Victory in Christ

God gave very specific instructions for the priests under the Old Law, even what they were to wear. Through Jesus Christ and His blood that was shed for us, we all can be priests today if we will obey His gospel. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

Today’s reading: Exodus 28-29

Exodus chapter 25 starts with God telling Moses to ask the people for contributions to build a tabernacle for Him.  “The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.” (Exodus 25:1-2)  The following verses down thru chapter 28 are very specific instructions on how God wanted this tabernacle and everything in it to be built.  The details included sizes, types of wood and other materials, even the color of the garments to be worn by the priests.  He also let them know that He would dwell there.  “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)   So why did God include this level of detail to be preserved in the Bible for us to read today?  One reason may be that He wanted us to know the importance of worshiping and honoring Him by following specific details from His word.  He probably also wanted them to see the respect that was to be given to the place that He dwelled with them.  We can compare this to what we read about His dwelling place with us today.  “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Today’s reading: Exodus 25-27

God gave Moses the laws that He wanted His people to follow.  “Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do.” (Exodus 24:3)  In verse 7 we again read of the people promising to follow God’s word.  “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” (Exodus 24:7)  It was not too long after this that the people built the golden calf because they became impatient waiting on Moses to return.  Unlike the patience of the Israelites, God’s patience never ends.  “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Today’s reading: Exodus 22-24

As He was giving what we know as the Ten Commandments, God let the people know a trait of His. “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:5) This was immediately following His statements that they were not to have any other gods nor any graven images. He knows that us humans can easily be pulled from serving Him if we have something else that we “worship”. Jesus made a similar statement in His sermon on the Mount. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV) 

Today’s reading: Exodus 19-21

Moses was the only judge over the problems of the people.  He would sit all day long and listen to their disputes and apply the law to make a judgement.  Jethro had some good advice for Moses.  “Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.  You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. (Exodus 18:17-18)  Jethro’s suggestion was to find men to help him judge these issues.  He was specific about who Moses should get to help him.  “…men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe…” (vs.21)  Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and chose men to help him judge.  Like Moses we cannot always handle everything ourselves and at times need help from those who also fear God.

Today’s reading: Exodus 16-18

After the Israelites were finally able to leave Egypt, Pharaoh and his army chased them.  When the soldiers caught up to them, the Israelites were scared and said they would rather serve the Egyptians than die in the wilderness.  Even after they had seen God’s power in the plagues that He used to get Pharaoh to let them go, the Israelites still doubted God and complained to Moses.  “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.” (Exodus 14:13)  This time He showed them His power by parting the Red Sea to allow them to cross safely.  We can read this and wonder how the Israelites could have such little faith in God after all He had done for them.  We know God’s power and how He always takes care of His people, but are we ever guilty of doubting His plan like the Israelites did?

Today’s reading: Exodus 13-15

It took ten plagues from God for Pharaoh to finally let the Israelites go from Egypt.  The final plague being the death of the firstborn of every Egyptian family and their livestock.  After the first nine plagues Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, but after the last one his heart must have been softened some.   “Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!” (Exodus 12:32)  He went from thinking his magicians could do anything that God could do to now asking to be blessed by God.  God knew before He started what it would take to get Pharaoh to let the people go.  His plans are greater than we can even understand.  “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)

Today’s reading: Exodus 10-12

God directed Moses in many situations. During one of those times as God was bringing His people out of Egypt, we see how Moses responded. “Then Moses and Aaron did so; just as the LORD commanded them, so they did.” (Exodus 7:6 NKJV) We have Jesus words on what it means if we also follow what He commanded. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV) 

Today’s reading: Exodus 7-9