Washed in the Blood

DEVOTION

EXODUS

WASHED IN THE BLOOD

Ex 29:10-21

10 "Bring the bull to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 11 Slaughter it in the LORD's presence at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 12 Take some of the bull's blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 13 Then take all the fat around the inner parts, the covering of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. 14 But burn the bull's flesh and its hide and its offal outside the camp. It is a sin offering. 15 "Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 16 Slaughter it and take the blood and sprinkle it against the altar on all sides. 17 Cut the ram into pieces and wash the inner parts and the legs, putting them with the head and the other pieces. 18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire. 19 "Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 20 Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then sprinkle blood against the altar on all sides. 21 And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated.

NIV

That is a whole lot of blood and guts in both the slaughter of the bull and one of the rams here for the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Moses is even to wash them, so to speak, in the blood of the ram, which is a male sheep or goat. Of course the bull was used for the sin offering, but the ram was for the burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering to the LORD by fire. The remains of the bull, the sin offering were not to be an offering to the LORD by fire. They were to be taken outside the camp and burnt because they were the sin being taken away from Aaron and his sons. This is the reason they had to have their hands on the head of the bull as Moses slaughtered it. Their sin was transferred to the bull and taken out of the camp. We can see our lives played out in the scene only in a less physical way.

Ps 103:8-12

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

NIV

This forgiveness of our sin, this takimg the sin offering out of the camp, from our presence, was accomplished by God himself. He has removed our sin from our camp, the place we dwell, our heart.

Heb 9:23-28

23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

NIV

Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed once and for all for our sin. His blood was shed for the remission of our sins. We were washed in the blood of the Lamb, as Aaron and his sons were washed in the blood of the ram. God was showing them their need for this sacrifice of blood for both the forgiveness of their sin, and their being set apart for him, their consecration.

Heb 10:1-10

10:1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming — not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 7 Then I said, 'Here I am — it is written about me in the scroll — I have come to do your will, O God.'"   8 First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). 9 Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

NIV

We would almost have to include all of the letter to the Hebrews here to get the entirety of the truth, but this is enough for us to understand that Jesus set away that old way of sacrifice and became the new sacrifice, the last and only one we would ever need for both the forgiveness of our sin and to be set apart for him, a holy people, made holy not by our doing, but by his. Moses had to perform the act of sprinkling the blood on Aaron and his garments. Although Jesus shed his blood for all of mankind, it is whosoever believes must sprinkle that blood of Jesus on their own heart, their own garment. That is the only way we can be washed in the blood. It is through our acceptance of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It is by faith in Christ that we are saved, least any of us boast about any works at all, other than being washed in the blood of the Lamb. 

Consecrated

DEVOTION

EXODUS

CONSECRATED

Ex 29:1-9

29:1 "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect. 2 And from fine wheat flour, without yeast, make bread, and cakes mixed with oil, and wafers spread with oil. 3 Put them in a basket and present them in it — along with the bull and the two rams. 4 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 5 Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband. 6 Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred diadem to the turban. 7 Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. 8 Bring his sons and dress them in tunics 9 and put headbands on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. In this way you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.

NIV

Although we have seen back in chapter 19 that God declared the whole of Israel to be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, here he is actually consecrating the tribe of Levi, Aaron and his sons as the priests to serve the LORD in the tabernacle. There is much discussion about Jesus being the High Priest forever. However Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. Nevertheless for the moment in time, during those years preceding the coming of Christ, the Levi tribe served as priests. Here we have Moses dressing Aaron and his sons in the royal garments God had shown Moses to have made so that they would clearly be the men who served God in the tabernacle. There is going to be some actions taken next with the bull and the rams, but for now let us just stay with the idea of them being consecrated as priests. What we learn here is that we are not those priests. We are now the holy nation, a royal priesthood who serve the LORD.

