Moses (2) – Learning To Walk With God – Day 5

The Tabernacle and Priesthood
    God continues to mold the Israelites to be His chosen people. The transition is from slavery in polytheistic Egypt to freedom and commitment as worshippers of the one true God, Jehovah. The Israelites seem prepared for the next step as they intend to fully obey God (24:3, 7). Moses has ascended into the clouds and fire of Mt Sinai to meet with God for 40 days and nights (24:18).
    God gives His faithful servant/leader, Moses, careful and specific instructions in the preparation and construction of the tabernacle – His dwelling place. God stresses obedience to the pattern He gives (25:9,40) for the tabernacle furnishings. Did Moses obey God in this? Yes, Acts 7:44 reports that Moses followed God’s pattern to the letter. What meaning does this have for us? We are not to set ourselves above or beyond God’s given pattern. It is dangerous to turn from God’s plan and follow the wisdom of this world (1 Cor 3:18-20). Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, “we are to worship God in sprit and in truth” (John 4:24). As all creatures were made by Him, so all owe Him obedience and reverence; but, to be acceptable to this infinite Spirit, the worship must be of a spiritual nature – must spring from the heart, through the influence of the Holy Spirit: and it must be in TRUTH, not only in sincerity, but performed according to that divine revelation which He has given men of Himself. A man worships God in spirit when, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he brings all his affections, appetites, and desires to the throne of God; and he worships Him in truth, when every purpose and passion of his heart, and when every act of his religious worship, is guided and regulated by the word of God.
    Moses also receives detailed instructions for the priesthood: Aaron and his descendents, garments, priestly responsibilities and Israelite (ransom) responsibilities (28-30). God knew His people needed specific directions to counter their past experiences and set them on the right course in worship. There is a discernable pattern given to the people: preparation, construction, consecration, sacrifice and worship. For every believer there is a need for godly instruction and discipleship.
    Why construct a portable worship center? Why not wait until they get to the Promised Land and construct a permanent edifice? The tabernacle is a lesson to us in God-centered living. The Israelites needed a place to meet with and worship God. They needed to learn about sin and its costliness through the offering of sacrifices. They needed to live out their obedience and commitment to God as it will be 1,000 years before the Messiah was to come. The Israelites needed to learn how to obey God by, yes, obedience to God’s specific instructions.

Principle: Informed and responsible worship helps the waiting.

RESPOND
Moses followed God’s instructions; do you have a willing heart to do the same? We are to daily present ourselves to God (Romans 12:1-2). What or who is at the center of your life? How will you make worshipping God a priority in your life this week?

PRAY
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud, or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, you have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness.

- Carole Mathews

Moses (2) – Learning To Walk With God – Day 4

Sinai Covenant
    God’s Word always has practical value for daily living. These chapters today remind us we are to live responsibly. We cannot do whatever we want – our actions always matter. How do the Ten Commandments apply to me or to you today? The Law was given to Israel to prepare them to live in the Promised Land. Civil laws are ordinary laws for getting along and doing what is right. Civil disobedience is common today in many forms: graffiti, broken windows, defacing property, arson and more. England’s public transportation system spent nearly 9 million dollars removing graffiti in 2003. Why should we do what is right? Does it save us? No. We have always been saved by sacrifice, not the law. Jesus Christ is our sacrifice (Heb 7:27). So, how now should we live? We are to show the character of God to the watching world by doing what is right.
    Some of the laws in today’s reading do not apply to us directly: slavery, bride price, and dedication of the first born, as they are no longer a part of our culture. As people of God, we need to know how God wants us to live, and we can know this by knowing His Word and applying it to our lives. Can we go through these laws and pick and choose which ones to obey? How did Jesus interpret the law? Do unto others as you would have them do to you, for this fulfills the law (Matt 7:12). We are to reflect the character of God in our actions, decisions and deeds.
    Do you speak to a gardener that same way you would an executive? Are you prejudiced in any way? God does not play favorites as we are warned against it (James 2:1). God values women, orphans, widows, the poor and aliens, and so are we to. When we do fail in doing what is right, we are called to make restitution (Ex 22:6-7). Taking the steps to make things right reflects the character of God. What about revenge? Exodus calls for equal revenge (eye for eye). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches believers are to turn the cheek – that there is no personal right in enacting revenge.
    God knows we need help in all our social relationships. When it comes to money, people are to be more important. Save a family relationship by giving and not loaning (we cannot take it with us) or forgiving a debt. The main principle is not allowing money to divide families.
    Exodus 23:10-33 addresses sacred occasions. The Sabbath days and sabbatical years allow the land, people and animals to have rest. In this time there were no vacations or long weekends. God is giving the people permission to rest. These festivals are for times of thanksgiving. A thankful heart reflects the character of God. God says He will be an enemy to my enemies – little by little He will drive out my enemies (Ex 23:30).
    The Israelites hear the laws and respond twice, “We will do everything the Lord has said, we will obey” (Ex 24:3, 7). Moses then ascends up a cloud covered Mt Sinai with Joshua for forty days. (Ex 24:18).

