Exodus 23:14-25:40
Three times a year the Jewish men were called to gather together and appear before the LORD, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering (Tabernacles). It’s always good for the men to get together, centered on the Lord, for we are called to be servant-leaders.
The Feasts (Holy Days) of Israel were times to remember what God had done in their history and to pass HIS-story onto their children. They were also significant shadows of the coming Messiah. We’ll see all 7 Feasts in Leviticus 23.
The Father next speaks to Moses, informing Him that He was sending His Son as an “Angel” to go before them. This doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t God, for the title of angel simply signifies a messenger. In this case Jesus is the Messenger, Mediator, and hence the Angel of the LORD. The Father warned Moses and the people to be sure to listen and obey this Angel, for His name is in Him, and lest He not pardon their transgressions (brings to mind Deuteronomy 18:18-19; Matthew 17:5; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:1).
They were on the verge of taking over a land inhabited by evil people, they were therefore not to bow down to, or serve those gods; they were to completely destroy and break down their pagan pillars.
“Little by little” the Lord would drive them out we read in Exodus 23:30. It wouldn’t happen overnight, just as it doesn’t happen overnight for any of us. We don’t “arrive” overnight, in a very practical sense, it’s little by little, from faith to faith (Romans 1:17), more and more (Philippians 1:9) – it’s a lifetime of sanctification.
We’re beginning to see the formation of a priesthood as Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu come closer to God. The LORD would speak to Moses, who would relay the message to the people through the others. After hearing the Word of God, the people repeatedly said, “All the words which the LORD has said we will do.” (Exodus 24:3, 7) If only that was always our motto.
Can you picture the people sprinkled in blood? (Exodus 24:8) They are entering into a covenant with God – believing and receiving His blood, with a heart to obey. This is the equivalent of accepting Him as both Lord and Savior. Peter wrote about this in:
1 Peter 1:2 (NKJV) “…elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.”
As Moses was called closer with his assistant Joshua, he left Aaron and Hur in charge (Exodus 24:14). He would be on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 24:18).
God spoke to Moses who would speak to the people and provide them with an opportunity to give donations towards the building of the Tabernacle. These offerings were not to be coerced, they had to come from those who gave with a willing heart. How beautiful it is that the Lord even allows us to give to Him, may we always give joyfully and willingly!
The rest of this section deals with the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Lampstand. We will see that these designs are given to Moses according to their heavenly pattern, and each is significant to our relationship with God.
The Ark of the Covenant would be placed into the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle where only the High Priest could enter in once a year with the blood of the sacrifice. He would make atonement for the people. He would sprinkle the blood on the lid, between the cherubim (on the Mercy Seat – symbolizing God’s throne) and He said something so beautiful in:
Exodus 25:22 (NKJV) “And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.”
Jesus would one day go in to that Most Holy Place in Heaven, with His own blood, and make a way for us to meet with Him and LIVE with Him, forever (Hebrews 9:12).
The Table of Showbread would be in the Holy Place. Upon this table the 12 loaves of bread symbolizing the 12 Tribes of Israel would be placed perpetually, as God’s people are always in His presence.
The Lampstand (Menorah) is symbolic of Jesus as the Light of the World, and even of us, reflecting His light (John 8:12; 9:5; Matthew 5:16).
Moses was repeatedly commanded to make sure everything was done according to the pattern shown to Him – due to the significance of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:9, 40).
Matthew 24:29-51
The return of Jesus Christ is the most repeated doctrine in the Bible, so we can be 100% sure, He is coming. In one sense, Jesus’ Second Coming begins at the rapture of the church, but ultimately His return is completed after the Tribulation Period. He will return on the clouds, in all of His glory, and every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7).
Matthew tells us to learn the lesson of the fig tree. When we see the new and tender leaves begin to form, we know that summer is near – so also when we see these signs increasing in frequency and intensity, we should realize Jesus’ coming is at hand. Many Bible teachers believe the fig tree to be representative of Israel, and that the generation that sees the fig tree bloom again (Israel became a nation again in 1948) will be the generation of Christ’s return. Jesus said, “Assuredly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these thing take place.” (Matthew 24:34).
And again, just in case you’re doubting His return, Jesus emphatically says:
Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)”Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Now, having spoken of His eminent return, it’s also important to realize that that no one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36) so we are not to follow date-setters but we are to always be ready for the Rapture.
Psalm 30:1-12
This Psalm was sung by David at the dedication of his house. After all he’d been through, times when his life was hanging by a thread, when there was but a step between him and death, here he was blessed beyond measure, alive and able to dedicate his house to God.
Psalm 30:1–2 (NKJV) “I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.”
We really have reason to sing to God:
Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Anyone weeping? Anyone hurting? Anyone wondering about his or her life? Whoever and wherever you are, you can sing to the LORD. In Christ His favor is truly for life, and those tears of pain will be transformed into tears of joy – just continue to wait on the LORD.
Proverbs 7:24-27
May I listen and pay attention, for sexual temptation is constant and everywhere.
It’s rooted in the heart, so guard your heart, don’t let it turn aside, to anyone other than your bride, don’t stray away in this way, and, whatever you do, don’t ever think it’ll never happen to you! It can happen to any of us!
Proverbs 7:26 (NKJV) “For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men.”
If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.
I simply love and appreciate how the Word of God in the Old Testament always points us to Jesus! I remember the day that something ‘clicked’ inside of me regarding the Old pointing to the New, and I was so blessed!
It also is also reassuring that what Jesus said about how the heaven and earth will pass away but NOT His Word! All HIs promises are yes and amen!
Thank You Lord for Your Word !
Amen sister! It all points to Jesus! (Hebrews 10:7; John 5:39)
There’s also a saying that, “The Old is in the New Revealed, and the New is in the Old Concealed.”