Exodus 26:1-27:21 + Matthew 25:1-30 + Psalm 31:1-8 + Proverbs 8:1-11
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapters 26 & 27 we read about God’s plans for the Tabernacle, the Altar and the Courtyard. I have to admit, I have zoned out a bit when reading these chapters in years past. But for some reason this year these details were fascinating to me today! Why the change? I’m not 100% sure, other than I do think repeated study of the Bible year after year does bear fruit and does grow our interest in every iota of God’s Word. So, if by chance you felt like you were zoning out a bit when reading these chapters today, don’t be discouraged. The interest will definitely come with time and further study of all of God’s Word. Let me recommend to you that you don’t skim over chapters like these though. Please do read each word. If you skim this year, you’ll skim next year and you’ll miss out on the fruit that will come from this study. I have found images really help my understanding of chapters like these, so I’ll post up a few images, which will hopefully help you visualize what we’ve read about today. Below are a couple of images of the tabernacle and its layout:
New Testament – Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the 10 bridesmaids and verse 13 certainly stands out as Jesus teaches: “”So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.” What do you think it means in our lives today to be “awake” and ready for Jesus’ return? Are you “awake” this very moment and ready for Jesus’ return? One of the most important points of this parable is that when Jesus returns you won’t be able to barter or buy your way into the Kingdom. (as the 5 un-wise bridesmaids tried to do). You yourself will be ultimately responsible for your own spiritual condition! Have you owned up to this responsibility? Below is a watercolor by William Blake from 1822 of the parable of the ten bridesmaids:
Today we read in Matthew chapter 25 verses 14 through 30 Jesus’ “Parable of the Talents.” This story of the three servants has often been a parable I have struggled with. For a long time I didn’t get what was so wrong about the guy who buried the money. “He at least gave back to the master the same amount he was originally given,” I thought. “What’s so wrong with that?” Well, as I read this parable again, the thing that really stands out to me is that this parable is not talking about simply money. . . but I think it is talking about our very lives and our time here on earth. I read it now as if God gives each of us a certain amount of time to live on this earth and a certain amount of gifts and skills. And then, we have to ask ourselves – will we simply just go through life very stably & comfortably with those gifts and skills – perhaps even just going through the motions and serving ourselves – to the extent that when God calls us home, we have really not produced much of anything in our lives? What if we spend our time & gifts in such a way that by the end of it we haven’t really blessed or served others? We simply give back to God at the end of our lives what God gave to us and nothing more. OR – is it possible that God is calling each of us to do so much more with our lives? Is God calling us to really use the time, gifts and skills he has given us for something bigger than ourselves? Is God calling us to produce a great harvest of loving and serving and blessing others in our lives? So that when we arrive at heaven’s gate at the end of our lives we will hear verse 21 from God Himself – “The master was full of praise. `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!'” How about your life today? Are you multiplying the skills and gifts that God has given you in your life? Are you investing your skills and gifts in loving service of others? Are you at least “doubling” God’s investment in you?
Great commentary on Matthew chapter 25 titled “The Parables in the Olivet Discourse” is online at bible.org at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 31 verse 1 is such a powerful start to this powerful Psalm of David’s – “O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be put to shame. Rescue me, for you always do what is right.” In your life today, do you need protection from something? If so, will you run to God for your protection? Do you believe that God can rescue you? Do you believe that God can save you from shame? Do you believe that God always does what is right?
Did you catch that verse 5 from this Psalm were Jesus’ last words on the cross…. “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” (NIV) Here it is from Luke 23:46 – “Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
Proverbs – I love the beginning of Proverbs chapter 8 with the imagery of Wisdom calling out to all humankind! Do you hear the call of wisdom in your life today??
Today we read in Proverbs chapter 8 verses 10 & 11: “Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge over pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it.”
