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Exodus 29:1-31:18<\/strong><\/span> Today in Exodus chapter 29 we read about the dedication of Aaron and his sons as priests!<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 37 stood out to me in this chapter: \u201cAfter that, the altar will be exceedingly holy, and whatever touches it will become holy.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 It\u2019s interesting to consider the verses prior to this \u2013 with the 7 days of sacrifices of young bulls.\u00a0 For some reason this verse reminded me of Jesus and how people could simply touch the tassels of his robes and they would be healed.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s fair to say that Jesus was much more holy than this altar was \u2013 and Jesus did not require purification rituals or sacrificing of bulls to make Jesus holy, as this altar did.\u00a0 Jesus \u201cembodied\u201d holiness!\u00a0 (and we\u2019ll get to the power of Jesus\u2019 body in today\u2019s Matthew readings\u2026)\u00a0 Below is an image of the altar of burnt offering in use:<\/span><\/p>\n In Chapter 30 we read about the incense altar. I read a commentary that said the incense from this altar represented prayers to God from his people.\u00a0 We can see this similarity in Revelation chapter 8 verses 3 & 4: \u201cThen another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God\u2019s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 It is wonderful imagery to realize that our prayers to God are like fragrant incense! <\/span><\/p>\n Today in Exodus chapter 30 we read about the bronze basin.\u00a0 The bronze basin was used by the priests to cleanse themselves before performing their duties. It was cast from bronze mirrors donated by women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle.<\/span><\/p>\n Chapter 31 verses 1 through 3 stood out to me today: \u201cThe LORD also said to Moses, \u201cLook, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 These verses make me wonder about our lives.\u00a0 Has God chosen you?\u00a0 What has God given you as gifts and skills?\u00a0 Do you believe that your gifts, skills, and wisdom come from God?\u00a0 Are you using these gifts, skills, and wisdom in the service of God?<\/span><\/p>\n In verse 13 we read: \u201cTell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 How about for you? Do you think taking one day of rest \u2013 true rest \u2013 as a Sabbath is a good idea? Is there an activity that you are doing 7 days a week, that you can do just 6 days a week? Are you over-scheduling yourself maybe 7 days a week? Can you take 1 day a week to not be scheduled? Tons of great Biblical commentary on the Sabbath is online at bible.org <\/span>at this link<\/span>, and <\/span>at this link<\/span>, and <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Today\u2019s OT readings finish with verse 18: \u201cThen as the LORD finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong>\u00a0 Today\u2019s final verses in our Exodus readings reminded me of the movie The Ten Commandments. Here\u2019s a nice trailer someone put together of the movie:<\/span><\/p>\n
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