RESPOND
What enemies (careless habits) can you ask God to help you overcome: temper, overspending, covetousness, procrastination, overeating, smoking or . . . ? It takes 30 days to build a new good habit into a life style. Little by little God will do this for us when we seek his help.

PRAY
O Lord Your ways are perfect and just. You promise to help me defeat my enemies, please show me the way to victory. I will watch my words and keep my tongue from sin. I thank you for . . . .

- C.M.

Moses (2) – Learning To Walk With God – Day 3

Camping at Mt. Sinai
    What have we learned from the desert journey with God’s people? God is faithful, patient, our healer, bread of life, rock flowing with life-giving water, and banner. Obedience is essential to receiving God’s blessing. Remembering God’s past faithfulness encourages faith in others and us. God’s leaders are called to be principled, capable and share responsibilities. God has brought His people to the base of Mt. Sinai to receive the law. The setting is remote and desolate. Chuck Swindoll describes these mountains as rising from the desert floor “like a magnificent granite fist of God.”
 The Israelites needed to have a fear of God and respect the boundaries He establishes. In 19:3-4, God reminds the Israelites of His past faithfulness to them. God trains believers today through difficulties and trials for His glory (2 Cor 4:17). God proposes obedience for His blessing. The people intend to fully obey God, to be His treasured possession, responding, “We will do everything the Lord has said” (v 6).
     God continues to give specific instructions for their consecration and preparation through Moses. Believers today have “the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:26). God then establishes clear boundaries, giving warnings for disobedience (vv.10-13). God appears on Mt Sinai with thunder, lightning, trumpet blasts and smoke (vv.16-20). We, too, must meet with God on His terms not our own and trust the leaders He has set in place (Romans 13:1-2).
 God then speaks to give the Ten Commandments as the prescription for moral behavior (20:1-17). The law does not save sinners (Gal 2:21; 3:21) but it reveals God’s holiness and man’s need for salvation (Romans 3:20). It is a mirror that reveals our flaws but is powerless to save anyone. Only Christ can do that. The first four commands deal with our relationship with God while the last six commands deal with our relationship with others How are we to use God’s moral law today? Jesus gives us our answer, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt 22:34-40). When we love God and obey Him, we will also love others and serve them. But what if we disobey? The Israelites were immobilized in fear (20:18-19) rather than the desired reverence that leads to worship. What if they disobeyed? God made provision for Israel in the prescribed sacrifices (vv. 22-26). This altar is a picture of the cross of Christ, our offering (Heb 7:27).

RESPOND
Stop for a moment and name the Ten Commandments. What do they mean to you? Share with someone today how loving God has changed your life. Are busy schedules squeezing out time for your parents? How do you honor life? Do you have a problem with anger? How do you express gratitude for all God has given you? Do you judge your actions by Jesus’ standards or your own idea of what is right? Who would your family say was your God? How do you spend your holy day?

PRAY
Holy, Holy, Holy God, thank you for your Word that instructs and guides us. Help us to obey you in all we do from a willing and trusting heart. Help us to love our neighbors sincerely and generously.

- C.M.