1 Peter 2:9-10

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation , a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

NIV  

Anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is now the chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. It is clear that we were once not the people of God, but since we accepted Jesus we have become the people of God. Once we were under the wrath of God, not his mercy, but now in Christ we are under his mercy. We were in the darkness, but he has called us out of that into the light. The Holy Spirit convicts all men of their sin and need of repentance, and praise God we listened to the Spirit, we heard his voice, felt his conviction and responded, leaving the darkness and coming into the wonderful light. As Aaron and his sons were consecrated to the LORD, so are we. We are made or declared sacred, set apart or dedicated to the service of God.

Zeph 1:7

7 Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited.

NIV

Jesus is that sacrifice and as the Holy Spirit invited us through that conviction which we responded to we have been consecrated by God. Having said that, all are invited, but some are too busy to come to the banquet. So we who were invited and came to Christ, are now dressed in these royal trappings, this royal garment of Christ, and we are his holy nation, his royal priests. Let us serve our LORD in his tabernacle, our very beings, consecrated.  

Heart and mind

DEVOTION

EXODUS

HEART AND MIND

Ex 28:29-43

29 "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD. 31 "Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die. 36 "Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron's forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD. 39 "Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and headbands for Aaron's sons, to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 42 "Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. "This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.

NIV

Once more we see many things about the garments of Aaron and his sons that have been incorporated into some of the denominations of today. Even those linen undergarments have been used by the Mormon’s to signify something special. But the main idea which stands out here is the items that will cover Aaron’s heart and mind as he entered the tent of meeting to serve the LORD, especially the Holy Place. It has been said that on the one day of atonement when he was to enter the Holies of Holy a rope would be placed around his ankle. This was so if the sound of the bells ceased because he had been stuck dead by God, the other priests could pull him out without going in after him. But the idea is about his heart and mind. Why else would God insist on these specific items of his garment be placed over his heart and his mind? Certainly our heart and mind have to be covered by the blood of Jesus in order for us to be acceptable to the LORD.  This is where the struggle of life sits. We say we have given our heart to Jesus. We accept the washing of our heart by the blood of Jesus, but our mind seems to have a mind of its own, pun intended. Our thoughts usually are what betray us. In general we live pretty much as a believer in Christ, as a Christ follower, a Christian.  Most of our actions and/or behaviors fall in line with our confession of faith. The decision of our heart has changed our way of live in most cases. But the inner self, the workings of our brain, our mind are at constant odds with our heart. Much like the Apostle Paul, the things our heart tells us are the right thing to do, our mind tells us something different. There is a war waging within us. It is our mind the world is after, flooding it with all sorts of temptations. If it can gain control of our mind, then our mind will control our heart. This is why Aarons forehead was to bear the gold seal engraved “HOLY TO THE LORD”. Our mind must also be holy to the Lord. We can think about a whole lot of things and sometimes all at the same time. But again is it possible for a salt water spring to flow with fresh water? How is it, even while in worship at church, or listening to a sermon, that our minds wander to areas other than the LORD? Will we even gain control of our mind? That seal was to be on the forehead of Aaron as he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the people bring, whatever they are. Perhaps there will always be a certain amount of guilt because of our minds, the thoughts of our minds that are not acceptable to God. Yet our mind is also covered with the blood of Jesus. We do not have to live in guilt and shame, but at the same time we should not go about allowing our thoughts to control our heart. But will the war ever end? 

Our Attire

DEVOTION

EXODUS

OUR ATTIRE

Ex 28:6-28

6 "Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen — the work of a skilled craftsman. 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it — of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. 9 "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth — six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD. 13 Make gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings. 15 "Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions — the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square — a span long and a span wide — and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 18 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; 19 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. 22 "For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.

