“AS THE LORD COMMANDED MOSES”
We realized as we read the last 2 chapters of Exodus this morning that the above phrase occurs in them no less than 18 times! The chapters detail the erection of the tabernacle and the placement of the things that are to go into it. Nothing is left to Moses’ initiative, the all-knowing and all seeing Creator directs every detail; this includes all the items the priests are to wear, “their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.” [ch.40 v.15]
Tragically two of Aaron’s 4 sons were to fail to do “as the LORD commanded” as we will read next week in Leviticus 10 v.1 - and they lost their lives as a result. Paul wrote in Hebrews 10 v.1, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Food for the deepest thought as we serve him and his Son – how essential that we really know his word – and it becomes part of our thinking – and doing.
Today’s reading is a lesson for us in two ways, firstly that we must be faithful to what is written – and second – that God is involved in every detail of the way in which he is to be served and worshipped. In our Corinthians reading we see how Paul spells this out to them. “I speak as to sensible people, judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? [1 Cor.10 v.15,16] Beware lest we observe this in the wrong way, Paul warns, “Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy?” [v.22]
Verse 26 is most interesting especially when viewed from another perspective, he writes, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” It led us to reflect on the unending discoveries of human science over the last 100+ years. Human knowledge of the smallest things, things unseen by the unaided human eye has grown and grown, they are utterly remarkable!
The atheist is increasingly desperate in keeping on saying – all that exists happened purely by chance – an endless series of ‘accidents’ !! But, as we have seen in the making and erection and operation of the Tabernacle God is involved right down to the smallest detail! Finally – meditate very intently on what wonders the Creator has in store for us in the coming ages. Let us live for him and his Son today, so that we will be with him in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment