Another great week of reading, comments, and fellowship. Your comments and participation really encourage me. I have been especially excited to see new "commenters" this week. We are really bonding and learning from one another.
As I write this post snow is falling outside. I love the purity and quite of snow. It looks like we will be home-bound tomorrow. I love that,too!!!! We are expecting 2-4 inches. My children are so excited and my dog is trying to eat the snow.
She Speaks registration is up and running. The conference is in 166 days. Wow!!! If you aren't familiar with She Speaks follow the link and check it out. If you are even thinking about attending this year, I strongly suggest you register with the early birds. Last year the conference sold out in 3 months with 160 on the waiting list.
Also Proverb 31 Ministries is offering a conference call featuring my good friend and author Melanie Chitwood. Melanie is the author of What Every Husband Needs from His Wife and What Every Wife Needs from Her Husband. To find out information about registering for the call go to www.proverbs31.org.
By next weekend I will have a new but temporary button in my sidebar. I am in the throws of a very exciting writing project (I think I mentioned it.) and need your help.
OK that is enough for now. Again thanks for your participation and also your love. I love each of you and am so thrilled at what God is doing among us but especially in each of you. His Word is Alive and Active!!!!
As I write this post snow is falling outside. I love the purity and quite of snow. It looks like we will be home-bound tomorrow. I love that,too!!!! We are expecting 2-4 inches. My children are so excited and my dog is trying to eat the snow.
She Speaks registration is up and running. The conference is in 166 days. Wow!!! If you aren't familiar with She Speaks follow the link and check it out. If you are even thinking about attending this year, I strongly suggest you register with the early birds. Last year the conference sold out in 3 months with 160 on the waiting list.
Also Proverb 31 Ministries is offering a conference call featuring my good friend and author Melanie Chitwood. Melanie is the author of What Every Husband Needs from His Wife and What Every Wife Needs from Her Husband. To find out information about registering for the call go to www.proverbs31.org.
By next weekend I will have a new but temporary button in my sidebar. I am in the throws of a very exciting writing project (I think I mentioned it.) and need your help.
OK that is enough for now. Again thanks for your participation and also your love. I love each of you and am so thrilled at what God is doing among us but especially in each of you. His Word is Alive and Active!!!!
32 Comments:
Hi all...I hope your weekends are great.
I found an interesting tidbit in a commentary..I was actually looking up the significance of the sacred medallion but found this:
In the building of the washbasin mirrors donated by the women were used. The mirrors signify something that can lead us to defilement by looking in them, but the water used in the washbasin signifies washing us clean of our sin.
I'm heading to Minneapolis today to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater for a meal and a show....hopefully the weather cooperates...we are getting more snow and high winds by sometime late tonite or tomorrow..but today I'll be enjoying a day with some lady friends!
Blessings
Morgen
Happy Valentine's weekend everyone! We might be in tomorrow as well Wendy, they are predicting up to three more inches here in TN tomorrow and Monday. The snow has been really bad this year. Some is ok, but honestly I am ready for it all to be over and it to be spring time :) Will got up super congested and worse today with his cold so we may all be home from church because of that anyway, we will just see.
This past week's reading and comments were so good everyone! This weekend I struggled with the reading, just to be honest. But after I got done God did impress on my heart one thing. Throughout the whole reading for today He repeated over and over they did "just as the LORD commanded." Then on the 14th's reading we read that after they had done so His glory filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). My take home and to do from this was that I need to do things just as the Lord commands as well. When I do, His glory will fill me and be seen in me. All He asks, down to the specific details, is for a reason if we don't understand the significance of it all. He wants His glory to be seen in my life and I want that as well.
You all have a great weekend with your sweethearts, families and friends and let's celebrate the best love, the love of Christ!
Blessings,
Brandee, TN
PS She Speaks is awesome if some of you can go! I wish I could, but not going to be able to afford it this year. It is an amazing conference though and it will enrich your life and draw you so close to the Lord.
Hi All
I am very new to this type of study, and this is the first time I am reading full chapters with such speed-- like a rich novel full of truth! To me, just about everything is "something new!" Anyway, thank you Wendy and everyone, from this novice, for making my new journey so meaningful with the applications you bring out from the precious Word!