NIV

This is a very detailed description of the robe, the priestly outfit for Aaron to wear in his service of the LORD. Again God has gifted those in the arts with the ability to create images of this entire priestly attire so we do not have to attempt to recreate it in words. The idea is that God wanted Aaron to be dressed so that his clothes not only gave him dignity and honor but that his clothes also represented the whole of the people, the twelve tribes of Israel. Aaron served a dual purpose as a representative of God to the people and a representative of the people to God. Surely as a representative of God he was clothed so that he would stand out from the rest, giving him dignity an honor. But his attire also brought them before the LORD. What do we learn from this? It would seem it is but a historical fact with significance for its time. But this duality seems to be able to be applied to our lives in our present time. It is not that the local pastors of churches, or for that matter, the district superintendent, or other heads of denominations are the representatives of God to the people. Perhaps in Catholicism the Pope is somewhat thought of in that sense, especially since he wears a very special attire. Even the local priests are adorned in some fashion on looked upon as the envoy of God to the people. But then are we not also ambassadors of Christ?

2 Cor 5:19-20

 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors , as though God were making his appeal through us.

NIV

We are his representatives to the people! This act of salvation, this act of reconciliation on the part of God makes us new creatures. The old has passed away, he has clothed us in the righteousness of Christ.

2 Cor 5:16-19

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

NIV

How much greater is our attire than that of Aarons. He merely had an outward attire, but we have one that in both inward and outward, for as our heart is so are we. As ambassadors of God, as his representative in this foreign land, we speak for our sovereign Lord. It is through our heart and thus our outward appearance, our behaviors among the people, that we have dignity and honor, showing God to the people. If they happen into our church being convicted by the Holy Spirit, will they find us in worship with dignity and honor? Will our behavior represent God? When we are outside of church we are still his ambassadors, his spokesperson to the people. Our attire, our continence should be reflected in our lives. This is that grace in action. The grace we find in scriptures so often that is defined as the divine influence upon our heart and how that is reflected in our lives. This is Christ living in us, or as one writer puts it Christ living as us. We are clothed in Christ so that we serve God, but also bring the people to God. As Aaron’s attire represented the tribes of Israel before God, we also might represent people to God. That is we pray for them, even our enemies, bringing them before our sovereign Lord.

Matt 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies  and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

NIV  

Yes, our priestly attire makes us a little different than most the people, and thus we both serve God and the people. We present God to them and bring them before God. 

Garment

DEVOTION

EXODUS

GARMENT

Ex 28:1-5

28:1 "Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.

NIV

Before we get into the details of the garment of Aaron that will give him dignity and honor among the people, we have two truths which we should deal with first. Although the idea of the garment giving him dignity and honor among the people may be the greater of the two truths, let us deal with the other first. God tells Moses to tell all the skilled men to whom he had given wisdom in such matters to make this garment. It is as plain as the nose on our face that it is God who gives wisdom in such matters. Our skills or abilities are not a result of our hard work or varied training, or education. Now that is not to say that we do not go about training, or educating ourselves in areas that we desire to be knowledgeable in. But that is the key here. They are areas we desire. What we should be ready and willing to acknowledge is that it is God who gives us the wisdom in such matters which he will have need of our doing for the kingdom. We might have all sorts of knowledge, education, abilities in some things, but what is the wisdom he has given us for his purpose for us in the kingdom? We might even make our living doing something totally unrelated to the wisdom he has given us. It was not too many years ago many preachers were known as revelation preachers. That is they never attended any bible college or seminary and had no formal training in the proper preparation of sermons. They were given that wisdom from God to share the truths of him to the people. They were called and anointed by God, rather than by men, as it seems we have evolved into. Somehow it seems we have determined that a person must learn all the proper methods and understanding of a certain denominational bible college or seminary and be degreed by them in order to obtain a job as a minister. It might even be that God has not given that person the wisdom in such matters. We need to see just exactly what wisdom God has given each of us and be ready to use that wisdom in such matters for the kingdom. The second and again perhaps the greater truth is the garment itself. The purpose of the garment, as stated by God, is so Aaron would have dignity and honor among the people. He would be dressed so that he stood out, looked special, looked as he was a servant of the God most high. Has not God clothed us with a similar garment?

