chapter listed is the outside of the tabernacle which consisted of curtains tied together and put on cross bars through loops.


Next at the beginning of 37 is the table and lampstand:


Also, the altar of incense:

And, the altar for the burnt offering which was in the courtyard:

Finally, the courtyard which made it all come together:

Hope that helps with what it might have all looked like. Most importantly, this was their "place" of worship they were building. I hope you have a great day of worship.


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God's Presence

Today's readings are from Exodus 33, 34, 35

I have to admit, chapters 33 & 34 are two of my favorites. In this first part we find the essence of life with God on earth...a plea for "knowing" God and for "living" with his presence. It is Moses' plea that reveals his heart:

"If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people."

And it is God's response that reveals his desire:

The lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

I want that also...to know God deeply and to experience his presence that leads to the Sabbath rest of heart, mind, soul.

But Moses is not content with that alone, as good as that would be alone. He also asks of God:

"Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."

How do we experience God's glory? It is in experiencing Him in his real person. For God is anxious to share his presence with us and when he does we experience all of the person of God:

"And the lord said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

He is goodness, compassion, mercy, grace, love and forgiveness and more. I love these passages and the beauty of what unfolds in dialog between Moses and God.

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The Golden Calf

Today's reading is from Exodus 30, 31, 32

The first part of this reading continues with descriptions on a few more of the elements of the tabernacle worship. sometimes it's hard to read sections like this, but there is a richness in discovery awaiting the persevering reader. An example of that is in noting that gold overlays the ordinary - probably wood in most cases. The very precious gold acts as the covering over - much like our worship which is precious takes place in the ordinariness of our humanity.

All of the elements of these chapters have to do with worship, and it relays the principle that worship is not haphazard, nor made up of our own, but is deliberate, intentional and has a God honoring orientation.

The last chapter tells the story of the incident of the Golden calf. Moses' long stay on the mountain with God causes some to question whether or not he'll ever return. Creating an idol for worship is not untypical for them. Note the contrast in the beginning where they are told to bring their gold, jewelry, etc...and it's put in a fire, then hammered out and made into the image of a calf (Probably reflective of a so-called Egyptian deity). Later when Moses' comes down to deal with their disobedience, Aaron says that it all just happened spontaneously! It's a point worth noting...most people would never say they worship an idol, but this sort of worship never "just happens", it's always a par to of the fabric of untruth.

Peace to you, in Christ.


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Consecration

Today's reading is from Exodus 28 & 29.

These two chapters begin a rather lengthy, and difficult to comprehend, section of the Old Testament. We start getting into the design, setting up, ritual and sacrifice section of the law...Not easy to always stick with. Many a "I'm going to read through the scripture" gets sidetracked at this point...so persevere.

To the person who perseveres there are rich treasures of insight into themes of worship, the character of God and the design of serving. Today we see the consecration of Aaron and his sons into the Priesthood. The Ephod, the Breast piece, the belt and tunic and robe all were to set apart - which is what consecrate means - a group of people (Aaron's descendants) for service as priests. The reason this is all done? Exodus 29 ends with the words...

"So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God."

Whatever the form of worship...and we've certainly done away with lots of the forms of "priestly" worship described here... the design or purpose is the same - to understand that God is with us and we can live our lives as continual consecration to him.

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The Tabernacle

The readings today are from Exodus 25, 26, 27

This section needs some help. As you read the description of the tabernacle it helps to have a picture of what is being described. The tabernacle was a moveable, transportable place of worship. Everything was put together with the idea that it would be able to be picked up, packed up and moved to another location, where it would be set again.
A picture of what the Ark of the Covenant might have looked like:




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The Beginning of Israel's Laws

Today's readings are in Exodus 22, 23, 24

Trying to read through the law can seem like taking a walk in a bog. It's not easy, and sometimes all you can think of is "get me out of here". Over the years I've learned to appreciate the depth of the law as it relates to the development of the nation.

One cannot help but notice how much of the law has been adopted by democracies even to today. While some of it seems antiquated, it is in principle the basis for how a society of people should live. For Israel it was the development of their nation. It touched on social relationships, class differences, laws to protect property, laws for families, for education, for governing, etc... As you read the law take note of the various categories a law could be put in...it's interesting.

Also note the beginning of Israel's identity as a kingdom of worshippers. The seasonal festivals and sabbath times were meant to remind them/us that life isn't about the accumulation of things, but it's a stewardship of things before God who provides them.

Peace to you this day.


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