There was a section in the readings that really touched my heart... The people of Israel faithfully followed the cloud of their Lord, as it led them in many directions, for varied time periods, without their knowledge of His plan. They let God be in control!!! Do I willingly accept and follow the Lord's direction, and thank Him for the events in my life, without questioning or understanding the end result? Hmmmm. I need to pray on that.
Thank you all, as usual, I can't wait to read the comments of others!
Jacque
What struck me today is how strict, structured and involved it was for the God's people to worship and follow Him...and how simple and grace-filled it is for us as we follow Christ's plan of salvation. The rituals and the constrictions of their worship have been replaced by Jesus's message of love found in the New Testament. Praise Him!
Happy Valentine’s Weekend Dear Friends ~
Today, I couldn’t stop--- I had to keep going till the end of Exodus…After nine months, the building of the Tabernacle was done! (39:32; compare 19:1; 40:2) “Moses proceeded to do everything just as the LORD had commanded him” (40:16). In every detail Moses was obedient to God. My mind centered today on the Holy of Holies spot. I tried to visualize it. The only piece of furniture within this area was the Ark. The Ark’s cover (lid) was the place of atonement. And, the part that got me, “The cherubim faced each other and looked down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they protected it” (37:9). What did the Ark contain? The first item to be placed in this special area were the two tablets of stone, containing the Ten Commandments. Between the cherubim dwelt the manifestation of the presence of God, which lighted the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was the place of the presence of God!
The Tabernacle was completed.
The cloud of the Lord’s Presence filled it.
The people went wherever the cloud went. Then it hit me! (totally missed this last year!) God’s Word and His Holy Spirit provide all of the wisdom, spiritual guidance, and strength necessary for you and I to live obediently and victoriously for Him. “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?...God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (I Cor. 3:16, 17).
Help me LORD to seek You with my whole heart, my whole soul, my whole mind. Thank you for giving us Moses-such a role model of obedience. May I eagerly do the work you want me to do, to further Your kingdom.
Thinking also about His Presence inside us…His glory coming out of us-is it blinding to others’? Is there evidence that He is living in me? Or, am I just blending into the world? I was doing a lot of thinking about this on my walk today.
Feel His enormous love today and share it with those around you this “love weekend.”
Loving you and thanking Him for each and every one of you! Wendy, thanks for another week in His Word! Hugs, Lori
Hello everyone and Happy V-Day weekend. I have been reading everyday but haven't had time to comment. I have been doing some commentaries and then digging into more truths that have been awesome. I've been trying to find hidden nuggets or if not expand on the obvious. Remember back to last month when we were looking up the names of God..I found a new one. When God was giving Moses the 10 Commandments, in Exodus 20:5 God says "I am a Jealous God" One of Gods names is Jealous "Qanna" Just like His other names Yireh - "Provider", Elohim - "Almighty" etc. - one of His names I Jealous "Qanna" That really shows me how serious He is when He says He is a jealous God. I thought that was interesting.
Then in today's reading I decided to look up "Acacia Wood". Because I had never heard of it other than in the Bible before. Well it turns out that it is a hard wood that is used for making furniture. What was also interesting is that it has roughly 1300 species, which most of the common names include the word "Wattle" in its name. It got its name from the Greek word for Thorn "akis" because of it's thorny stems. Now it makes me wonder what species was used in the alter. Interesting.
It also made me wonder if this was the plant used in the crown of thorns for Jesus crucifixion. However with more searches I found out that was called "Euphorbia Milii" which bears the common name "Crown of Thorns". I'm not really a plant person, this was just a curiosity gone wild, and thought someone else may enjoy.
Have a great day I may have more later.
Lynn - OR
God's people were called through God's commands to Moses to help supply materials for the tabernacle (tent of meeting).
This popped out to me from 2/12's reading:
Men and Women...all whose
*hearts were willing
*willing to give and to serve
*willing to use their gifts and skills freely.
Also picked up on Bezalel and Oholiab two men chosen to serve in building the tabernacle...perhaps they would be equated to building foremen. God had called them to this task. He filled them with the Spirit of God and equipped them with great wisdom, ability and expertise. Exodus 35 vs. 36
I judge at times when we are called to serve we may feel ilequipped to accept the task set before as a command from God. Perhaps we do not know why we would be called to a task we know very little about. "Not me Lord", we may say. "You must mean someone else."
My take away from this is if you faithfully act upon the call inspite of our reservations...
God will:
*fill you with the Spirit of God
*equip you with great wisdom
*great ability
*great expertise.
Moses was one of us who feel ilequipped to take on a calling from God.
I also think of dear Wendy as she accepted the call to lead this study not just once but twice...It is so evident Wendy that the Lord has filled you with God's spirit, equipped you with wisdom, ability, and expertise. Your leadership has taught us all how to dig beneath the surface of reading God's word in knowing how to apply it to our daily lives. Praise God!
May we all have faith in knowing that God will faithfully gives us just what we need to answer his call whatever it may be.
Have a wonderful weekend...
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU AND THOSE YOU LOVE! May God reach into his rich store house of blessings He has just for each of you!
LOVE FROM DEBBIE IN ILLINOIS
Wendy, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and insights that God has given you. I'm turning 50 this year and one of the things that I wanted to accomplish this year was reading the Bible all the way through. This study is beyond what I could have imagined. I can hardly put it down!! Anyway, on to today's reading....Verse 38:8 spoke to me in a powerful way this morning. As I was reading about the bronze washbasin and its bronze stand being made from the bronze mirrors, many thoughts came to mind. One being, as we look into a mirror, how do we see ourselves compared to how God sees us. God looks at our heart. As women, often times we get more caught up in our appearance rather than what God's sees as important(our heart). Another thing being do we like what we see in the mirror and if not what are we doing to change that(still thinking of the heart). The third thing I thought of is, when other people look at us, what do they see. Do they see us as a reflection of Christ. I am so reminded of the verse Psalm 51:7.
One last thought.."The Heart of the Matter, Is the Matter of the Heart"
Enjoy your Sabbath!
Gloria
Lynn, thanks for bringing up the idea of acacia wood. One of my stringed instruments is made of acacia. I hadn't ever heard of this wood before I got it. But now as I read the word acacia over and over (and over!), I just feel so excited that I can actually visualize and touch something God actually specified in the history of his people!
By the way, mine is a beautiful warm brown wood with variable striations and depth of color, but definitely not clad in gold!
Jacque
One thing that stuck out at me was that in chapters 24:9-31:18 God was preparing Moses and giving him the plans for the tabernacle and everything related to the tabernacle and telling him who to get to help build it. Then I noticed that starting in chapter 35 the building of the tabernacle actually started. It always amazed me that back then they were able to make such beautiful items. It took many peple to get the work done which reminds me of what my pastor always says, "Many hands make for light work".
Wendy, I guess 2 to 4 inches is a lot of sno for you all but try 20 to 30 inches in one snow storm, smile. It has snowed so much in the past two weeks where I live I haven't been able to get to church. This past week my church was actualy closed which rarely happens.
Blessings for a wonderful snow filled weekend.
Blessings of the weekend!
I would love to share a bit of a laugh with all of you. Yesterday I read the text and wrote in my journal - almost three pages! - and by the time I was finished I had to rush to work, so was unable to comment....well...this morning I got up and opened my Bible only to discover I had read two days in one yesterday! :)
So I have been back through and re-read and re-noted. That's a first for me, but it really ended up being quite interesting!
The short end of the story is my notes for today, which are "Just as the Lord Commanded"
God's plan is so precise, so exact. When we follow him, beautiful things happen - JOY happens!
My had not noticed before is the final thing crafted was the badge of holiness for Aaron's turban. Sealed as Holy before the Lord. I love that. Gives me (as Wendy says) holy goosebumps!
I gained another new to me, though, this morning from Morgen's post highlighting the mirrors from the women being melted down to washbowls. WOW I had missed that, and was so enriched by it!
My To Do/Remember is one of my favorite images in all of the bible. It was my take away last year, and is again this year:
He made gold thread by hammering out thin sheets of gold and cutting it into fine strands. With great skill and care he worked it into the fine linen with the blue, purple and scarlet threads. Exodus 39:3
So are we refined and woven into the Kingdom of God. We are fragile and exquisite, crafted by an amazing and powerful hand which can can carve commandments into stone, and hammer sheets of gold into thread, yet gentle enough to weave that thread into fine linen.
Just takes my breath away and makes my eyes well up, all at once.
Praying you each feel the deep touch of our first and deepest love this weekend, wherever you need it the most.
Lovelovelove,
Liz
Alaska
This week was very interesting reading for me and I love every ones comments and perspectives. As I read this morning I was drawn to Hebrews Chapters 8 - 11! It really brought all we have read over the last few weeks alive. I am so thankful His word is active and alive in all of us! Have a blessed weekend and look forward to another week in the word!