Isa 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,   2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

NIV

God has clothed us in a garment of praise. That alone should give us pause for a moment. Our garment which brings us dignity and honor among the people is praise. When we praise our God we are wrapped in dignity and honor. But he also has given us a garment of armor. We could go through all that garment, but again the purpose of that garment is for our work our purpose in the kingdom and as we wear this garment we will have the dignity and honor God desires for us to have among men. However there is one more aspect of this garment of ours, given to us by God, or made for us by the hands of God. That is the garment of our body. We are a spirit who lives in this garment of our body. How we use it either brings disgrace or dignity and honor to God. 

The gate

DEVOTION

EXODUS

THE GATE

Ex 27:9-21

9 "Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 12 "The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. 13 On the east end, toward the sunrise, the courtyard shall also be fifty cubits wide. 14 Curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on one side of the entrance, with three posts and three bases, 15 and curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on the other side, with three posts and three bases. 16 "For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen — the work of an embroiderer — with four posts and four bases. 17 All the posts around the courtyard are to have silver bands and hooks, and bronze bases. 18 The courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely twisted linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. 19 All the other articles used in the service of the tabernacle, whatever their function, including all the tent pegs for it and those for the courtyard, are to be of bronze. 20 "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.

NIV

There doesn’t seem to be any purpose for a wall around the tabernacle with only one gate to gain entrance to it. But wait that is the exact reason. How wonderful is God to reveal this truth just as we are typing the words. There is only one way to gain entrance to the presence of God, Jesus Christ. Jesus actually said he was the gate.

John 10:7-9

7 Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate ; whoever enters through me will be saved.

NIV

It is so interesting that the people had to enter through the only gate of the court to bring their sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus says he is that gate and whoever enters through him will be saved, their sins will be forgiven forever. If there was no wall of linen around the tabernacle perhaps people would have multiply ways to enter the presence of God, or to bring their sacrifice. We hear that today from some people who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the one and only way to heaven. Some unbelievers would insist there are other paths to God, citing other religions who have extremely devoted followers. There is only one gate, one way to gain entrance to the tabernacle. There is only one gate, one way to gain entrance to heaven. God was revealing this truth to the people of Israel and he has revealed it to us. In this teaching of Jesus he also brought out the truth about how there are thieves and robbers who would pose as the way to God. This is all those other paths those unbelievers would what to think are acceptable. But the sheep, those who belong to the flock of God only listen to the voice of Jesus, the bible, the word. He is the word who became flesh. We know the truth, we have the truth and we have already entered through the gate and are in fact not only in the courtyard, but we are the very tabernacle itself, for God dwells within us. All of this setup God had Moses do was to show them Jesus. All of this also revealed to them their sin, and their need for Jesus. This is our story. We may have tried other ways to gain eternal life, but once we found the gate, the only way in, Jesus, we were able to bring our sacrifice, ourselves and gain forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Praise God, he has always been about bringing us to himself through Jesus. 

Center of life

DEVOTION

EXODUS

CENTER OF LIFE

Ex 27:1-8

27:1 "Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide.   2 Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze. 3 Make all its utensils of bronze — its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. 4 Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network. 5 Put it under the ledge of the altar so that it is halfway up the altar. 6 Make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. 7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried. 8 Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.

NIV

This was going to be the center of the daily business of both the priests and all the people. The altar was where all the sacrifices for sin were to be burnt. There is a list of what was to be brought based on the type of sacrifice in both Leviticus and Numbers. It gives what is to be burnt for a sin offering, a thanks offering etc. The point is that with as many people in the camp, there were sacrifices and burnt offering going on day and night twenty-four seven. The altar was never without something on it being burnt for some reason. It would seem the people had no time for anything else then to be in a line waiting for their turn to hand over their sin sacrifice or grain offering or whatever. Once they reached the front of the line it seems they would have to get another sacrifice and get at the end of the line again. How did they have time to do anything else? They could not have lived a day without some kind of offense against God, with all the laws he placed upon them. This was to teach them they needed a sacrifice for sin, and it required their full attention, almost a full time job, just bringing a sacrifice whenever they sinned, daily. Surely they would evidently be ready for the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus. But we know that was not what happened. They continued the daily sacrificing for sin. How do we handle our daily sinning? Do we have to spend our entire day waiting in a line to offer our sacrifice? Of course not, as Jesus is our sacrifice. Our sin is forgiven the moment it occurs, although we still are in somewhat of a mode of having to ask each time we sin for forgiveness. Then we aren’t much different than those Israelites in the camp. We spend the majority of our time seeking forgiveness because we continue to sin daily, maybe even hourly or even every minute of the day. Sure we do not go around committing all sorts of hardened crimes, but what about our attitudes toward other people? Are we either judgmental or prideful? Are we angry or hateful? Are we jealous or have envy? Are we bitter or unforgiving? There are so many ways in which we sin within the confines of our minds. Then there is our mouth. Jesus said that it is not what we eat or drink that defiles our bodies, but what comes from our mouth.

