Exodus – Page 4 – Be Still…

Exodus 30:1-38 – How is God Speaking?

Have you ever burned incense? I remember it was a big deal to do so in college. We all wanted our dorm rooms to have a cozy smell or something. I hadn’t thought about incense until recently I saw some at a store I frequently shop at in Mexico. Then, when we were unpacking, I found an incense burner and some incense. I’m not sure where it came from. And then, today’s reading is about incense.

Is it a coincidence? I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with the incense. I know we have folks in our congregation who have a sensitivity to smells. Burning incense might cause some issues. But there again, these verses weren’t for me, were they?

Exodus 29:1-46 – First Priests

Read Exodus 29:1-46

The ordination process these days looks a lot different. I guess you could say, a lot simpler. But God was totally serious about making sure Aaron and his sons, as well as those, to come after, realized the honor and privilege to be chosen as priests. They were the first and would pave the way for those to come.

I was amazed by the detail and all the blood. What struck you about the whole process? The fact that it is a process was another interesting fact to me. Why did God make it so elaborate? It would obviously take some time to arrange and execute. The priests were people God was going to use for great things. They needed to be consecrated and ordained before they were ready for service.

Exodus 28:1-43 – Dress Up

Read Exodus 28:1-43

Today’s reading is all about honor and dignity. God has chosen Aaron and his sons to be priests. They will be set apart from the rest of the people to have access to God. Moses has been the only one up to now with direct communication with God.

Going forward with the tabernacle and all the elements in place, God is appointing key leaders to be able to enter the holy parts of the tabernacle. God is prescribing the clothing they must wear. It is described as royal garments to enter the presence of God. He is also to wear it when ministering to the people.

Exodus 27:1-21 – Meet With and Listen for God

Read Exodus 27:1-21

We read more today about God’s plans for his tabernacle and the items contained therein. I am amazed at the detail and how important this is to have been included in God’s will. If you haven’t watched the video from yesterday’s reflection (Exodus 26) you should do that now.

All of God’s word is inspired by him. I often wonder why certain things are included. I have to remember that I am just one person in a HUGE history of Bible readers, and there will be generations to come. Not every passage will have a meaning for me. But today’s reading was relevant to the people who were first meeting God in the tabernacle. God didn’t want to be honored in just any old place. He was making it reverent. It was to be an intentional space to meet God.

Exodus 26:1-37 – Why a Tabernacle?

Read Exodus 26:1-37

I thought the furnishings were elaborate. The tabernacle was also a work of art. Why did God prescribe a tabernacle? My guess, and I could be all wrong, was to meet the people where they were. God wanted a relationship with his people, so he needed to be there. He needed to present the people with a tangible place and items that they would recognize as God’s. He didn’t want them to worship those things but worship Him alone.