Exodus 37-38

“And he made a mercy seat of pure gold” (37:6). The head craftsman, Bezalel, used gold for the important objects of the tabernacle, including the covering (“mercy seat”) of the ark of the covenant. Precious acacia wood, bronze, silver, and embroidered linens decorated the holy place, even though it was temporary. Eventually, the tabernacle would be replaced by a Temple, and that Temple would point toward Jesus Christ.

The “tabernacle of the testimony” (38:21), though temporary, testified to God’s saving acts, his rescue and his Word, and it pointed toward the day when God’s presence would not be in a place, but a Person. Now everyone is invited to the mercy seat (‘throne of grace’, Heb 4:16) to receive the forgiveness and rescue we need.

Matthew 24

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (v24). Jesus knew that his followers would face many competing voices – false ‘messiahs’ - promising to fix the world, fulfill their desires, and bring peace to chaos. He reassured them that his glorious return would be unmistakable (v29-31). Until then, they were called to resist deception and “stay awake” (v42), focused on doing his will and trusting his timeline (v44-48).

Jesus said that his followers, loyal to his ways, would be foreigners and exiles in “all nations” (v9). Yet, he calls us to share his good news with “all nations”, calling people out of darkness and into his kingdom of light.

Matthew 23

“They love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues ... and being called rabbi by others” (v6-7). The human bent toward sin means that even God’s amazing Law was used as a means to gain personal glory and have power over others. Jesus warned his listeners against the desire to be ‘above’ others (Rabbi, teacher, Father), instead of all submitting to his Lordship (v10). True moral leadership follows Jesus’ example of humility – “the greatest among you shall be your servant” (v11).

Like the Pharisees, our human pride and self-centered striving leave us “desolate” (v38). When we turn in humility to Christ, he tenderly gathers us into his kingdom “like a hen gathers her brood under her wings” (v37).

Psalm 16

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure” (v5). Through the struggles and dramatic events of his life, the psalmist had learned that God “alone” was his security. Wealth, status, and health could be snatched away, and even close companions were not always reliable. He gave thanks for his blessings – his boundary lines had fallen in “pleasant places” – and recognized that, whatever his circumstances, lasting peace and joy came from the Lord. “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (v2).

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord ... I will not be shaken” (v8). Keeping our eyes on Jesus means that when our world is in upheaval, we stand firmly on the Rock.

Exodus 35-36

“And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab ... He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work” (35:34-35). The creation of the extraordinary tent of meeting was an opportunity for the Israelites to offer their best skills and possessions. God called “everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work” (36:2). Not only was God’s Spirit active in their work, but God also inspired experts to teach others, so that knowledge could be shared.

“The material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more” (36:7). Alone, we lack many things. But when we eagerly offer our skills and energies to the Lord, the Spirit moves among us to glorify Jesus in the world.

Exodus 33-34

“Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (33:16). Moses realized that he and the Israelites were not special except for God’s presence among them. They were ordinary, but God had committed to them (34:10), revealed his character and how they should live (34:1), and promised to bless the world through them. His plan was that one day the intimate relationship he had with Moses (34:29) would be available to all people through Israel’s descendant, Jesus.

Our merciful God, “slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” came near to us in Christ so that we – ordinary people - can know him (34:6).

Exodus 32

“Come, make us gods who shall go before us” (v1). The God of Abraham had parted the sea for the Israelites and gave them miraculous food and water in the desert. He had met every need and committed to them. But when their leader, Moses, spent weeks up on the mountain, the Israelites turned away from this powerful, awesome Creator and turned back to familiar religion. They exchanged the God of the universe for an idol they could see - a god who inspired self-indulgence, not awe (v6-9).

“Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self ...” (v13). Like the Israelites, our wayward hearts tend toward rebellion. But God “remembers” us because of his own initiative of love and grace.

Exodus 31

“I have called by name Bezalel ... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship ...” (v2). The meeting tent, and later the temple, was the physical center of Israelite life, just as the Sabbath ordered their week (v12-17). God filled individuals with gifts “to devise artistic designs”, to cut gemstones, to carve wood, and to embroider materials, so that the objects of worship honored the Lord by their beauty.

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God” (v3). The Spirit now fills us to be God’s temple on earth – wherever we are. “Whatever” we do, we use our gifts and skills to work “heartily” and with excellence, for Jesus’ glory (Col 2:17,23).