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew today about the Parable of the Talents reminded me of the fantastic Matthew West song called “The Motions.” Here are two video versions of this song, below. The first video is a great live version of the song. The second video is from a documentary shows Matthew going through vocal cord surgery, which is quite a scary thing for any of us to go through, much less a singer..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_cTzNCskJ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d23mBY0nGY
Are you just going through the Motions? Click here for Eternal Motion!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would choose wisdom each day in your life, over money. Pray that growing in the wisdom of the Lord would be more important to you than climbing the corporate ladder.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on Proverbs 8:10-11 above, Are you seeking God’s instruction in your life above all else? Do you agree with this Proverb that wisdom is far more valuable than riches? Is reading the Bible each day this year adding to your wisdom? Are you seeking to do more than just read the Bible this year? Are you diving into further study of the Bible? Are you allowing your study of the Bible to transform you? Are you allowing the Bible to change how you think, act, and live? Are you allowing the Bible to give you godly wisdom? Will you accept God’s free gift of Biblical wisdom each and every day of your life? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Exodus 26:1-27:21
Upon reading the following,
And you shall make fifty clasps of gold and fasten the curtains together with the clasps; then the tabernacle shall be one whole. (Exodus 26:6 AMP)
The Apostle Paul’s words came to me,
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:5 KJVR)
I believe the Tabernacle represents not only the Body of Christ, the Church, but Christ’s Body as well. I’m not sure how the construction and the furnishings actually match up to the Body, but I have this strong sense that everything, even the placement of the furniture and utensils is represented in the Church and in the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 25:1-30
The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids/Virgins amazes me that five women would carry lamps and not have oil to light the lamps. To me that is like carrying a purse with nothing in it, which would make the purse/pocketbook a matching accessory holding nothing of value. If the Kingdom of Heaven is like that then the ramifications and illlustration to us are tremendous: are we for show, carrying the illusions of readiness or are we well prepared for the long haul?
The servant who buried his Talent after clearly being told to invest what was given to him (verse 14), gives two reasons for burying what he was given:
1) The “Master” was hard.
2) The “Master” was a thief.
3) Fear.
However, the Master called him plan old lazy after stating that he was wicked. That I believe was the real reason for God taking away what He had. He didn’t understand or refuse to give the proper value to what was given him. Each was given “gold” according to his ability.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Micah Girl:
I found an interesting link about the meanings of the coverings in the tabernacle. http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4The_Curtain_Coverings.htm that talks a good bit about the symbolism of everything. I only skimmed it because I was on a rabbit trail wondering about the covering of “sea cows” or dudongs (which are now nearly extinct but once swam in the Red Sea), and then found all this additional information–more than I can process this morning. I think it hints at what you were getting at Ramona.
I was zoning out a bit, too, this morning with the detail, and then suddenly was awed at the fact that Creator God enjoys working out the smallest detail for his own pleasure and glory. And when we are creative we are a dim reflection of him–but that is why it is so satisfying!
Micah Girl
======= Anka:
Thanks Micah girl for the link you provided..I must say it does shed a bright light on the passage for me.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Ramona:
Micah girl–I second the Anka’s thanks for the links. However, I wonder if you caused the site to get a tremendous number of hits ’cause I could not get on bible-history until the evening.
Ramona
======= Cory:
Ramona, have you read J. Vernon McGee’s treatise on the Tabernacle? I linked to it yesterday on my blog. I haven’t read the book yet, so this isn’t a recommendation per se. I mention it because it seems to scratch the itch you mention.
Cory
======= Stef:
Isnt it amazing the detail that God went into when He gave His people instructions to build something..from the ark to now building the tabernacle..i know what you mean Mike when you spoke of in times past zoning out at long descriptions, its like when reading the begats i really try to follow each name but frequently have to bring my mind back from wandering.As to the reading today iv always struggled with the concept of seeming unfairness towards the servant who buries the money to keep it safe..does the master ask them to keep it safe while He is gone and the first two servants used their own initiative to multiply it or did He ask in the beginning for them to multiply it? Or was it a case of they shouldve known?
Stef
======= Mark:
I love the imagery of wisdom calling for all to hear. She is everywhere! It is like a lite breeze blowing. We sometimes have to be listening for it to notice it is even there. Let us all listen for the voice of wisdom in our daily walk with God!
Mark
======= Anka:
True I make myself read through certain details in the bible,knowing every word was written for a purpose.Right now all I understand from the OT reading is that God was teaching His people how to build His tabernacle and His law because God wants us to worship Him,His way not our way.God leaves His word to meditate on so We can come to Him by His rules not what we assume is ok,not by the way we feel most comfortable with.
………………………………………………………………………
In the parable of the 10 virgins,all 10 were pure(virgins),they had chosen to sanctify themselves and not give in to sexual sin,all had lamps but not all had extra oil.
We are saved by grace,some of us read through the word daily,others weekly,etc.The bible does say work out your salvation with fear and trembling.Jesus paid for our sin,He gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us but if we let the fire of the Holy Spirit die out in us,it’s our fault.
Reading the bible gives us wisdom to go through the world,prayer gives us a deeper understanding of how God works….if we don’t build our relationship up with God and depend on others for intercession/a word from God,etc….our light may die out before we know it.