Bethany
As I was driving this morning, I was struck by the beauty of all the ice-covered trees, the sculpted snowdrifts, and the blanket of snow that was glistening in the sun like a carpet of diamonds. I look forward to spring, but the beauty of God's handiwork was breathtaking this morning!
It really jumped out at me today about all the things that Bezalel made;the list went on and on. Previously, I've read this in the NIV version and there it states "they made." When Bezalel made the sacred anointing oil and incense using the techniques of a skilled incense maker, it made me think God gave him special ability to do this--incense making was not his craft.
I also was so impressed that God gave Bezalel the ability to hammer out gold paper thin and cut it into strands of thread. That is just amazing to me!
Another thing stood out in the wording of my NIV about the construction of the breastplate in 39:21. It stated, "They tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband so that the breastpiece would not swing out from the ephod." I just thought that was another detail of God's care for us. If the breastpiece was swinging around it could knock something over during worship or actually catch on fire! God has us do things his way for a reason.
I really connect with Bezalel as I too am extremely creative and love to use these talents to glorify God. Four years ago my pastor asked me to design and sew new Easter paraments for our church. Just as with the tabernacle here, everything I needed was provided by the church. It took me nine months from start to finish. Four months spent just in prayer and research to come up with the design God had in mind and then 13 weeks of non-stop labor to finish the project. I was so blessed to do this project for my church. The joy of my salvation is poured into every stitch. He gave me supernatural strength to do this project and get it done in time. The final touch was beading all the final touches;something I had never done before. I look at Bezalel plugging away at all these projects and continue to be amazed at what we can accomplish when our work is directed by the Holy Spirit. He definately equips those He calls.
I have been so blessed by all the amazing nuggets the past few days. Sorry this is so long, but the weekend is the only time I have to go beyond just reading all the comments. Keep them coming all you sweet GIGs!
Cindy, I really related to your comment about being project oriented vs. people oriented. I think I am the same way. I love people and try to be social, however, I am involved in so many "projects" that I have to be conscious of being more intentional about relationship building.
How appropriate that Valentine's Day is on Sabbath this year. Have a blessed day of worship tomorrow ladies!
Kim in IL
He has done it again....I have been so blessed by being in His Presence in His Word tonight!!!!He is AMAZING!!!!
I kept reading,"He/Belazel made, so I went back and counted 28 times this was used; this doesn't include: they made, he decorated, he overlaid, he hung, etc....
So, just as Brandee stated, she was so aware of the "just as the Lord commanded" From M.Henry: "God's work must be done, in everything, according to His Will." I strongly encourage you, if possible, to read Matthew Henry's commentaries on Ex. 37-39.
In one part, he states that there are no idle words in Scripture; then he lists and discusses the reasons why so many chapters are devoted to this narrative of the building of the tabernacle. I wrote pages and intend to go back and reread and take notes on other things I desire to understand.
Oh, yes, Brandee and others, he details the reason for 6 paragraphs in Ex.39 concluding with "...as the Lord commanded Moses."
Thus, my to do is that I pray to be obedient to God in doing as He commands Jeanne!!!!!
I wrote down information or thoughts from: Lynn about "Quanna"
Deb,I loved that you went back to 2/12 and connected the two situations.
Gloria, I wrote all that you wrote about the mirrors....loved it and will "reflect" on it often.;)
Liz, Elle Elle, all I can say is WOW!!!! to your heartful, insightful post. I also had been drawn to that- Ex.39:3- as I sew a lot, and I just saw the beauty in it; but boy, did you give me a time of worshipping in that verse. Thank you God,for using this woman and her wisdom of Your Word. Thank you for your prayer also.
Brandee, we may not understand now how and why the Lord is commanding, but soon He will tell us when we see Him face to face.
The love of our Savior is the beginning of all love,
Jeanne
Jennifer in Iowa, I understand that you mean people come first before projects. We cannot make people our projects. 20 or more years ago I found out a well-meaning Christian felt I was her "project"-I thought I was her friend-it was a very sad and disappointing discovery. Cindy
All you GIG's amaze me with your digging. I have something that you can dig for. The colors, gold, blue, purple and scarlet were mentioned so many times. It seems like in the past I knew the meaning to these colors, but I can't remember what they were. Do any of you have a commentary that would explain the meaning of them?
Hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's day with your loved ones.
Jan TN
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
I eead the commentaries this morning and they add so much to the readings. I love what Matthew Henry says about how Moses was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write out all the details so the people could read them over and over again. It is the same for us as NT believers in the accounts of Christ. They needed the repetition for their faith, we need the repetition for ours in the gospels. it ingrains it in our hearts and minds what God really has done and who He really is. I think that is some good stuff :)
Have a blessed day,
Brandee, TN
Oh my - so much rich reading in God's word and then reading all of your comments.
Cindy - I, too, have been a "project" and it ended badly. Right now there is another situation that I really need God to just "speak into my life" about this person. I used be be project only type of person - shut me in an office and close the door and let me work - I thouht that was how God designed me. Boy was I wrong. He totally took me out of that environment (really long story) and now I work at a senior center and am surrounded by people - funny - I am the activity director. I never considered myself "crafty" but God had a different plan. And, at 52 years of age - I am finding out who God really created me to be. However, dealing with people can be messy - as I am experiencing right now - but God's love overcomes!!
Gloria, I loved the information about the mirrors and all the digging everyone does. I can't write (type) fast enough :)
Kim, I had that same experience of driving and the glistening snow out in the country just took my break away. I just felt the presence of God so strong as the snow glistened like diamonds.
I used to just glaze over parts of Exodus and Numbers with all the details (I am the type of person who does not like to read instruction manuals). But I am taking the time to journal and really absorb what God is showing me and all of you and I am so grateful for this study and all who contribute your thoughts and insight.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Teri
Good Morning all!
Many of you have said that these chapters in Exodus have been difficult to read. I felt that way to before doing Beth Moore's study on the Tabernacle. She had us draw the Tabernacle and all the elements many times, and I kept thinking why? Then it all came together... God is painting us a picture with all of these details. My "wow" moment came with the picture provided by the Ark of the Covenant. The cherubim overlook the atonement seat where God would meet with Moses. This Old Testament picture ties in with a scene in the New Testament...John 20:11-12. Mary Magdalene looks in the tomb for Jesus' body and sees two angels ..one at the head and one at the feet of where Jesus' body had been laid. Just like on the Ark of the Covenant... we have the old covenant with the Ten Commandments and now the new covenant in Jesus' atoning blood! Wow!
Another picture from the Tabernacle is the Holy of Holies. It is a perfect square. It has been related to the four Gospels. Just like if you look at the Ark of the Covenant from each of the four walls, you would see a different view/aspect of the Ark. Each of the 4 Gospels tells us about Jesus, but each gives a different perspective or point of view (Matthew to the Jews, Mark to the Christians in Rome, Luke to the Gentiles, and John to new Christians).
Another picture that was shared with me from earlier studies is from the beginning of Exodus. I think someone asked about the blood of the lamb being put on the door during the Passover. If you picture the hysop dipped in the blood of the lamb and brushed on the top of the door, you can imagine it dripping down the door from top to bottom. When they placed the blood on the sides of the door... maybe it was brushed across the door from side to side...or if we connect the blood on each side of the door, the picture is of the cross.
Can you tell I am a very visual person! :) From today's reading I am picturing God's presence over the Tabernacle at night in the dark sky over the desert ...with fire glowing in the cloud "so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys." Exod 40:38. The Israelites had visible proof of God's presence with them throughout their entire journey. Wow!
Hope you all have a blessed day!
Leslie
Dear all,
Happy Valentines Day and good Sabbath to you all!
I was traveling a lot last week and kept up on reading, but not on comments or vlags (sadly). I did read comments today and love all that you discussed!
Todays reading was short and summed it all up so well. Moses inspected the work and blessed them. Then he set up the Tabernacle and "do everything just as the LORD had commanded him" (Chapter 40: 16)
What struck me today was verses 34 and 35 - 34 Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35 Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
Moses could no longer enter because the glory of the LORD filled it!
Filled; Male' in Hebrew (maw-lay):
* To be full, be accomplished, be finished
* to consecrate
* to satisfy
* to confirm
Later on in Solomon's day, the glory of the LORD fills the temple, and then Ezekiel describes it's leaving... It is a tangible thing, the glory of the LORD. It fills us completely.
