Exodus 31

6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: 

He provided all the instructions of how he wanted things constructed and built but not only that he gave ability to do as he commanded.  I notice the ability is a gift.  People often say in sports he has a God given ability and I don't think they even realize how biblical that statement is.  

I have taken spiritual gift assessments in the past but today's chapter is a reminder for me that for all of the things he wants me to accomplish or my church family together that he has given us the ability so first I need to be aware of the gifts he has given me and then I better not waste them because he gave them to me with a purpose.

I think I need to reflect on this some more, am i using the gifts he gave me for the purpose he has set out for me?  not sure I can say yes because I don't recall asking him for direction lately its usually me asking him for help with problems i have identified.

knut

Exodus 27-30

Ch. 30  -  15 The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the Lord to atone for your lives. 


These chapters continue to layout detail instructions for making of robes to altars as well as instructions for making burnt offerings to God.  I am certain I am missing some of the message or reasoning He spent this much effort providing these detailed instructions.  One thought is that when we want to connect with God we should really focus and prepare ourselves, although that runs counter to just talking to Him in prayer at any moment in my day--so I'm not sure that's the message.

There is also a lot of blood offerings that foreshadow God's future sacrifice to save our sins.

The atonement charge verse I chose struck me because it seems backwards from my normal thoughts.  But as my friend Kevin pointed out in their blog society looks at financial classes of people differently but God does not.  None of us can pay our way to heaven we all have the same path through Jesus.

knut

Exodus 26

I don't have a verse, but here we see even more instruction in specific detail.  Some research I found pointed out that God took only 1 chapter to explain how in 6 days he created the universe but 6 chapters and 40 days to explain to Moses how to build the Tabernacle so it must be significant.

Yet as I read it I struggle to find something further to takeaway.  Give all the detailed shared we are able to construct accurate images of what it would have looked like 2000 years ago--so that is cool but I dont know if it is life changing.

what am I missing?
knut

Exodus 25

9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you... 40 See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

I read this chapter yesterday and couldn't think of anything to post.  I find all of the particular details God provided for the construction of the Ark very odd.  What is the importance or significance?  I'm sure I'm missing something but one thing I took as I read was the opening an closing to the instructions said and reaffirmed that he was serious about them doing as he has shown them.

So maybe this just a microcosm of his teachings to us throughout the Bible and His serious and firm expectation that we do as he has told us or revealed to us through the Bible.

To make sure they built the Ark exactly as instructed if they are like me they would have need to look back to the instructions repeatedly--measure twice cut one.  Well for me today it would be pretty hard to follow his instructions exactly as he has provided throughout the Bible because I have yet to read every word (but progressing).  Even after I have read it all once, I need to go back and study it to make sure I am trying to do exactly as he instructed.  I will miss and fortunately there is Grace to catch me, but that shouldnt stop me from aspiring to live exactly as instructed.

pheew for having nothing to say I sure typed a lot this morning.

have a great day

Knut

Exodus 24

Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

This one is a little strange.  Especially in the "movie" in my mind.  Its like a scene out of Carrie.  So, I did a little research on it, and here's what I found.  The Old Testament sacrifice was a way for the people to atone for their sins.  God required that something died to cover the sin.  The animal covered that need, until we could get to the point where Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice.  So, half of the blood went on the alter.  This symbolized the innocent blood to God to cover the sin.  The other half was sprinkled or poured on the people as a visual representation of their cleansing....even though it made them dirty.
Its a weird scene.
Having said all of that, it strikes me again how tidy and wholistic the bible is.  The underlying tone, direction, and mission of God never changes from the oldest portion of the Old Testament to the end.  Its pretty amazing as we've studied it, to realize how perfect it is.  One thing points to the next, which points to the next.  Things mean the same in the beginning as they mean in the end.  All the things that people point to as "problems" with the bible, are completely missing the point.

strange direction today, but......oh well.

Exodus 23

19 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.

“Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.

first fruits in ch. 22, your comments on giving, our pastor yesterday spoke about everything we have is a gift from God and challenged us to think about our lives and are we giving firstfruits back to him (his references were from Deut.) and today another firstfruits reference.

So the chapters arent focused on this but I keep getting this message, maybe he is trying to work on me?  I was feeling ok but maybe I need to reflect more on my giving.  this will be what I add to my prayer list today, for him to show me how and where I should be giving.

knut

Exodus 22

29 “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.[g]

“You must give me the firstborn of your sons. 

Most of this chapter is filled with rules like the previous chapter establishing laws and order for society.  This little verse tucked in here reminds me not to hold on too tight to what he has given me.  

A similar verse in Proverbs 3:9-10 says give him your first fruits and your granaries and vats will be overflowing.  As the Thanksgiving and Christmas approaches I like the reminder to be generous to Him and those around me with the gifts he has given Gina and me.

knut

Exodus 21

21 “These are the laws you are to set before them:


I was trying to think why God bothers to put a chapter like this in the Bible.  It seems so specific to their times and not so applicable to those of us reading it thousands of years later, yet there must be a purpose.

Maybe the purpose is simply to continue to reinforce the need we humans have for organization and structure to function without living in chaos.  Just yesterday Luke got in trouble in school then skipped detention, we got a email from the teacher explaining the problem.  When we approached Luke about it he had many excuses and explained how the teacher isn't ever there on time and that she singled him out when others were doing the same thing.

He never gets in trouble and I tend to believe him, but we still had to bring the hammer down and support the rules laid out by the teacher.  I think its like some of the laws here in Exodus, they may seem a bit arbitrary but the intention is to create order.  If they are on the books you need to follow the rules to keep order, like them or not.  His classroom with a bunch a boys would be a mess without a few rules, even if he thinks they are stupid.

i'm blabbing along now.  Bottom line I think we need boundaries to live in harmony.

knut out

Exodus 20

No gods before him
Do not make idols
Do not take his name in vain
Respect the sabbath
Do not murder
Do not commit adultery
Do not slander your neighbor
Do not covet your neighbors stuff

So I got to 8, time to look back and see what I missed.  whoops
Honor Mom and Dad
Do not steal

Pretty simple laws he laid out but imagine if we all followed them how well the world would be.  As I reflect on the list I can honestly say I think I do well most of the time, but that was not always the case.  I use to think about how my race car was my idol, but while I'm still passionate to racing I think I have put it in its place.  I learned lust was as bad as adultery so I keep my thoughts focused on my wife, being a man my mind goes there often but I don't think its unhealthy if its focused on her--right?  Do not covet your neighbor's stuff, I think I use to do this and can still fall into the trap especially at the races where everyone seems to have a lot more cool stuff than me--so I try not to focus on what they have but as I write this I know this is still a weakness to guard against.

So as I reflect I can also say following these commandments to the best of my ability has made my life better too.  If I didn't stay within his boundaries life would be an out of control self indulging rat race--and pretty lonely too because I would not have my wife, my family or friends which are the things that make me tick.

knut

Exodus 19

10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

I read in a few other places the importance of preparing to meet God.  My friend Tom's blog comments on how we have lost that in society today, we head off to church for our couple hours on Sunday then back to our busy lives.   Its kind of true, what do I do to prepare and clear my mind to meet with God--nothing.  I get up on Sunday read some ESPN football news a little Facebook then off I go.

In this chapter he gave them instructions to spend time consecrating or dedicating the people to him.  Washing their clothes abstaining and abstaining from sex.  

So while I believe I can go to God anytime in prayer it also makes some sense that if I really want to connect with him I need to really clear my mind of other noise and take time to truly be focused on him.  Prepare to listen to him, prepare to get instruction from him.  He makes it clear in this chapter preparation is an important part of a relationship with him.

knut

Exodus 18

21 But select capable men...who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands...22 Have them serve as judges..., but have them bring every difficult case to you...That will make your load lighter...23 If you do this..., you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

God wrote the HR handbook way before we every did Attract/Engage/Retain at John Deere.  I take to heart the idea of selecting capable people who are trustworthy then turning them loose to do their work and simply being there to help them through the difficult times.  And I also take note that if you do these things not only is it good for you but all these people will be satisfied--including yourself if you are the one delegating.

