Category: Exodus

Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Exodus 26 before reading the devotional below.

A Bible story about a bunch of curtains may seem a bit obscure, but we have to keep asking, “What does this reveal about the heart of God?” Why did God go into such detail about curtains? I mean, of all the things he could have covered with Moses, it seems like his tent decor is an odd choice.

Remember from our earlier posts throughout this Exodus series that God’s people are not able to come to him directly. He can communicate through a handful of prophets, and  he designated the Israelite tribe of Levi to serve as the priests. These are the only chosen ones who can have access to God without falling down dead. And even then sometimes the priests didn’t make it out of his presence alive.

Today’s chapter describes the creation of what is known as the “Holy of Holies.” It was a room that only the priests could enter, and even they could only go in once a year. The people would tie a rope around the priest’s waist before he went in so that in case he fell down dead they could pull him out. In Matthew 27:50-52, at the exact moment of Jesus’ death, this curtain (replicated in the more permanent Temple building) was torn from top to bottom. God’s people would now have a way into his presence.

Here’s your freedom for today: God has made himself accessible to you. Jesus’ death ripped these curtains straight down the middle. The doors to God’s holiest of holy places were swung wide open for all to enter. Because the Israelites had lived with these curtain barriers dating all the way back to this very chapter in Exodus, the mental shift about what that torn curtain meant about Jesus would have been absolutely extraordinary. The symbolism of these supernaturally ripped curtains means that either Jesus was a heretic who should be condemned or he is truly God embodied in human form. A trespass of those curtains meant certain death for all the years leading up to Jesus. It was clear in that the old system was officially replaced.

Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Exodus 27 before reading the devotional below. 

The lights never go out at God’s house. He’s always guiding us, showing us the way out of the darkness. His Tabernacle design reflects his desire to always leave the light on for his children. Even in the midst of the painful separation between God and his people, he wants them to come as close as they can. These actions serve as a reminder that the separation was not caused by God, nor is it his desire, but it was brought about by evil. God’s heart is forever closely knit to his children’s.

Today’s chapter describes the altar upon which the priests will offer the burnt offerings. As is later described in Leviticus 1, the burnt offerings were the ones given as an atonement for sin. Imagine every time you sin you are required to give up an animal to be killed and offered by the priests. Your sin and your inability to stop sinning would be ever present on your mind. The cost of sin was great, and God’s people felt it on a daily basis.

Here’s your freedom for today: your mistakes have been consumed  on God’s altar. He has offered a permanent atonement for our sins. Your sin and mine went up in smoke on God’s altar as Jesus died on the cross. It is mindblowing that God lowered himself to the place of an animal to be killed and destroyed. Now the sin-separation between you and God is gone. Completely. You have been made right with God forever. He’s left the light on for you — will you stop by to talk with him today?

Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Exodus 28 before reading the devotional below.

God has a uniform all picked out for the priests who will meet with him on behalf of the people. He gives very detailed instructions on what they should wear, right down to their underwear. (In case you ever wondered the secret weapon stopping the priests from dying in God’s presence, it’s underwear…). This priestly outfit is full of symbolism and is quite exquisite.

These garments are made of the finest linen, sewn with gold thread and full of intricate embroidery. (How the did this in the middle of the desert I have no idea!). On the shoulders there are six stones on each side, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. There is a special chestplate that the priests would wear when making a decision for the people, and the mysterious Urim and Thummim (most likely gem stones) were placed inside.

Here’s your freedom for today: God spares no expense. He is not frugal, and his designs for the priests’ clothing as well as his Tabernacle demonstrate this. If you think about it, God is wealthier than the wealthiest person in the world (currently Jeff Bezos who has a net “worth” of $90 billion). I doubt Mr. Bezos skimps on his grocery bill or his outfits. When he has a party, he probably goes all out. God has all the world’s resources plus a whole supernatural realm at his disposal. So yes, he’s using gold thread for his priests’ garments. This extravagance is not oppressive as earthly wealth often is. Rather, it is a way to invite his people into his kingdom and open the doors for them to be made right with him. Participation in God’s kingdom will always mean that the poor are cared for, protected, and lifted up and his abundant resources are made available for all to enjoy.

 

Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Exodus 29 before reading the devotional below.

Serving God isn’t an easy task. Ministry is hard sometimes, and the Israelites priests were set aside for a really tough job. Every Jesus-follower has a role to play in God’s work, but revolving your whole life around ministering to God’s people is a different kind of life.

In today’s chapter, God gives Moses instructions for a ceremonial consecration for Aaron and his sons. Aaron, Moses’ brother, has a special assignment as the head priest. He must set the standard for following God’s laws and keeping holy things holy. Throughout the history of Israel, there will be priests who do not do this job well and the consequences are grave. The consecration of the priests in this moment is for their protection.

Here’s your freedom for today: you can live a different kind of life. Since we no longer need priests to mediate between us and God, we are set apart and made holy by giving our lives to Jesus. That means that your life is different when you follow Jesus — you won’t look like the world around you anymore. As Christians, we all have the task of inviting people into God’s family. You may be someone’s only connection to knowing Jesus. Some, like Aaron, are called to devote their whole lives to serving God’s people. No matter your calling, your life isn’t the same as God refines you and sets you apart for his purposes.

Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Exodus 30 before reading the devotional below.

Handwashing has been saving lives for thousands of years, long before anyone knew about germs. Today’s chapter describes the various daily and yearly rituals that Aaron and the priests must do. There is a sense of rhythm as you read the chapter — I can picture Aaron and the other priests lighting lamps and burning incense daily just as God instructed. Daily routines have a calming impact on us all.

Two phrases stuck out to me in this passage: “I will meet you there” and “from generation to generation.” God is making a promise to his people. He shows up where he says he will show up. He’s also thinking long-term. This is not a temporary plan for the desert journey. No, these plans will be followed for generations of priests. God is in this for the long haul.

Here’s your freedom for today: God hasn’t given up yet. He’s still pursuing people. He’s pursuing you. He sent Jesus to open up the doors so that both the Israelites and the non-Jewish people around the world could have access to God. He continues to meet us in our daily rituals — quiet morning prayer over tea, reflecting on a Bible passage and devotional before bed, or entering into corporate worship on a Sunday. God is still showing up and he will keep showing up until his victory is finished. He’ll meet you today and every day when you set yourself apart for him.