I also love Matthew Henry's statement about the filling of the tabernacle with the glory of the LORD: "By the visible tokens of God’s coming among them to take possession of the tabernacle he testified both the return of his favour to them, which they had forfeited by the golden calf (ch. 33:7), and his gracious acceptance of all the expense they had been at, and all the care and pains they had taken about the tabernacle. Thus God owned them, showed himself well pleased with what they had done, and abundantly rewarded them."
Leslie, I too am a visual person and I resonate with the cloud by day and fire by night. Where ever it went, there they went also. Where it stayed, so did they, for a day, a week, a year. My application - follow where God leads; go where he guides me, wait on Him and dwell where He dwells.
Be blessed all!
Karen, Basel
I have been reading and doing my notebook, but haven't had time to read comments or view Wendy's blog until today. In catching up, I was surprised and blessed at how many of the things jumped out at me, also jumped out at you. I added some of your comments to my notes.
I want to thank Wendy and Grace and Peace for mentioning a couple of commentaries that I had never heard of. I checked them out online. They are very helpful. Although I am trying to see what God is showing me through the Holy Spirit and writing that down and then going to the commentaries for more study.
May, this Valentine's Day and every day, God bless you with His beauty and fill you with His love.
Good morning everyone. Happy Valentine's Day!
Thank you for all the comments. There is so much symbolism and type in the Word it would take eternity to learn it all. I'm loving how we learn from each other.
Noni, I hear you. I have to be careful that I don't get hung up on the commentaries (because they so express what I want to say and they say it more eloquently) that I miss what God Himself wants to teach me.
Like the other pp, the phrase that jumped out at me was "just as the LORD commanded him." I need to remember that because at times I tend to add other things to what God wants me to do. My prayer is that like Moses, I, too, to focus on and finish my God-given task. I'm a great starter of projects - not so much of a finisher. That's why my husband thought this Christianity thing was just a phase for me. (Thank God that it's not!) How did Moses finish his work? Jon Courson said it's because Moses spent 40 days with God. Communing with Him, listening, praying. Now God may not expect us to do 40 days (though Lent IS coming up) but maybe start with 40 minutes, even 4 minutes of time with Him alone. I know God will honor that.
May God bless all of you and may He multiply our minutes and hours so we can spend time with Him.
Happy Valentines Day all! This is my first one that I'm celebrating with my Father, and the love that he has for me is so filling this morning, I am so blessed to revel in it and love him so much for it.
I have been Sabbathing this morning (with the exception of minor dish-washing and breakfast making), really studying his word and reading and reflecting on all your comments. Weekends, I read both days together on Saturday and Sunday and journal as I feel compelled.
Quite a few things jumped out at me, the Cherubim protecting the cover with their wings spread; the women who SERVED at the entrance donated their bronze mirrors; Moses' blessing of the people; Aarons legacy beginning the priesthood of the Lord; God's presence filling the Tabernacle so much that even Moses couldn't enter; that the Isrealites camped or travelled at the Lord's command.
You guys brought more depth to most of these, and I thank you. I am most taken with the women giving up their nice mirrors. What would we do without mirrors? And these were probably nice earthly possessions; what do/can I give up for the glory of the Lord? Can I give up my image to create a cleansing vessel for him? Guess that's my nugget for this weekend.
Have a blessed one, share God's love, I love all of you sisters and brothers!
Leslie in NC, thanks for sharing that! I am very much a visual learner, and at the beginning of this Tabernacle section wanted to try to draw it, but I got bogged down in all the details. Maybe I'll try again ... but the 'pictures' you painted definitely helped. Thanks!
Grace & Peace and Noni, you've mentioned several commentaries. I've started looking up things on some of the ones online that were recommended at the beginning of this year, but I don't have one. Can anybody recommend a good one?
Does anybody know how long the Israelites were wandering, before they started complaining again, and just following the cloud/pillar? Just wondering how long their newfound patience and unquestioning obedience lasted.
I'm full of questions today ... I recently heard that Jesus will not come back again until all of the people of earth have heard of Him. Is that true? If so, does anybody know where I can find that in the Bible?
Ex. 39:43 really jumped out at me, in two different ways. "Then Moses inspected all their work ..." Our work, or maybe more accurately, our hearts, are going to be inspected, too. Psalm 139 says "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me." and "23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."
I want to be rid of all those things in my heart that would not pass inspection; those things that are not what He commands of me, and all those times when I don't follow directions. It's easy to get caught up in our busy, distractible lives and forget that we, too, have an inspection coming up, and that we have to do our VERY BEST work every minute of every day. I am very guilty of this.
