Exodus 39-40

Day 32

Chapter 39  Another repeating chapter!   The ephod, the breastpiece, and priestly garments.  All to be beautifully made just as the Lord told Moses and then Moses told the people and then the people did it!  That is the lesson.  The people did what they were supposed to!  The end of chapter 39 reads like a checklist from the building inspector, Moses.  All of the work in the tabernacle was completed and the Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses. Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses:  the tent and all of its furnishings, its clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, bases, coverings of hides, ark of the Testimony, the table with the bread of presence and the lampstand...the list goes on!  But its all there....just as the Lord commanded Moses.  So....in the end....Moses blessed the people!  Sometimes we bless God with praise and glory. But when we bless people, it is as if we are asking God to find favor with them and show goodness and mercy towards them.  

Chapter 40   God commanded Moses with more specific instructions on HOW to set up the tabernacle.  There are 8 verses that have the exact repeating phrase..."as the Lord commanded him."  As they are building the tabernacle, not just the stuff to go in it but the Lord tells them the layout and where to put certain things.  The gold altar goes in front of the ark of the Testimony, the altar of burnt offering in front o the entrance, the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar.....everything in its place and a place for everything.   These 8 verses, verses 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 32 are about obedience.  They did EXACTLY as the Lord commanded. They obeyed!  That gives God glory when we we obey.   Especially when we obey what He commands.   Exodus ends in glory; starts in misery and slavery and ends in the glory of God!  Isn't that how it should be?!  The cloud and the glory are signs of God's tabernacling presence.  Remember, the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night are connected with God's presence!   We are assured of God's presence...God abides with us continually, is reliable and is steadfast and strong.  God's glory seems to wash away all that goes wrong!  In a wrong that seems full of wrong, God is a God who goes with us on the journey.  We are never sent out alone....God travels with us, keeps us safe, and we are to always give him the glory....just as He commanded!   

May you be blessed!