Exodus 37:1-38:31
Bezalel now sets out to make the Tabernacle and all its items. As he does, we have all the details and dimensions repeated in the process. They obediently made everything exactly as instructed by God.
We’ve covered the furnishings and garments of theTabernacle in earlier studies (Exodus 26-30). The Ark of the Covenant, with the Mercy Seat of pure gold. The Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, the Holy Anointing Oil, the Sweet incense, the Altar for Burnt Offerings, and the Bronze Altar.
I’ve always been overwhelmingly blessed by what we read in:
Exodus 38:8 (NKJV) “He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.”
In those days the ladies used bronze to make their mirrors, but these sisters who served, gave up their mirrors for their Master.
Matthew Henry, “In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for His sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for the tabernacle worship, expressed zeal by parting with their mirrors, which were polished plates of brass. Before the invention of looking- glasses, these served the same purposes.”
This gesture on the part and heart of these lovely ladies brings 1 Peter 3:3-4 to mind:
1 Peter 3:3–4 (NKJV) “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”
The Tabernacle Court was relatively small – 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, but it was infinitely significant in symbolism, even in the materials used. The blue would be a reminder of heaven, the purple = royalty, the scarlet = His blood, the Gold = God’s deity, silver = redemption, bronze = judgment – every sacrifice a shadow of how the Lord Jesus would be judged in our stead.
The gold used in the construction of the Tabernacle totaled 293 pounds; the silver totaled 15,045 pounds; and the bronze was 5,310 pounds. In modern days (2021) this Tabernacle has been estimated to be worth over 62 million dollars.
Matthew 28:1-20
The resurrection story never gets old – this is the capstone of our faith, the only “sign” we’ll ever need. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proves to mankind beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He is incomparably the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Who else has gutted the grave, conquered the coffin, or defeated death? When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus for a sign, He simply pointed to His resurrection. If you think about it, it’s all that’s necessary, after all, shouldn’t we want to follow the One who gives life after death? We long for a Savior who not only helps us when life gets hard, we need a Savior who helps us when life ends. They say the crucifixion was the payment and the resurrection the receipt (Matthew 12:39-40; Luke 11:29; John 2:18-22).
Isn’t it a blessing how these lovely ladies were the first to witness the empty tomb? They were the first to find out that Jesus had risen from the dead – and they were the ones commissioned to inform the disciples. I’m so blessed by this, and I’ve seen this to be true in my walk as a Christian, how God blesses faithfulness. They were courageous in their willingness to anoint the body of Christ; so faithful, so loving, not even sure how the stone would be rolled away, but they took those steps of faith, and God took care of all the details. He sent angels to move the stone and tell the message, and send the ladies with the greatest news in the history of the world – HE IS RISEN!
Because He lives, we who believe in Christ will also live in heaven! Remember what Jesus said to Martha?
John 11:25, (NKJV) “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’”
On their way to the tell the disciples, Jesus appears to some of the ladies, and they worship Him (Matthew 28:9).
The soldiers relayed the account to the Chief Priests – the appearance of the angels, the disappearance of the body, and how they were paralyzed with fear (Matthew 28:4), but money talks, and they were bribed with hush money…along with the Governor himself.
O Lord, guard my heart from the horrible power of power (the Chief Priest’s problem) and the misery of money (the soldier’s downfall – the soldiers, in the same spirit, joined the ranks of Judas).
The chapter closes with the Great Commission. Jesus tells them (and us) that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him, and He just happens to be the One who is with us – always – even to the end of the age! So let’s get at it, let’s get the gospel out into all nations, beginning in our home, our Jerusalem, then Judea, on to Samaria, and even to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). I know it sounds like a lofty task, but since Jesus is with us ALWAYS, the impossible becomes possible.
You may not be a formal missionary, but I believe we’re all missionaries in one way or another. To our immediate family, our extended family, our friends – at our schools, our workplace, all and everyone God brings into our path – let’s shine and share, let’s witness with lives and lips, let’s tell people all about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity). Let’s teach others to obey. Let’s not just make converts but disciples. It’s only doable because it’s the Great CO-mmission (Jesus is with us) may it never be reduced to the great Omission!
When was the last time you shared Jesus with someone?
Psalms 34:11-22
What a beautiful Psalm – every verse is of infinite value!
Peter quotes Psalms 34:12-16 in 1 Peter 3:10-12. If we want to love life, we must learn to tame our tongue (by the power of the Holy Spirit), depart from evil, seek good, and do good.
I’ve always loved Psalm 34:18:
Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Blessed are those who mourn over their sins, they shall be comforted with the closeness of God and salvation…by simply placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
I wish I could say it’ll be “one and done,” if you love the LORD, but that’s not the case on this side of time. We will go through tons of trials.
Psalm 34:19 (NKJV) “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Did you catch that word? “MANY” are the afflictions of the righteous. If you long to be righteous, not just in position, but also practice you will experience “many” afflictions.
Did you catch that other word though? “ALL” – but the LORD delivers him out of them “all.”
All means all, that’s all all means. God is sovereign, omnipotent, and perfectly loving…you can trust Him my friend – come what may, God will save the day.
Proverbs 9:9-10
Proverbs 9:9 (NKJV) “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
What a blessing when we’re able to give instruction to a wise man – he’ll grow in wisdom; or teach a just man – since he’s teachable, he learns even more.
There are many different scenarios where this can take place – such as this simple blot – it’s here for anyone who simply tunes-in, or logs on
You may recall that time in the Gospel of John 2 where Jesus didn’t waste His words or time teaching a certain bunch of people – because He knew, their hearts weren’t right (John 2:23-25). And we read later in Luke 23:9 that Jesus didn’t say a word to Herod.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the LORD is a reverence, an awe, and a healthy fear that God will indeed discipline us if we sin against Him. It’s also a fear of grieving our loving, heavenly Father. May we love God so much that we don’t want to hurt Him.
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.