This year without really planning to,I joined a homiletics class along with my weekly bible study.I am seeing changes in me and realising that truly God’s word renew’s our mind and convicts us well we go on the wrong track.The deeper I dive into God’s word the more I see how terribly sinful I am and just how much I need God in every aspect of my life.
I pray we continue to put oil in our lamps to light our paths home….we’re not of this world,we don’t belong here….lets not get too comfortable and forget we’re only passing through.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Ray:
Wow, Mike, you sure pegged me! I usually read the chapters before logging in to your blog and “zoning out” was a pretty accurate description of what I felt like reading Exodus 26 & 27. Thanks for posting the pictures and illustrations, those help a tremendous amount.
Ray
======= Penny:
The Word of God is full of wisdom. This morning as I read about the virgins and the oil lamps and the parable of the talents, I considered some virgins failed to get what was needed and required, and in the case of the talents they had what they needed, but how did they use it? It was a good reminder for me to not just be content with “the measure of faith” God has given me, but to use it at the correct time and place and to seek for more to bring more light to this world.
We are all born into a specific time, place and situation. I was born into a church going family who later came into a real relationship with Christ. I think I was given a few talents to use. I know others who were born into Muslim or Animistic families and when they came into relationship with Jesus Christ they were like the virgins who got new oil and brought it with them everywhere. They shine for Jesus despite rejection and minunderstanding. They are not burying their talents. I have more than 10 different translations of the Bible in my language. They are translating the Word of God into their language for the first time. This is a lifetime endeavor and some take on this task knowing that they could be put to death for it. Is the Bible a wealth of wisdom and the life transforming Word of God? I have no doubt about it and I want to read and study it in as many forms as I can. I want to have it engraved on my heart, so I can share it with others at any moment.
Mike asked on Sunday if anyone was reading the Message (a Bible paraphrase). I am as I read through the Bible this year, but I also use a number of other translations for study.
Penny
======= Patricia:
Thank you for the illustrations that were provided today, it definitely helped me as I can’t even imagine what 42 feet is. Are synagogues today furnished and laid out the same? Does each have an Ark similar to what God instructed? God Bless You and Yours today.
Patricia
======= Duane:
I thought it was pretty telling in the NT parable reading today of the reaction of our hearts when we have been found wanting of action by God after He’s invested talents in us. Not only does the third servant squirm under the comparison of two stellar investors, but he also accuses the master of being a money grubbing glutton who gets rich off of the hard work of others.
Confessionally, I admit that in hard dark times of the past, when confronted by godly people about the direction of my life as I wandered and squandered some pretty precious gifts granted me, I threw it back, not in their faces, but in God’s, saying, “It’s my life, not His. If He wants to tell me how to live my life, why doesn’t He just come on down and let me know.”
A little bit of that proverbial wisdom has since taught me to not challenge God so defiantly as, well, He wins any challenge He decides to answer.
While trying to re-enter the country from a trip to Germany this Christmas, my German born wife encountered problems with her Visa. After hours upon hours of waiting in the little unhappy zone known as the interview and holding area, I was beginning to lose hope that she would ever be able to enter my homeland with me again. I saw so many people from other coutnries with hopes and dreams for American soil dashed as they were handed tickets to their country of origin. Finally, we were allowed entry to the country with a little bit of restriction and a needed interview with customs and immigrations officials a month later. But I was stricken by the parallel of how terrible to want to enter a place and to be told by those who rule the gates that you are unknown and unrecognized. Just in terms of coming back home I was devastated with the thought that my wife would not be able to enter with me. So it will be on that last day when so many are cast into outer darkness and not allowed into paradise. We may see many, perhaps too many, that we have known and loved not allowed into the kingdom with us.
No guilt trip here, but you know what you have to do. So just do it.
Duean
======== Cheryl:
I have so enjoyed participating in the Bible in a year study. There were so many things I didn’t know. I have, many times, had people throw out scriptures at me and I have taken their interpretation as correct, not bothering to look at context. This study has and will continue to strengthen my convictions and hopefully let me see the correct message, not the isolated message. The additional commentary and information on the web site are very helpful in clarifying much of the confusion that I encounter when reading the old testament.
Cheryl
======= Mae:
Verses that stood out for me today:
Matthew 25:13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return”.
Matthew 25:29 “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away”.
Psalm 31:6 “I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God”.
Proverbs 8:9 “My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge”.
Is reading the Bible each day in 2007 adding to your wisdom? ~ I personally don’t see it adding to my wisdom, but people around me do see it. For example: I was talking to one of my closest friends on the phone yesterday and she told me that she sees me growing. Which was such an encouragement for me! I might not see it, but I DO feel it. Does that make sense? I don’t feel uptight no more and I used to be an uptight control freak, well, that’s defenitly gone. And I believe that’s because of the added wisdom!
