Exodus 38-40 & Proverbs 8

Exodus 38-40

In the concluding chapters of Exodus, the Tabernacle is to be completed.  You may noticed the repetition of the explanation of the articles to be built in the Tabernacle.  As we read, 1) God explains the plan to Moses, 2) Moses explains the plan to the people of Israel, 3) The people of Israel act out the plan 4) as a summary, Moses inspects to see that the plan is accurate to God's original plan.  

One more time, in order to help with the mind's eye of what you are reading, here is the picture of the Tabernacle in completion according to how God planned it:

Proverbs 8

Wisdom is compared to a woman who guides us in a noble fashion.  In contrast with the immoral woman who guides us to the sins of her bedroom, wisdom is noted as one who guides us in the ways of understanding and who will make us succeed.  Her instruction is better than the most valuable of the precious metals and fine jewels.  God approves of the counsel that wisdom offers.  In fact it is said in Proverbs 8:36 that whoever finds true wisdom will "find life and approval from the Lord."  But the warning to heed is that the one who misses on finding wisdom "will find injury".  There is wonderful blessings when we live by the wisdom of the Lord!

Genesis 35-37 & Proverbs 7

Exodus 35-37

As I read the passage in Exodus 35-37, Moses makes a plea for materials for the building of the Tabernacle.  This plea however, is not a cry for anyone to bring anything.  Rather, it is a request for those who have the proper materials of th

e best quality to provide them.  Likewise, h

e asks for assistance from people to assist in building the Tabernacle.  Moses does not ask for the same 20% of people who do everything to com

e and do more as is common in the church tod

ay.  Rather, he asks for those who are skilled in carpentry to help construct the Tabernacle; for those who are skilled in sewing to help sew the curtains; for those who are skilled in smithing to help beat the gold to its proper shape.  Moses asks for everyone to offer their best and to do what they are gifted at with their best effort.  I take from this that if you are skilled at a certain area, then do that for God.  If you are not, the

n don't.  We all have a place in God's church to offer Him our best!  We just have to decide for ourselves where and how that is...not wait for so

meone else to recruit us!  

The descriptions of the Tabernacle articles are very descriptive; however, I find it best to see a picture so that I better identify with it.  Here are some to help.  

Ark of the Covenant (left) 

Table in the Tabernacle (above)

Lamp stand (below) 

Incense Alter (above)

Proverbs 7

An echo of Proverbs 5 reminding the son (or daughter) of the dangers of sex outside of a marriage relationship.  It is not okay.  There are consequences.  The one who gives in to such temptation is called a simple-minded man without common sense (verse 7).  The leading of sexual sin is awfully enticing; however, we must understand and teach our young ones the danger it brings with it.  Heed these warnings and you will be wise.  

Day of Reflection

Today is the weekly Day of Reflection.  If you are caught up in our schedule, then take some time and review what you have read or read something a second time.  Take some time to meditate on a passage or memorize a verse of Scripture.  If you need today to do some catching up, then do so.  I would love to see how you are progressing and what you are thinking...so please post a comment letting me know how you are doing!  

Exodus 32-34 & Proverbs 6

Exodus 32-34

Moses has been atop Mount Sinai speaking with God for 40 days and 40 nights.  Think in terms of how long that is...it is more than a month.  The Israelite people were growing restless in desert below the mountain as they ate their manna and quail.  Aaron could not offer any answers.  Soon complaining ensued and some from among the people began leading a revolt to try to do things their own way.  They were tired of waiting for Moses and God to talk things out...besides, what else is there to talk about?  Perhaps Moses got lost or died on top of the mountain?

So what did they do? They pressured their "interim" leader whom Moses obviously left in charge; the new Temple priest-Aaron.  And they began speaking in his language--persuading him to create an opportunity to worship.  They melted down much of the gold that they plundered from the Egyptians and in the words of Aaron (Exodus 32:24) a shape of a cow is what came out!  Whatever the circumstances, God was furious with the people for their short-term memories and lack of patience to wait on God and he again (in accordance with His justice) wanted to wipe them all out and start over.  However, at the prayers of Moses, God decided that He would not (in accordance with His mercy).  Moses did not change God's mind with His prayers; however, God changed his actions according to His character (He is both Just and Merciful).  

