Chapter 24 has some remarkable thoughts: “they saw God, and they ate and drank.” Scholars are quick to clarify what it means here, but these few people committed to obeying God, “Everything the Lord has said we will do…we will obey” (Exodus 24:3,7), so the Lord invited them, “Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and the seventy elders of Israel” to worship at a distance. Keep in mind the 70 and the commitment to obey. The story changes quickly.
Most of today’s reading involves explicit details for building the Ark and Tabernacle furnishings. As I was reading the instructions, I wondered if it would read differently as a descriptive review of the finished product, rather than instructions to create the items. Just an idle thought, but one I think was given to help me appreciate Moses’ attention to detail, how he attempted to carefully follow God’s instructions. The lesson learned from these words is wrapped up in understanding details.
It’s an honor and privilege to worship the way we worship today. I suppose every generation has its method of worship, but for me, the live music led by talented, devoted followers of Christ opens up an opportunity to let go of the world around for a refreshing moment and see the Lord in words and sounds. Thank you Lord for the ability to honor you in this way. We don’t have an Ark or a Tabernacle like the days of old, but we can recommit to “obey.”
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.