Are you seeking to do more than just read the Bible this year? ~ Well, I’ll be reading the Bible with you next year! LOL Besides this study I follow 2 other studies from my Pastor. Also, when I want to study some of the Bible books I read books, search the internet. Basicly find another way to study the book. I also study a lot about being saved, accepting Jesus as the personal Saviour. Because I’m spreading the Word on the streets and I’m talking to people, I want to make sure that I’m telling them the right thing. Well … I’m sharing my testimony … so I really can’t go wrong, I guess …
Are you diving into further study of the Bible? ~ It makes me happy to understand God’s word, so I’m sure I’ll be studying the Bible for the rest of my life!!!
Are you allowing your study of the Bible to transform you? Are you allowing the Bible to change how you think, act, and live? ~ Defenitly! A lot of things changed already. Not only because of the Bible, but because I wanted them to change. You know what I mean? Some things changed even before I read it in the Bible or heard it at a service. Living with the Holy Spirit changed a lot in me. And I’m happy about that.
Are you allowing the Bible to give you godly wisdom? Will you accept God’s free gift of Biblical wisdom each and every day of your life? ~ Absolutely! I’m trying to do the best I can with God’s gift. I don’t want to dissapoint Him or myself.
Have a wonderful day everybody!
Oh right, FYI: I won’t be online tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I will be fasting. I’m going to support one of my best friends who’s going through a hard time and also concentrating on Saturday when we go back on the streets of Amsterdam to Gospel. There’s still no one in the new church there. Which really hurts me because they need an awakening out there. I have trust things will be fine, but it needs some action.
So I’ll be back on Saturdaymoring with my comments & insights.
Feel free to pray with me for my friend and for our church in Amsterdam.
Mae
======= Jenny:
I really tried not to zone out…i read every word, usuaslly i skip this part. i cant say i came to a place of this being too thrilling for me, haha, but perhaps someday :p. But for know I see that God is a God or order and structure, just as the universe, the solar system, our very bodies are being held together by His hand. He is very interested in detail…the very detail of our lives. Also I see Him giving exact instructions to follow…when God asks us to do something, we should have faith to know He’ll provide the means to get it done.
The parable of the virgins reminds me of people today who perhaps put off the Lord. I heard ppl say, i’m not ready to turn to Him, or when i get old I will turn to Him, afteer i have “lived.” what? They put off this decision and many will be left behind because they werent prepared. We should not put off turning to the Lord…dont wait! i have ppl i’m sharing with, but it seems like they want to know the Lord, but they are putting it off, they are casual n act like they have all the time in the world. I say, why put it off? this life lived for self is unsatisfying and to live in Christ gives you purpose, hope, and makes life worth living! I have said this to peopl, dont you want to know Gods peace, his joice, to know you are forgiven and are going to heaven? if you die today you will be forver seperated from God!…i have almost pleaded with them, but theyre like, oh, maybe someday.
Good insight Bible dude regarding the talents..thats how i’ve heard it explained to me.
Yes, I need protection from God from everything, including myself! I have put my soul, my everything in His hands, i surrender it all, i cant do anything apart from Him, nothing! He loks after me, He protects me from so much that i dont even know about…things in this world, things from the powers of darkness. I struggled with depression in my late teens and up to my late 20s. Real bad in my early 20s even when I came back to the Lord. I struggled with suicidal thoughts. I remember laying on the floor clutching a bottle of pills wanting to end it, i was just praying: God, please, dont ever let me go. Please, i have no strength, i cant hold on, so dont let go of me please Father, dont let the enemy snatch me away. You promised you would never let that happen. I was in a desperate situation, but I always can look back and see God never let me go…. I was reminded of that from this beautiful verse:
for you saw my affliction
“and knew the anguish of my soul.
You have not handed me over to the enemy
but have set my feet in a spacious place”
He didnt hand me over to the enemy! Thank You LORD!!!! He has set my foot on a solid rock, a spacious place!! amen and amen!!
Yes, i caught that, “into your hands I commit my spirit”.
I agree wisdom is more important then anything of this world, because this world and all its ‘treasures’ will pass away. I look forward to growing in him throughout this year and every day and year of my life! I have been blessed by this Bible study, and Bibledude’s awesome commentary, by my Christian friends who encourage me and share their wisdom, by God’s gift of allowing me to go to church midweek and the beauitful sunday night services. I am thrilled I can listen to great radio programs on kwave and other christain stations. I listen to To Every Man on Answer on my way to work and my work life/attitude has changed so much woohoo! Plus, all the great Christian artists who write beautiful songs, i love listening to praise and worship. There is sooo much to be grateful for, there are sooo many resources available! I am thrilled God has changed me from a nasty, depressed person to a pretty much upbeat, more loving person. (its allllll God, on my own, i’m Evil!! reallly).
