Continuing a plan to get through the entire Bible in a year, follow as I journal through the reading. I have chosen a straightforward approach that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. This will not be an in-depth study or a comprehensive commentary. There are plenty of sources for such material. This is stage one Bible reading, taking the text at face value and sharing impressions.
Today’s reading comes from the book of Exodus, chapters 25 through 27, wherein God relays instructions for building the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. Some impressions from the text:
- God had demonstrated his mastery over reality on several occasions. In addition to the plagues unleashed on Egypt, the Lord miraculously provided food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness. He did not need anything from them. It is therefore noteworthy that he asks for contributions for the construction of the tabernacle. Clearly, while God has the capacity to do anything on his own, He sees value in vesting his people in the constructive process. So it is with the spread of the gospel today. God doesn’t need us to do it, but wants us to. He wants our contribution to his effort.
- The tabernacle was constructed with divisions, delineating a Holy Place and a Most Holy Place. Separation from God was the theme. The word “holy” means set apart. God is holy in that he stands fully separate from anything less than Him, or anything less than his standard. This is why we need a savior, an intercessor, a mediator. We cannot approach God in our sinful state.
- When we contemplate what it must have been like for Moses to hear the literal voice of God, it proves appropriately awe-inspiring. However, as we read the content of his message in these chapters, detailed instructions on how to construct the tabernacle and the items within, we may become — dare I say it — bored. God pierced the veil of creation to speak to man and provided… schematics? Obviously, the role of the tabernacle had profound significance, given the detail and interest God vested in its construction.
Return soon as we continue our year-long journey through the text of the Bible.
Catch up on the previous entries:
Archived Genesis posts (scroll down in link).
Moses gets a mission from God. – Exodus 1-3
Believer and unbeliever, each defy God’s commandments. – Exodus 4-6
God makes his name known by plaguing Egypt.– Exodus 7-9
The final plagues, and God’s deliverance of Israel from their captivity in Egypt. – Exodus 10-12
“Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously…” Exodus 13-15
God continues to provide, even for an ungrateful people. – Exodus 16-18
Moses receives the Ten Commandments. – Exodus 19-21
Israel receives the Law at the foot of Mount Sinai. – Exodus 22-24
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