May 22, 2010 (Exodus 25-31)

The first of these chapters is all about the building of the Tabernacle, the priest's clothing, etc., etc. I'm sure there is a lot of symbolism in these chapters, but to me, they are pretty boring. I didn't 'see' anything until the end of chapter 29 when this command of God caught my eye. He was talking to Moses and was telling what to offer on the altar:

^29:38 “These are the sacrifices you are to offer regularly on the altar. Each day, offer two lambs that are a year old, ³⁹ one in the morning and the other in the evening. ...... It will be a pleasing aroma, a special gift presented to the Lord. ⁴² This is to be a daily burnt offering....

Somewhere else I read that our prayers are 'incense' to God - which made me think those are the sacrifices God desires today - not lambs on the altar, but our prayers to Him.

Then I was reminded that all our gifts and abilities come from God:

^31:2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. ³ I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. ⁴ He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. ⁵ He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!

⁶ “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make.

And then finally, and it seems I keep reading this, God wants us to rest. We are to work six days and rest the seventh. I really tried to get everything on 'my plate' caught up yesterday so that today could be a day of total rest for me. Didn't quite make it, but will strive to make that happen in the future.

^31:13 “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. ¹⁴ You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. ¹⁵ You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. ¹⁶ The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. ¹⁷ It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’”