Moses could have been a great rich leader in Egypt, but he chose to follow the Lord and take thew hard way cause He knew that was the better way.
My pastors were saying how Abraham and some of those guys didnt live in houses but lived in tents because they recognized they were just passing through this life til they went to their real home with the Lord…they chose to make that statement. Thought that was so cool!
Jenny
======= Bill:
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“ Based on Proverbs 8:10-11 above, Are you seeking God’s instruction in your life above all else? Do you agree with this Proverb that wisdom is far more valuable than riches? Is reading the Bible each day this year adding to your wisdom? Are you seeking to do more than just read the Bible this year? Are you diving into further study of the Bible? Are you allowing your study of the Bible to transform you? Are you allowing the Bible to change how you think, act, and live? Are you allowing the Bible to give you godly wisdom? Will you accept God’s free gift of Biblical wisdom each and every day of your life?…”
I firmly believe in reading God’s instruction manual for life. Someone once shared this with me ( see below ):
B asic
I nstructions
B efore
L eaving
E arth
Many people are spending large sums of money in tuition costs to attend colleges and universities to get a higher education which has no place for God in its knowledge. They must think it is worth the price and evidently put a high value on wisdom too but they are looking in the wrong place for it. True wisdom is found in the Word of God and the amazing thing is that it is free just by asking for it ( James 1:5 ). It doesn’t cost me a dime. The ‘One Year Bible’ study is a supplement to my morning devotions and often we are reading here the passages I may have read a day or two ago. It’s very helpful to review it again. I hope that it is making a difference in the way I live my life and that am I doer of the Word and not a hearer only ( James 1:23-25 ). I pray every morning before I open the Scriptures that God will open my understanding and increase my wisdom. I believe that God always answers that prayer.
EXODUS 26:1-27:21
The vail in the tabernacle which divided the holy place from the most holy place where the “mercy seat” was placed ( 26:31-38 ) is a figure of man’s separation from God because of sin. When Jesus died on the cross the vail in the Temple was torn asunder ( Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-38; Luke 23:45-46 ) signifying that we now are no longer separated but have access to God’s throne of grace ( the “mercy seat “ ) by the blood of Jesus Christ.
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
– Hebrews 10:19-22 ( KJV )
Thank you for providing those images of the tabernacle. It really does help to have a visual to give us an idea of what the Tabernacle and the furnishings looked like because, though it is described in great detail in the Bible, it is still hard to imagine it.
MATTHEW 25:1-30
The Parable of the Ten Virgins ( vv.1-13 ) is a sobering reminder that we need to be ready ( v.13 ) when Jesus, the Bridegroom, comes again for His Church which is His Bride. The ’Midnight Cry ’ ( v.6 ) is the Rapture of the Church ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ). The virgins represent Christians ( 2 Corinthians 11:2 ), the five wise are true believers and the five foolish are professing Christians who are not saved. The difference between them, shown here in this passage, is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the oil in the lamps, in the five wise virgins ( v.4 ) but not the five foolish virgins ( v.3 ). It is the Holy Spirit that keeps our lights burning and shining brightly for Jesus. To have the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in us we must first be born again of the Spirit. Without the Spirit of God indwelling us we are not true believers ( Romans 8:9-16; 1 Corinthians 6:19 ). Note that after the door in heaven was shut the five foolish virgins said, “ Lord, Lord open to us” ( v.11 ) but the Bridegroom said, “ I know you not “ ( v.12 ). Again Jesus once said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; “ ( Matthew 7:21 ). It is clear that many who thought they were saved are going to be left behind and find themselves shut out of Heaven. Another thing to note is that five wise virgins were expecting the Bridegroom to come at any moment and were living in the light of His coming. The five foolish virgins obviously were not or else they would have made sure their lamps were filled with oil and were prepared to meet the Bridegroom. Once Christ comes for the Church it will be too late to get saved. No one will get saved at the last minute because there will not be enough time.
PSALM 31:1-8
“ I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; “ ( v.8 ) What a comfort to know that God knows about our troubles and is near! Because of this we can have joy even in our adverse circumstances. The joy of the Lord is our strength in troubled times ( Nehemiah 8:10 ). Amen.