Matt 15:10-11

10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. 11 What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" 

NIV

Jesus said this right after he quoted Isiah to the people.

Matt 15:8-9

8 "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'" 

NIV

Can we get this picture? Do we give God lip service with the same lips that defile our bodies? Can a spring have both fresh water and salt water?

James 3:9-12

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.   10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

NIV

How can this be? We cannot think we are ever without sin, for our mind is corrupt and out of the heart comes the words that are within it.

Prov 23:7

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

KJV

The idea here is that we surely would be in line all day long offering some sacrifice for our lists of offenses. Praise God Jesus is our continual sacrifice. Yet we also are to sacrifice ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.

Rom 12:1-2

12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

NIV

This renewing of our minds is the hard part, for it seems impossible to not have thoughts at least once in a while that are not pleasing to God. But Jesus can. If Jesus lives in us, in that spiritual sense, then it should be easy. But do we allow him to have full access of our faculties? The point here is that as the people had their lives centered around the tabernacle, the altar, always bringing sacrifices, we have to center our lives around Jesus, always being aware of his living and working in our lives, being that sacrifice for our offenses and living through us so that our mind and heart are centered on God, not self. It is a daily, hourly experience. The center of life itself. 

One Purpose

DEVOTION

EXODUS

ONE PURPOSE

Ex 26

26:1 "Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman. 2 All the curtains are to be the same size — twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide.   3 Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five. 4 Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set. 5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other. 6 Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.

7 "Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle — eleven altogether. 8 All eleven curtains are to be the same size — thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.   9 Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent. 10 Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set. 11 Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit. 12 As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle. 13 The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it. 14 Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of hides of sea cows.  

15 "Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide,   17 with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 18 Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle 19 and make forty silver bases to go under them — two bases for each frame, one under each projection. 20 For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases — two under each frame. 22 Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, 23 and make two frames for the corners at the far end. 24 At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top, and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that. 25 So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases — two under each frame.

26 "Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. 28 The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.

30 "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.

31 "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman. 32 Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. 33 Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. 34 Put the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.

36 "For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen — the work of an embroiderer. 37 Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.