I hope you're all having a wonderful Valentine's Day! We went out on Friday, and today Dave's off watching the race with friends. The kids and I will have a simple party when they wake up from their nap. I love pokey, play at home Sundays!
Happy Sabbath all! Well today's reading was a short one...but I found something really cool. I hope you like it too.
I've noticed the Ark's cover is also called the place of atonement and I wondered why. Well get this:
The cover is also known as the Mercy Seat. The 2 cherubim (angels) signify God's divine presence. Wherever the Ark was present God's power was too. The Jordan River parted for the Isrealites and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down because of God's presence with the Ark. The Philistine's idol Dagon fell to the ground when the Ark was placed next to it.
Okay, back to the significance of the cover: the 3 items placed inside the Ark reminded the Isrealites of their rejection of God's provision (manna), authority (Aaron's rod), and law (10 commandments). All symbols of man's sins. But when God looked down, these sins were covered by the atonement cover. When the high priest entered the holy place he had to sprinkle the blood of an innocent lamb on top of the atonement cover. This covered man's sins in God's presence.
Today, Jesus is our permanent atonement cover! (is this thrilling or what?)
Jesus' blood covered our sins so now when God looks down at us He doesn't see our sin but the provision Christ provided us with His blood.
When I read this my heart skipped a beat!
Leslie - your visual of 2 angels in Jesus' tomb was super. I tied that into my take away.
I'm so thankful that God is showing us what He wants us to learn! I'm having a blast reading the Bible this year...
Morgen
Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. We celebrated the Lords Supper at church todya. What an awesome display of the Ultimate gift.
Thoughts on today's reading. Numbers 9:23 really stuck out for me. ....they camped or traveled at the LORDS command. How many times do I go when the Lord says stay and how many times do I stay when He says go. My prayer would be that I would move at His command and not just when I want to move!!
Gloria
Raleigh
Cindy--yes, that is what I meant. I had a friend who was made into a project too--not good. People first, above projects!
Amy, look in Matthew 24:12-14
Jeanne,NC
Amy,
The ones I have personally used are:
Matthew Henry
Jon Courson's Application commentary (3 volumes)
Koinonia Institute (you have to be enrolled to access, though)
e-sword - free download, w/ free commentaries (there are some paid ones too like J. Vernon McGee's)
blueletterbible also has commentaries
Halley's Bible Handbook
Josephus - just got the book haven't read it yet but he's an early church historian. Our Pastors use him a lot to refer to life during Jesus' time.
That's all I can think of. Oh, I think it's Jan who uses Epps in her research on Moses.
Found a couple of interesting thoughts studying further on the acacia wood and the name of Bezalel. The acacia wood comes from a thorny woody bush. Made me think of the thorny crown that Jesus would wear at his crucifixation. Also, reading about Bezalel, he was thought to be about 13 years of age and had great visual insight. When Moses couldn't hardly describe the detail God wanted for the candlesticks, when he told Bezalel about it, Bez knew exactly what God wanted and made them! His being only 13 made me remember how young Mary was when she was chosen to be the mother of our Lord Jesus. God uses young people, willing young people, to accomplish his will.
Just a note too to let everyone know that I am thoroughly enjoying this Bible Study and all the comments every day. Wendy, love the vblog! Seems like I am sitting right there around the table with all of you. Am getting so much out of reading the Bible in this setting. Simply love it!
Anonymous - Loved your comment and explanation of the Cover of the Ark. That is going in my notes!! Thanks!
One more comment, sorry. I did some digging into the meaning of the pomegranates on the bottom of the priests robe. Fascinating find. Color: blue,purple & scarlet (hum, colors mentioned throughout), The Fruit of Jesus sacrifice. It has a red juice when cut open. Purplish skin suggests of Gods manifestation and royalty. It has a white membrane (righteousness) and 12 sections (12 Tribes of Israel, 12 apostles on 12 thrones), and a multitude of seeds. Thought that was insightful! Then the cord tied to the priests ankle. Another thought I found: instead of being tied to another person (priest,minister) in case of sin, resulting in the death and removing of the dead body, we are anchored in Christ, our high priest to be able to pass from this life of sin into the Holy of Holies.
Just wanted to share that. Thought it was really neat.
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