PROVERBS 8:1-11
This passage is a call to repentance. The late Christian author and pastor A.W. Tozer called it “the universal voice of God “ that goes out into all the world to all men. Most men are spiritually deaf and cannot hear the voice; some have heard it but have deliberately closed their ears to the voice of God. However, many have heard the cry and have obeyed His voice.
Bill
======= Vicky:
your words of encouragement and the pictures had saved me from falling zzzzzzz while reading yesterday and today OT reading. Thank you.
Vicky
======= Elizabeth:
Hello Everyone,
Mike, thanks for sharing your seasons of “glazed-overness” with the tabernacle descriptions. I have “been there” too—particularly this read through. Sometimes, like you, I am fascinated by the details as you are. Other times, it’s all I can do to keep my mind on the text.
I have a friend who read this section of Exodus recently and it really convicted her about her housework (an area she’s been struggling with). She found the precision and specificity of the Lord’s instructions encouraging to her–that He notices every detail of things. He is a God of the specific details of our lives, the care we take of our homes and our family in even the seemingly mundane and monotonous.
This realization was a great encouragement to her spirit, and it is to me too. It’s interesting to think about how God uses His word to speak to us in different ways, during different season of our life.
With regard to today’s reading…I love this imagery from today’s psalm:
“I will rejoice and be glad in Your faithful love
because You have seen my affliction.
You have known the troubles of my life and have not handed me over to the enemy.
You have set my feet in a spacious place.”
-Psalm 31:7-8
It lifts my spirit to know that the Lord knows all the troubles of my life and has seen my afflictions. It’s kind of like when you share your troubles with a supportive friend–their very presence and compassion alone can be a huge comfort.
I remember there was this mother in the grocery store a few months ago (Aldi where you have to bag your own stuff) and her kids were screaming and falling apart in the checkout (I have “been there” too). I stopped to help her bag her groceries so she could get out of there faster (which she was grateful for, but I think it also caught her off guard and she thought it odd). Anyway, she was sharing that she had a rough day with the children, etc., I told her that sometimes it helps me just to know that someone else SEES me when I am struggling on a day like that. And that’s how this psalm makes me feel–to know that God sees our afflictions is a powerful thing–even when He may not choose to release me from that affliction in that moment of time.
I also love that biblical image of our feet being set in a spacious place. It reminds me of the freedom I feel when I stand on a mountain top and can see a long way…or when we visited Utah and the sky was so big, it went on forever and ever! God’s freedom and love for us feels liberating like that for me…His presence grants my soul that sense of “spaciousness.”
Elizabeth
======= Linda:
Hi Mike,
I have been following the One Year Daily Bible readings for several months now and reading your blog each day as well. This is my 4th time through the Bible but have just started doing it online. I find reading your commentary each day is opening up so much more in my mind than when I just did the readings on my own. Not only do you bring to mind things I may not have thought of, when you share parts that I also saw as beautiful, that affirmation of another seeing it the same way makes me feel so connected. I do not currently have a group of people to share Bible study with so I really enjoy having this blog with your thoughts and those of the others who leave comments.
I know that this must take you a lot of time each day and I wanted to thank you and let you know how much it has touched my life and brought God’s word more alive to me. Thank you for your dedication to this. I am sure you are making a difference in many more lives than my own. You are truly an example of using the gifts God has given you to serve others.
Linda
======= Kitty:
I am facinated by God’s detailed plans for the Tabernacle, the Altar nd the Courtyard. Based on that, I believe our worship life ought to be like that too!
I do seek God’s instruction in my life above love all else, and I too love the beginning of Proverbs chapter 8 with the imagery of Wisdom calling out to all humankind! I pray that I constantly hear the call of wisdom in your life and can live in God’s strength and understanding. And I strongly believe that reading the Bible each day adds to your wisdom?
Praise God for His Word.
Kitty
======== Frederick:
The two Parables
In the ten virgins parables, I can imagine that the five foolish virgins knew that they waited for the bridegroom. Yet they were disobedient. They knew their reason of being there and they observed the five wise virgins. But they did not fulfill their roles.
For the parable of the talents, my hunch is Jesus was talking to we Christians. The Lord in the parable gave each and every servant some money, including the one with 1 talent. The Lord was expecting each of the servant to yield for him. This is a very alarming reminder to us, Christians, that we should use the ‘talents’ from God in our earthly lives.
Re: Ramona, your interpretation on the Tabernacle and the body of Christ is enlightening.