NIV

Although this is the complete chapter, it has to be dealt with intact. This is the instructions for the construction of the tabernacle. Reading this, it would be necessary to picture how all this fit and there are more than enough people who have done just that, offering a variety of images of the tabernacle and even model kits to build one of our own. The idea of the frames being fifteen feet long and two and a half feet wide should give us a picture of nearly a solid wall of gold covered wood. Twenty of these frames would then be fifty feet long, the length of the tabernacle. We could go through the entire instructions like this and make one that resembles the original. But the lesson is not in the duplication of this tabernacle, but in the specific way in which God wanted it to be constructed. Why didn’t he just tell Moses to make a big tent about fifty feet long and twenty feet wide and make it about fifteen feet high? If he was so specific about the exact way it was to look, why then do we today seem to have to make every church uniquely different from all others? Why did the basilicas of old have to be so big with all the stained glass windows? Why does St Peters in Rome have to have so much ornateness, while some protestant buildings have to be so plain, void of any resemblance of a church at all? Is this all about man rather than about God? Do we say that the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple were built under the law and therefore not being under the law once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our buildings can be our design rather than Gods? Certainly the whole idea of the tabernacle was not for the people to come into it and hear a sermon or conduct Sunday school classes, or have concerts and guest singers, or Christian comedians. The idea of the tabernacle was for a place to signify the presence of God among the people. Do our churches of today signify the presence of God among the people? Yet on a more personal note, we are designated as the temple of God. When we think of how we were designed, we have to consider the fact that we were formed by the very hands of God. He designed and formed us from the dirt of the earth which he spoke into existence. The very material he used to form us was also from his mouth, first his word to bring it into existence then his spit to make it mud so that he could fashion our form, then he breathed his very breathe into us to make us a living being, a living temple suitable for him to inhabit. The idea of this tabernacle he instructed Moses to build shows us detail of God in our design and construction. The people needed to revere God, and this tabernacle was to show them how special a place was needed for God to dwell among them. They had to have this place, it was the center of their lives. All offerings were to be brought to the tabernacle. This place was to be so revered, so respected because it was the place of God. Certainly many of us have lost that sense in our buildings we call church. But have we also lost that respect and reverence for our own bodies as the temple of God? Do we live for our own pleasures rather than for God’s? God designed and had Moses construct the tabernacle for one purpose, to be the place God would dwell among his people. We see how many parts of it demonstrate Jesus. Maybe our churches should have but that one purpose, but again on a more personal note, God has designed and constructed us for one purpose as well. We are to be his temple, the place he dwells in among the people. We are to demonstrate Jesus as well. We have but one purpose. 

The Light

DEVOTION

EXODUS

THE LIGHT

Ex 25:31-40

31 "Make a lampstand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand — three on one side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair — six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 37 "Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. 39 A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. 40 See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

NIV

There are so many different visual representations of this lampstand, or candlestick, it is fairly easy to get a rather good idea as to how it looks. The fact is that after the overthrow of Jerusalem in 70AD many of the golden articles in the temple were taken off to Rome and Titus had carvings done of his conquest and of the articles taken. So there is, at least, a sculpture’s representation of this lampstand still in existence today. That may be how so many Jews have made duplicates, although from the description God gave here it would be easy enough to make another one much like the this first one. The one difference is this one was made of seventy-five pounds of pure gold. That would also give us a clue to as how big it would be. Although the exact size of each bud and blossom is not told so as to how much weight each of those took up, would alter the whole overall size. Nevertheless the purpose of the lampstand is the subject rather than the actual way it looked or its size. However there are seven candle holders in all and that is a significate number throughout the scriptures. Still when we consider the interior of the tabernacle which was covered with several layers of skins, it would have been extremely dark inside expect for the light given by the seven candles of the pure gold lampstand. A light in the darkness. Again was this God showing the people that Jesus was the light of the world? This seven is used by Jesus in his revelation to John. The seven angels, the seven stars in his right hand, the seven golden lampstands in his left, and the seven churches. So much about seven, yet it is truly about Jesus being the light in the darkness.

John 1:1-9

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. 6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light , so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light ; he came only as a witness to the light . 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.  

NIV

Is there any question this lampstand represented the light in the darkness, the light of men, Jesus? It is so clear, so plain to see God was all about showing them they needed the light if they were going to meet with God. Although Jesus is the true light of men and he is the only one who can shine into the darkness to give us light, so we can see the path out of the darkness in our lives, and come into his light, there is more. If we have Jesus living within us, if Jesus is, in fact, our life, then we are that light to the world.

Matt 5:14-16

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

NIV

We have become that golden lampstand giving light in the darkness. We cannot hide our light in the church building or simply having fellowship with others who are the light. No, we have to go out in the darkness and shine our light so men can see God, so they can see the path to him. Someone shined their light into our lives and we need to do that which was done for us. We are his tabernacle and he has placed the light within us so we can see and give light to the whole house, the whole of mankind. Let us be that light. 

His Table

DEVOTION

EXODUS

HIS TABLE

Ex 25:23-30

23 "Make a table of acacia wood — two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high.   24 Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. 25 Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. 26 Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are. 27 The rings are to be close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table. 28 Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them. 29 And make its plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings. 30 Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.