I guess it shouldn't surprise me that what he writes here has application everywhere in my life, not just with my faith--because its all one and he created the structure for us.  It also illustrates why people including our kids need and want structure to be satisfied---it is how he made us.  sometimes in this world people don't want rules or structure or at least they think they don't, but it doesn;t lead to satisfaction

done rambling

knut

Exodus 17

12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 


So even the Moses's get's tired and needs some help once in a while.  We aren't fighting a physical battle like Moses was helping with but each day we have our own struggles with life.  We've been doing our chapter a day for over 2 years now, it is a way of life for me now.  But its having you as my partner to put the stone under me and hold up my hand now and then that really helps me keep this as a way of life.  thanks for being my partner on this journey.

knut

Exodus 16

28 Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you[c] refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 


He sure asks this question in a calm tone.  My always say why are you yelling at me??!?!  Which I'm not, but I make it clear to them I can yell if they want me too.  God just brought them through the Red Sea and now made it snow bread as predicted yet they either were not listening at all or still had zero faith and decided to get a little extra to cover their future needs.  He should be screaming at them--or maybe Moses would tell us he was screaming!!!

But I'm just like these jokers, why is it so difficult to just do what He has instructed us to do in the Bible.  I don't want to hurt him or be disobedient yet often my actions do just that.  

So today I am praying to keep his instructions for me front of mind and not worry about my needs of tomorrow just trust he will provide for me as he always has.

knut

Exodus 15

27 They came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. They set up camp there by the water.


so they just crossed the Red Sea through desert were disappointed by bitter water then saw a miracle of water turned sweet, instructed to listen and follow God's words, then lead to what must have seemed like paradise.

Not sure where I'm going with this but just noticing the path they took and the refreshing destination God brought them too when they needed it.  There are no guarantees life will be easy, but I should seek to listen and be obedient and He will make sure I have water and shade when needed.  


knut

Exodus 14

14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.


So I realize I'm taking this one statement from Moses out of its context.  But I was thinking about how the Israelites were getting all worked up crazy scared that Moses was leading them into a death trap rather than out of Eygpt and control of the Paraoh.  They start talking amongst themselves and then complaining to Moses--see I told you why didnt you just leave us alone.  They had no faith no trust.  They probably thought they needed to do something themselves to get out of this predicament.

But Moses says let the Lord fight for you--be still.  Now I don't have any life or death situations going on but at the same time in my core I'm a worrier.  Maybe I should be still as well, speaking with God and trusting him to take care of me.  If he can part the Red Sea he can probably deal with my little troubles at the office which is where my primary stress lies.

just a thought.
knut

Exodus 13

I can't imagine what the Israelite people must have been feeling here.  On one hand you have them packing up and leaving a place that they probably considered home.  That's all they knew.  Every little bit of comfort that they had was there, even though it wasn't much.  On the other hand they had a visible reminder in front of them that God was with them.  The cloud and fire that God sent was amazing.  Imagine if we had that today?  Even though they had this guide, God was still worried that if something rose up against them, they would turn back.  What a strange time to be a follower of God.  It seems like God knew how tenuous the situation was, and he is willing to take extra measures to keep his people safe, and moving in the right direction.

Application - The obvious thing to write here, is if I have faith in God, he won't abandon me.  He will always do exactly what I need in every situation.  Even if the immediate effect of it isn't positive.  In the long run, keeping faith will be, by far, the best route to take.  I can hear myself grumbling, as one of the people being led out of Egypt........"I'm not sure this is the right thing to do here......"

little light today.
peace
have a great weekend.
t