About the details of the building instructions in Exodus 26-27, for instance. I can think of God being the Architect of human body. The Exodus readings are describing the very details such as the size, the materials and the method of joining etc.. But God is the Architect of the Universe. Not to mention the astronomy, and just look at the human body. If the human ears are all 10 cm longer, we look more like a monster rather than mankind that was made in the image of God. The way I look at these ‘details’ in bible, they reflect the characteristics of God. God is not just interested in the ‘global issues’, He is also the great Architect that build things in precise dimensions and has set the standard for beauty.
Matthew 25:21 (& 23 as well) NIV
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
I notice the LORD’s remark on the servant: Come and share your master’s happiness. God plans to share with us His happiness at the end of the time. He is not just treating us as servants, instead He is treating us as more than friends (His children) to share His joy.
Frederick
======= Lesley:
The Proverb for today is so true. Wisdom of God’s word is the greatest thing of all.
Lesley
======= Steve:
Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
The parable of the talents is where the rubber meets the road and we see the type of metal our Christian walk is made of. The first two servants gave 100% of themselves to the Master; both of them doubled what was entrusted to them. The third servant doesn’t rise to the task; instead he gives in to his own fears and is dissolved into his tiny self absorbed world burying the talent instead of investing it for the Master. This powerful parable, beautifully illustrates the awesome responsibility the Master has entrusted us with our short stay here on earth.
I’ve tried living like the third servant, burying my talent and giving into fear. The outcome is always the same, “no return”. This is a miserable place, lots of confusion, uncertainty and full of antsy feelings. The sweet spot is the path of the first and second servants, returning to the Master 100% of ourselves, walking in faith and enjoying the peace that surpasses all understanding. Using the talents God gave us, making Him our number one priority yields the maximum return, light-years ahead of any Wall Street return.
Steve
======= Jennifer:
What hit me with the reading of Exodus is at the very end. He instructs Aaron and his sons to keep the fire burning in the tent as a lasting covenant. I just thought about that idea 24 hours a day, seven days a week the fire in the tent is burning to the Lord. Is my fire burning for the lord with the same committement.
This idea support the story of the talents and not giving into fear. Fear of the unknown. Let our fires burn everyday with the passion for Christ’s will in our lives and we will get a return of more than double our money.
Jennifer
======= Janice:
ramona, thank you for all the input you share with us..i do enjoy what you explain to those of us who are just beginning this journey…
Janice
======= Billy:
Thanks for the images Mike. They really do help. I’m not that “mechanically-inclined” so I need the visuals. Like you, in the past I have tended to “zone” out on these passages.
Billy
======== Lily:
Mike, you are right not to skip the details of the tabernacle. With yours and Frederick’s insight I could see how God created a masterpiece of each of us and the world from the beginning of time. I marvel on the precision and beauty of the universe and of the us.
The parable of the talents convicted me that one day we have to account to God what we have done with His gifts to us to glorify Him here, now and not wait for the next heaven.
Lily
======== Carol:
Thank you for helping to clarify and expand on the “talents” parable, of which I also, over the years, have had trouble understanding. I now am feeling rather convicted but very excited about producing a great harvest of loving, serving and blessing others…as never before!!
Oh, and I also, when getting into all those cubit particulars in the OT, usually sort of “sigh” and plod along but I felt differently this time, especially jumping out at me was the exactness and beauty of the tabernacle….which made me think of the exactness and beauty of creation…which gave me a newer/deeper insight into our Father God!
Carol
======== Bob:
Carol you have grasped and expressed a beautiful concept God wants us to know about him. How exact and precise and caring he is about us. Sometimes we don’t see this in the mundane, long descriptions but it has quite the opposite intention. Thanks for reminding us.
The 3 parables in Mathew 25 give us 3 areas in our lives to focus on and live with a purpose that reflects the end of times. 1) In the parable of the 10 virgins we are told to be prepared. 2) The parable of the Talents gives direction on taking initiative. 3) The sheep and the goats is a clear description of Jesus judging our Christian service such as helping the unfortunate, lost and suffering. Each of these 3 is a ministry unto itself. Like Mike says we don’t need to make a big issue of it but live accordingly diligent and aware about them.
Bob
======= Joyce:
Mike,
Thank you very much for your encouragement regarding zoning out during the Old Testament readings about the Tabernacle, the Altar and Courtyard.
The diagrams do help.
Thank you for your reminder not to skim God’s Word in these readings. Like it says in Proverbs, God’s instruction is above silver, choice gold and rubies. May we treasure and respect His teachings.
Thank you for your blog – may God continue to use it to bless many!
Sincerely,
Joyce
======= Patty:
I see your sketch of the tabernacle has the five posts supposedly representing the five books of the law, but omits the four posts holding the curtain to the Most Holy Place representing the four gospels of Christ.
