Pastor Billington's Blog

Exodus 39

“According to all that the Lord had commanded” are important words!

The high priest wore the name of the tribes of Israel on the onyx stones on his shoulders, and on the various stones on his breastplate. These would serve as reminders that he was there representing the people of Israel. Although not mentioned here, the Urim and the Thummim function in a similar way.

Exodus 28:12 (WEB) “You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for a memorial.”

Exodus 28:29-30 (WEB) “Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgement on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. You shall put in the breastplate of judgement the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the LORD. Aaron shall bear the judgement of the children of Israel on his heart before the LORD continually.”

The plate with “Holy to the Lord” engraved on it was both an indication of the special position the high priest held, as well as a reminder of how he should live his life!

There are special reminders here for anyone involved in Christian leadership, as Samuel illustrates:

1 Samuel 12:23 (WEB) “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.”

But we should also note that all believers are declared holy through Christ (Romans 5:5), that we should live holy lives for Christ (1 Peter 1:16), and that we should pray for others to Christ (1 Timothy 2:1)!

Thought for the day: Jesus Christ models that intercession for us!

Romans 8:34 (WEB) “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

Exodus 38

The women who ministered at the door of the tent of meeting are only mentioned one other time in the Old Testament. We have no real description of what they did, or what duties they may have performed.

1 Samuel 2:22 (WEB) “Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how that they slept with the women who served at the door of the Tent of Meeting.”

The total amount of precious metals was about 2200 pounds of gold, 7500 of silver, and 5300 of copper. When God had them ask the Egyptians for gifts before they left, He was preparing His people for the construction of the sanctuary!

Thought for the day: God works in ways we don’t always see, and in timetables that we can’t even conceive!

Ephesians 1:4 (WEB) “even as he [God] chose us in him [Jesus] before the foundation of the world”

Exodus 37

The pieces described here are those that reside in the actual tent, which is split in two by the veil. The ark rests in the most holy place, with the table, lampstand, and the altar of incense in the holy place. The construction matches exactly what God described before.

Thought for the day: Moses made sure that God’s instructions were followed completely. Are we as meticulous in following God in our own lives?

1 John 5:3 (WEB) “For this is loving God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.”…

Exodus 36

We again see the detail that goes into the worship center, and we also note the beauty of the materials and the presentation. While I’ll admit that I think a case can be made for a less ostentatious worship center/style in today’s age, there is something to be said for a space that draws your attention to the beauty and majesty of God. Perhaps we can take an example from Jesus’ life as instruction. Maybe it’s okay to spend some of our resources on worship, while we are more frugal in our lives.

Luke 7:37-38 (WEB) “Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”

And we see that on display in our passage. The people were made aware of the need, and they rose to meet the challenge. Moses eventually responds, “We have enough!“ This should be the normal response of God’s people for God’s projects. But this means that both the leaders and the people need to be in the right place with God. God’s people should always have soft hearts for God’s work.

Thought for the day: We should never regret using our resources for the kingdom.

Matthew 6:19-20 (WEB) “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Exodus 35

We know from the New Testament that God supernaturally gifts His people for ministry (Romans 12:6-8). But we also recognize that He expects us to use our time, talents, and treasure for ministry as well, as we see here. And we also realize that there are those who are especially gifted or talented in certain areas, like Bezalel and Oholiab. We should always check our pride at the door when it comes to ministry. I’ve seen too many people get offended or upset when someone else is chosen to lead a ministry or project. Humility should be one of the hallmarks of a believer.

Philippians 2:3-5 (WEB) “…doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus…”

Thought for the day: Blessing comes when you use your time, talents, and treasure for the kingdom of God!

Matthew 25:21 (WEB) “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ “

Exodus 34

There are some significant reminders here regarding how God wants His people to worship once they come into the promised land. After all, He has done mighty miracles on their behalf – the type of miracles that have never been seen before! He expects them to serve Him with a single-minded devotion, turning away from other gods and even destroying their places of worship. They need to remember that He is a jealous God! He also expects them to observe the Sabbath, show up for the required festivals, keep their sacrifices pure, obey the 10 commandments, redeem the firstborn, and make sure that they give the firstfruits of their harvests to Him.

Note that God is not just jealous. He is also merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth. However, that doesn’t mean He’s a pushover. Sin is still punished, and the effects of that punishment can last a long time.

Thought for the day: I believe that when we spend time with God our countenance changes too. Our faces may not shine, but it will make a difference in how we look and act!

Proverbs 15:13 (WEB) “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.”

Exodus 33

Exodus 20:5 (WEB) “for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God”

We see the truth of that statement in the last two chapters. God is creator, He is awesome, He is majestic, He is fearsome, and He is holy. Idolatry is such an affront to Him that He tells Moses He won’t be in their midst anymore. But we also see how Moses is maturing as a leader!

Exodus 32:32 (WEB) “Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written.”

Exodus 33:15 (WEB) “Moses said to him, ‘If your presence doesn’t go with me, don’t carry us up from here.’ “

Paul also reflects this same attitude when he expresses his care for God’s people:

Romans 9:3 (WEB) “For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh.”

God ultimately responds to Moses’ plea and says, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Thought for the day: The ministry of intercession is something all God’s people should engage in, leaders or not!

1 Timothy 2:1 (WEB) “I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men…”

Exodus 32

Does God really change his mind (Exodus 32:14)? What about sovereignty? There have been a lot of discussions about this topic and these verses over the centuries, with multiple ways of looking at it. The literal Hebrew means that God “relented/repented” of his decision. However, the same word is used in 1 Samuel 15:29 to express a different understanding: “And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!” So, is this a contradiction?

Perhaps the best way to understand it is to look at the intent of the passage. God is expressing his frustration at the Israelite’s for their capriciousness and idolatry. He is willing to wipe them out. But He is also willing to be swayed, and Moses’ response sways Him. Trust me, if it was something He really wanted to do, nothing would stop Him! But this seems to be as much a test of Moses as anything else. God, in His sovereignty, is willing to “change His mind” based on Moses’ intercession. Similar situations are found throughout the Bible where God says He will do one thing or another based on His people’s response:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (WEB) “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

So, what about 1 Samuel 15? The intent there is to say that God is NOT capricious. He is not impulsive or unpredictable. He doesn’t go back and forth on a whim. He doesn’t just change his mind willy-nilly! He is not like man. And in the Bible, we see Him giving His people choices, which He responds to appropriately and properly, and in accordance to His sovereign will.

There are two other observations we can make from our passage. First, we see the continual pull of idolatry on people’s hearts, which reminds us that our dissatisfaction with our lot in life can drive us far from God. And second, this is the point where the Levites express their devotion to God. They are later blessed with the priesthood.

Thought for the day: Aaron refuses to take responsibility for his role in the idolatry: “So they gave it to me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.” Don’t be an Aaron!

Proverbs 28:13 (WEB) “He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Exodus 31

It’s very appropriate for musicians, artists, and craftsmen who are believers to use those talents for the building of the church and the furthering of the kingdom of God. In fact, can you think of anything more appropriate?

Even though the Sabbath was for Israel (31:16-17), rest and worship are for all people at all times.

Mark 6:31 (WEB) “He said to them, ‘Come away into a deserted place, and rest awhile.’ “

Hebrews 13:15 (WEB) “Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name.”

Thought for the day: While a “Sabbath” isn’t required in the New Testament, we could say that it’s recommended. Worship and rest are vital, and if we can set apart a whole day that’s even better. We just have to be sure that our Sabbath doesn’t become a requirement for everyone else.

Romans 14:5 (WEB) “One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.”