|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise How amazing to think that you, the great God of the universe, would be willing to live in a tent! Not just for a month or a year, but for centuries. You later told David that not once during the time of the judges did you ask them, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” (2 Sam 7:7). What a selfless and gracious God you are! I join in praise with David who said, “You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like you, and there is no God besides you” (2 Sam 7:22). Today in Your Word Today you told me about the crafting of the priestly garments. They were bright and colorful, and the robe had bells of pure gold along the hem. This shows that worshiping you is more than ceremony and solemnity—it is an occasion of joy and gladness. Once the garments were complete, the Tabernacle was finished. The people brought it to Moses, and he examined it carefully. Was it complete? Had they cut any corners? Did they do all that you commanded? “And behold, they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them” (Exod 39:43). What a beautiful reminder that at the end of obedience is the blessing of God! You gave instructions for setting up the Tabernacle, and Moses followed them to the letter. When he was done, your cloud covered the tent, and your glory filled the Tabernacle. Emmanuel—God is with us! How wondrous that you would come to dwell among men! Reflection Moses recorded that the people “did all the work according to all that the Lord had commanded” (Exod 39:42 NASB). This is a sobering reminder that partial obedience to God is disobedience. Request Father, help me to be faithful to do all that you have asked. If there is any area of my life that does not reflect your Lordship, reveal it to me and give me the grace to obey you completely! Thanksgiving Israel was privileged to have your glorious presence in the midst of their camp, and through Jesus Christ, I am privileged to have your precious Holy Spirit living inside my heart! Thank you for the gracious gift of such a Comforter (2 Cor 1:22; John 14:16 KJV). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The Comforter Has Come” by Frank Bottome. Meditation Verse: Exodus 39:43. |