Patty
======= Carol:
Yes, “zoning out” can be a problem in chapters such as this, but then again getting caught up in trying to visualize it can be a problem for me also! haha I do try and read every word however. I certainly like your visuals and they add so much to my readings.
I think I understand better now the staying awake and being prepared now.
I also had problems with understanding the parable of the talents but I think I understand it better now and it’s something to strive for.
Oh, how I want to hear those words from God from Matthew 25:21! “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”
Carol
======== Jeff:
I “zoned out” in the OT reading today; just skipped over most of it. I suspect this is where readers start losing their commitment to read the Bible for a year. Please resist that urge. I encourage you to skip over anything you find especially uninspiring, but pick up with your readings the next day…and the next…
Be Persistent,
Jeff
======= Sarah:
When I joined BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) a few years ago, I was able to read every word in this OT section and found it very interesting. However, today I totally “zoned out” and not interested in this section. I don’t know why. From this experience, I feel that maybe everyone has different timing in understanding God’s words, as long as we keep reading everyday, the good timing will come.
Sarah
======= Angie:
I have an additional perspective regarding Matthew 25:14 to 30. God gives us different pots of gold (talent); he knows our capabilities and talent. We are to develop these capabilities and talents and NOT put them to waste. God also does not compare us with each other. He does not compare servant A (given 5 pots of gold) with servant B (given 2 pots of gold). He wants us to continue to learn and grow within ourselves; not comparing ourselves with others and not being calculative or competitive with others. The competition is within ourselves. To those who fail to learn and grow and remain stagnant like servant C, God teaches them a lesson: don’t waste your talent.
Angie
======= Mary:
Exodus 27:20-21 gives the command that the people of Israel have a responsibility to bring pure olive oil (which represents the Holy Spirit) for the lampstand, so it can be kept burning continually. Aaron and his sons (the ministry/priesthood) were responsible to keep “the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence day and night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be kept by all future generations.”
This leads to the question of why? In Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus gives an parable explanation. The Kingdom of Heaven is like ten bridesmaids, who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five foolishly let their lamps run out of oil. Five others wisely made preparation by bringing extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they slept and the night grew long. When the cry went out, “Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!” all the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. The foolish had no oil in their lamps or light to see by and were left out, but the wise had oil or light to guide their way in through the door to the marriage feast. So stay awake! And be prepared because you do not know the day or the hour of my [Jesus speaking] return.
Mary
======= Robert:
Exodus 26, 27
If you get a chance to go to southern Israel or you may have been able to visit the exact model of the Tabernacle that Moses and the gang carted around for 40 years. This wonderful area is about 17 miles north of Eilat or the Red Sea. A good website to start with is Google: tabernacle model Israel. There are a lot of neat little question/answers at this site. Like how many carts did it take to move the tabernacle? 3 carts with 2 oxen pulling each cart.
I think this is one of the best explanations of the tabernacle and what it was all about is given by this guide, Allison Marshal. When I heard the symbolism here that is prevalent through out the entire Bible, it gives you shivers. Hope you have an hour to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/uhsyNdhRNlQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&start=51&wmode=transparent
Mathew 25:1-30 ADVICE.
1. The Parable of the 10 Virgins – Be prepared.
2. The Parable of the Talents – Take initiative.
3. The Lesson – Jesus judges our Christian service.
Psalm 31:5
Into your hands, I commit my spirit. These are wonderful words to include in ones daily prayer.
I love these words in this Psalm: refuge, rock, fortress, and free.
This Psalm really is to shelter us from distress, depression and scandal.
Proverbs 8
Does wisdom seek us or do we seek wisdom?
8:8 All the words of my mouth are just. I think that means truth equals wisdom.
Robert
======== Dee:
Exodus 26:1-27:21
They are making the Tabernacle now. The colors are important for blues and purples -represent royalty. Gold is a precious solid metal.
This material was so precise and used specific material and skin to keep it sacred and holy- The goatskin reminds me of the scapegoat clause-where the goat took the sin away and they would release it off camp. The Tabernacle was where Israelites come for forgiveness.
God is a God of order- He likes things just so.
Ch. 27. The Lamps must be kept burning all night-Let our light shine before all men-Love it!!
Matthew 25:1-30
More about our light shining.
The ones who are prepared will be ready for when Chrust returns- and Be wise in what God has given us-Invest in time with Jesus.
Psalm 31:1-8
I love the Psalms of David
I put protection and find protection in You alone.
I rejoice in your unfailing love.
Proverbs 8:1-11
Wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing I desire compares to it.
Dee
