Supplemental Reading for Week: Psalm 99.
More details than you might ever want to know about the tabernacle. But also one of the lamest excuses of all time. Enjoy.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Weekly Reading. Exodus 31-35.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Weekly Reading. Exodus 24-30.
Supplemental Reading for Week: Ezekiel 44.
This week's reading centers on the tabernacle. Before describing how the tabernacle was to be constructed, however, the covenant between Yahweh and the people of Israel is spelled out, and sealed with blood (Exodus 24:1-8). Most of your Bibles should have cross references to Jesus' words in describing Himself as the new covenant. Take a look at them.
As to the tabernacle, what an amazing set of detailed instructions. Some things I noticed:
- The materials are to come from the people as an offering, given only by those who desire to give.
- The list of materials is then distributed throughout the making of the tabernacle, and the clothing for Aaron.
- There are a few unusual words used. What are all these things, including a tabernacle? Where do you go to find out what an ephod is?
- A visual person, especially someone who can draw, might have fun trying to sketch out what these instructions would look like in real life. Unfortunately, that's not me, so I went looking for a picture on the web. This one, from the 19th century, was particularly appealing. (And here's the high priest's uniform.)
A final question to consider: is there any significance to the placement in the narrative, of the giving of these instructions for building the tabernacle?
What do you think?
Monday, March 17, 2008
Weekly Reading. Exodus 18-23.
Supplemental Reading for Week: Hebrews 12:14-29.
It's the law. The big law. The 10. Step on a crack, break your mother's back.
Moses comes down from the mountain, the people too afraid to hear from God directly. God begins with the reminder: "I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt". That's the context for the laying down of the law.
I love how the New Living Translation describes this process: "Then God instructed the people as follows: ..." (Ex 20:1 NLT)
What do you notice during this week's reading?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Weekly Reading. Exodus 12-17.
Supplemental Reading for Week: Psalm 105:26-45.
Passed Over.
Let the year begin with the reminder that destruction has passed over you.
Testing. Failing.
At every turn, the Hebrews faith is found wanting. Instead of expectantly asking, "Moses, what happens next? How will God rescue us?", it's "You should have left us alone, things continue to go from bad to worse."
Take some moments this week, and ponder your own passover, which we will celebrate on Easter.
And take some moments to think about your own relationship to God. Are there areas of your life where you're a grumbler? Be honest about this. Dig deep.
Any comments welcome.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Not the Pharaoh.
Try imagining these words NOT being spoken by the movie Pharaoh:
"Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labors!"
Weekly Reading. Exodus 5 - 11.
Supplemental Reading for Week: Psalm 103.
Plague city.Two Three things you can look for or comment on this week:
- Note the pattern of interchange between God, Moses, and Pharaoh.
- Is there a relationship between the different plagues?
- What's the deal with Pharaoh's heart hardening?