Moses went down the mountain, threw the tablets God had been writing the Law on, and had many words with the rebellious and idolatrous people.  After spending time with God in the Tent of Meeting, He again trekked back up the Mountain for another 40 days and 40 nights to rewrite the Law on tablets of stone again.  And when Moses returned, He found a patient people waiting for his return.  What they saw was a man who had been with God!  His face was glowing and they could tell who He had spent time with.  For some application, can your family and friends tell by your attitude when you have spent time with God in His word and prayer?  Can you tell the difference between a day when you did spend time with God and a day when you failed to make the time to do so?  If not, then consider what you are doing when you pray--you are talking to GOD!  Consider what you are doing when you are reading the Bible--GOD is speaking to YOU!  This should affect you everyday.  Think about that. 

Proverbs 6

Proverbs chapter 6 offers good daily wisdom for a young adult.  It is as it the Father is having that one last conversation with his college grad who is moving off on his own.  So what kind of advice does the Father give?  Is this advice that we too need to yield?  I would encourage you to make a list of lessons that you will take from Proverbs that you will be sure to teach your child one day! 

1) Do not guarantee someone else's debt!  If you have, get out of it NOW! 

2) Work HARD when it is time to work.  The rest well when it is time to rest! 

3) Reflect often on the good and wise teachings of your parents.  

(that is remember previous proverbs) 

4) Again: Stay away from immorality and the adulterous woman!  You will suffer its consequences! 

Exodus 28-31 & Provers 5

Exodus 28-31

In the chapters of Exodus 28-31, we read of God's continued instructions for the worship of the people of Israel to God.  He offers specific instructions for the clothing that the priests will wear, to how the alter works, to how the census tax will be used, to how they were to celebrate the Sabbath day.  As you read Exodus 28, God directs Moses' brother, Aaron, and his sons to be the priests for the Tabernacle.  Such a wonderful and humbling responsibility is truly fitting to the man who spoke on behalf of Moses to the Egyptian people much of the time.  Now, He will have the honor of speaking to God on behalf of the people.  

He will wear a garment that looks like the picture to the left which is made with exact directions given from God.  There are so many memory devices in the garment that allow Aaron to remember to speak to God on behalf of the 12 tribes of Israel.  

Again, we reiterate the fact that God gives so precise directions for the people to prepare for worship of God.  God wanted there to be no room for excuses or inability to perform their worship.  It was necessary for a Just God to accept the worship of a sinful people without the mercy of a Savior! 

Proverbs 5

Such wise counsel every father should offer his son!  There are two warnings within this wise proverb: 1) To the son-do not go near the adulterous woman; and 2) to the daughter-do not be the adulterous woman.  Now you can even flip the roles (son do not be adulterous man; daughter-do not go near the adulterous man).  But this is a teaching that needs to be sounded from the roof top everyday for our world to hear!  Why even the Superbowl commercials speak of adultery in a manner not something to worry about.  It is interesting that Proverbs 4 spoke of a "Godly wisdom" conversation before the father has the "birds and bees" conversation.  Proverbs 5:7--"No my son, listen to me, do not stray from what I am about to say."  A wise charge-FATHERS SPEAK TO YOUR SONS PROUDLY AND MOTHERS SPEAK TO YOUR DAUGHTERS THIS WARNING!!!!!!!!!!  IT IS SO IMPORTANT!!!!!   NO MATTER THERI AGE OR PAST EXPERIENCES!!!!!  IT IS IMPORTANT FOR GOD TO LIST IT HERE!!!!!   IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO TELL IT TO YOUR KIDS!!!!!!

Adultery (of any kind-extramarital, premarital, pornography) will always catch up!  It will haunt you!   5:9-It will cause you to lose your honor.  5:11-in many cases it will cause disease.  Statistics show today that 1 in 4 teens who are sexually active contract an STD.  5:15-"Drink water from your own well"--sleep and only think of sex with your own spouse.  If you are unmarried, leave the water alone!  5:18--Let YOUR WIFE (or husband) be a fountain of blessing for you.  

This is a graphic chapter in proverbs for a reason.  Sex outside of a marriage has always been a problem.  The primary way to prevent it: Fathers and Mothers-speak to your kids about it and share the wisdom of God with them.  This is the way they will make good choices that will make you proud and glorify God!  