Moses (2) – Learning To Walk With God – Day 2

Principle: Leaders need the help and encouragement of others.
    News of all that God had done for the Israelites reached Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, in Midian (v.1). I wonder how CNN would have covered the Exodus today. Would they have focused on Moses as a former fugitive and shepherd, now charismatic leader of two million former slaves; or on Jehovah God whose mighty works prove He is the sovereign ruler over all? We are not told how or when Zipporah returned to her father but Jethro is bringing Moses’ family back to him in the desert (vv. 5-6). We get a picture of the relationship between these two men as Jethro is greeted by Moses with respect and affection. They spend the day together and Moses personally recounts what God has done to meet every need and overcome every obstacle surrounding the Exodus. Imagine Moses’ thrill from this reunion as Jethro makes a decision for the Lord, saying, “Now I know the Lord is greater than all other gods” (v.11). I would love to have my family reunions go this way! People are rarely won over to the Lord by argument, but can be through the telling and retelling of our personal story. Our personal testimony (1 Peter 3:15) can make a tremendous difference in our homes, office, communities and churches. Moses models personal evangelism in: personal time, respect, truth, God-centeredness, and a good report (testimony) of God’s faithfulness.
    The next day, Jethro observes Moses as a leader. At the end of the day, Jethro questions, “What is this you are doing?” Moses replied, “Well, the people come to me to seek God’s guidance. When an argument arises, I am the one who settles the case. I inform the people of God’s decisions and teach them his laws and instructions”. Jethro then tells Moses, “What you are doing is not good.” How do you handle criticism (defensiveness, anger, appreciation)? Moses is humble (Numbers 12:3) and listens to the wise advice of his father-in-law in making a priority list: first pray and then teach the people. We have to be careful not to think we need to be “omnicompetant” (do it all and do it well) and delegate. Good leaders don’t develop followers; they develop more leaders. Do “good things” squeeze out the “needed things”? We need to pray as a priority and do it right away. Leadership qualities are important for us to be aware of as our church looks for new pastors. Fearing God means not trusting in your own ability but trusting in God. A trustworthy leader is reliable and dependable. Having integrity means you hate dishonesty and seek consistency in doing the right thing. Fact: stress and pressure exists in all leadership roles.

RESPOND
Write the name of someone you know and seek to share your faith with them this week. Take the time to examine your leadership strengths and weaknesses and seek to be used by God, serving with a humble, gracious and willing heart. Glenkirk is in the midst of defining and searching for a senior pastor; pray that the Pastor Nominating Committee will find the pastor God has prepared for us. Pray for the leadership God has given us that they would continue to be strengthened by God and lead us in humility and grace.

PRAY
O Lord, help us to trust in You and do good. We delight in You LORD, and commit everything to You. Help us to be still in Your holy presence and wait patiently for You to act.

- C.M.

Moses (2) – Learning To Walk With God – Day 1

It is said, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
Principle: God tests our faith in Him by leading us into situations where we cannot provide for ourselves and must depend upon His provisions. God by His grace will meet the Israelite’s needs in wafer, water, and warfare.
    It has been 30 days and the bread is gone. Physical hunger is very powerful; the Israelites forget God’s rescue at Marah (Ex 15:25) saying, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt!” (Ex 16:3). Although their grumbling seemed against Moses and Aaron, it was really “against the Lord,” as grumbling always is (verse 8). The people’s complaints revealed their short memories and weak faith; but they were still at the beginning of their desert march. God did not judge them for complaining. Instead He provides quail and manna for their hunger. Imagine the number of quail needed to feed two million people daily – a miraculous amount. The manna was an outright miracle. It appeared on the ground each morning of the week except the Sabbath for forty years. It is a tribute to God’s kindness, patience and faithfulness.
    Do you ever wonder how God will use your life experiences for his good? Moses’ experience as shepherd would help him lead God’s wayward people. God lets nothing in our lives go to waste. God set specific conditions for the manna but some “paid no attention to Moses”; they kept part of it until morning but it was full of maggots and began to smell (vv.20,27). Yet, the double portion gathered never spoiled when saved for the Sabbath. God wanted the Israelites to have a daily habit of obedience and dependence upon Him. They had to choose to trust that God would provide for the next day. In simple math, God provided manna for the Israelites 14,560 times. What will it take for you to trust God daily to provide for you?
    At Rephidim, the Israelites demand water. The people asked, “Is the Lord going to take care of us?” (v7). What should I do as a leader of forgetful people? Take them to God as Moses did; God provides (vv 5-6). Moses is instructed to use the staff and strikes the rock and water flowed. Jesus is our rock and living water (Is 26:4; John 4:14).
    The third test comes from the Amalekites (17:8-16) who attack while the Israelites are still at Rephidim (perhaps for the water). Moses chooses Joshua for the physical battle (v9a) and he would stand on the hill upholding the staff of God in spiritual battle (v9b). This is a wonderful picture of mission work today. Joshua needed Moses’ intercession. Moses needed the help of Aaron and Hur when he got tired. God is the victor. Prayer by intercession is a privilege and responsibility of every Christian. Moses is instructed to record “the Lord is my banner” to future generations (us).

RESPOND
How has God provided for your needs this week, month and year? How could you record and recount God’s faithfulness for your family and friends? As a leader for God, how will you model intercessory prayer? How is God using your past experiences to bless and strengthen others?

PRAY
We praise heavenly Father because Your unfailing love is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O LORD. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, letting them drink from Your rivers of delight. For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. (Psalm 36:5-9)

- C.M.