Exodus 25-27 & Proverbs 4

Exodus 25-27

Exodus 25-27 describes for us the instructions that God has given to Moses for the Hebrew people to build a tabernacle.  Its to be built on the offerings of the people (25:1-3).  God requests that the offerings be only the best materials of only the finest quality.  (Think: Are our gifts and offerings to God given with the best and finest that we can?)  The Tabernacle was to be the holy place for Hebrew worship.  In it, offerings will be given to God.  In it, prayers will be spoken by the priests on behalf of the people.  And in it, God will dwell in the Holy of Holies.  There are specific and exact plans given from God for the people to build.  It must be exact.  God does not give us these kind of plans for the church today--because the church is not a building.  The church is a people.  We are given exact practices and ways of living to obey (baptism, Lord's Supper, fellowship, prayer).  

According to the New Testament book of Hebrews 8-9, it is taught that the Tabernacle was built to be a small scale version of what Heaven will be like.  There will be an alter for sacrificial worship, there will be a place where only God lives, there will be a place for congregating, etc.  Above is a picture of what the tabernacle may have looked like according to the specifications given in Exodus 25-27.

Proverbs 4

There is a very simple message found in Proverbs 4--Get Wisdom (verse 5, 6, 7, 8, 12).  Proverbs 4 is a wealth of instructions from a father to his son.  This is one of those "Father-Son" special conversations.  I have encountered several fathers that are nervous about the real "birds and the bees" talk that they must have with their son.  Although that is vitally important, the charge of  a father to his son to seek and hold tight to God's wisdom is even more vital!  For with God's wisdom, the son can become a man who will make good choices that will not only make a father proud but will also bless God!  Fathers--teach your sons this wisdom!  Fathers--follow this wisdom yourself!  Mothers and daughters--follow this wisdom yourself!  Mothers--instill within your daughters a desire to marry a man who follows such wisdom!  

Exodus 21-24 & Proverbs 3

Exodus 21-24

In Exodus 20 we read of the 10 commandments.  Contrary to popular (non-Biblical) thought, these were not the only laws the Israelites were to follow.  Exodus 21-24 begins the first installment of the Book of Law prescribed by God and commanded through Moses to the Israelite people.  These laws cover various aspects of right living according to God such as "How to treat your slave" to "How to treat widows and orphans" to "How to deal with certain crimes" to "How to show hospitality to strangers".  Many of the laws are incredibly specific making sure there is no room left for guessing.  In our American eyes, many of these laws may seem very strange; however, in the eyes of the wandering Israelites, they would be very practical as well as very useful in the future when God gives them the Promised land.  

A question comes to my mind regarding the Jewish law in light of the church today.  Why is God so specific with the Israelites and it seems He leaves so much for judgment for Christians today?  First of all, we need to acknowledge that He is the very same God today that He was then!  We need to understand that.  

Second of all, we need to understand that in the Law system (the Book of Law that is given here in Exodus 21-24, the 10 commandments, etc) there was no method of God issuing unconditional mercy and grace because Jesus had not yet forgiven all sin.  God instead issued a system of law to follow because His justice MUST be satisfied.  Under the law of grace (Jesus), God's justice was satisfied in the death of Jesus.  Therefore, God offers black & white guidelines for right living with the Israelites because the unconditional grace was not yet available.

Third of all, God was preparing a people that would have the Messiah living among them.  In a world of pagan and idol worshipping nations, it would not work for God to send the One True God into a world that worships many Gods.  These laws would prepare the people to be a nation of worshippers for one God not many gods so that the message of the Messiah will be heard.  

Proverbs 3

One of my all time favorite verses of Scripture is found in Proverbs 3.  It is a treasure of wisdom that I would encourage you to remember always in your heart.  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  Seek God first, and in all your ways, and He will direct your paths."  This is the thrust of a Christian life fully devoted to God.  It is my goal that every morning I wake up and say to God, "Lord today I will trust You!"  And as I go about my day, when I encounter a decision, even of the lightest value, I pause and ask God, "What do you think Lord?"  Even though there are some decisions that God would not be concerned with either choice, (like should I have chili or a sandwich for lunch?) but in doing this, I place myself in a habit of always submitting my life before God.  I lean not on my own understanding!