NIV

Having the tabernacle representing the physical presence of God dwelling among the people while they were dwelling in tents brings us to the furniture within. We have seen the ark and now we take a look at this table. What was the purpose of this table if it was never to be used to eat at? It had plates and dishes, pitchers and bowls. We could see this as a house well suited for royalty, as all the fixtures were gold covered or pure gold, as with the things on the table. But the table also was to have the twelve loaves of bread upon it at all times. Some say that represented the twelve tribes of Israel, but that may not be the case. Although these loaves were to be presented to the Lord as an offering Sabbath after Sabbath, one from each tribe, as a lasting covenant, Aaron and his sons were to eat the bread. Is there any significance about this table?

Ps 23:5-6

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

NIV

David understood the table to represent the provision of the Lord even in the difficult times in life. It might well be this was the purpose of the table within the tabernacle. To demonstrate to the people the provisions of God. He provided them with bread, with manna from heaven each and every day. Jesus told us that the bread represented his body that he gave for us. Was God showing them Jesus in the showbread, his ultimate provision? Surely it is Jesus who is our provision even in the face of our enemies. David had enemies, but do we?

Matt 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies  and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

NIV

The fact is that we were once enemies of God, but he reconciled himself to us. Is this all in this table, in the table set before the people within the dwelling place of God? His provision, Jesus was the way in which he reconciled himself to us, and how we are now known as a friend of God, rather an enemy. The table with all its fixtures and the bread was a way to show the people he has not only set a table before them in the presence of their enemy, him, but he also provided within the bread the way to reconciliation, so they could be a friend of God. He has shown us that although we were yet sinners, an enemy of God, as we hated him, he still loved us. May we always sit at his table. May we always dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

A living ark

DEVOTION

EXODUS

A LIVING ARK

Ex 25:10-22

10 "Have them make a chest of acacia wood — two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.   11 Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. 12 Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. 13 Then make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14 Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the chest to carry it. 15 The poles are to remain in the rings of this ark; they are not to be removed. 16 Then put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. 17 "Make an atonement cover of pure gold — two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.   18 And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.

NIV

So here is the Ark of the Covenant in all of its splendor, completely encased in gold, with the two cherubs hammered out of pure gold. God tells Moses that the space between the two cherubs is where he will meet with Moses and give him all God’s commands for the Israelites. This cover was three and three quarters long and two and one quarter wide, the same over length and width of the ark. We cannot be certain what form, if any, he intended to meet with Moses, but what we can be certain, the Ark of the Covenant was the place. It was to be put in the second chamber within the tabernacle which was called the Holy of Holies. God made sure that both Moses and the people understood the importance he placed in this ark, this place of meeting, this place in which the testimony of God was to be held. There is much to be told about the Ark of the Covenant and its journey among the Israelites and its capture and return and ultimately its loss forever, so that to this day the whereabouts of this ark is unknown. Is it even needed today, other than for historic significance? Finding it would certainly lend credence to this record of its making. But then finding the ark of Noah would also have given proof of its existence. Supposedly its location has been visited and its remains discovered, but still man does not believe in the flood. So would finding the Ark of the Covenant make any difference in people having faith in God? Yet what this shows us is that God places a very high importance for the place he would meet with Moses. It most likely was not for God but for Moses. God does not need a special Gold enshrined place to meet with his people, but it makes his presence far more important to the people. It gives them a sense of his majesty, his holiness, his glory. What do we have today that gives us that same sense? Surely God intends for us to consider him Holy, majestic and full of glory. Over the centuries man has built some magnificent structures for the purpose of worship or for the place to meet with God. But has God declared he would inhabit those places that he would meet with his people in them? Although it is true he said that about Solomon’s temple because that was a solid form of the tabernacle including the holy of holies with the Ark of the Covenant. But it too was destroyed and now there is no more Ark of the Covenant nor any temple for it to reside in. But there is a new covenant and a temple in which the Holy Spirit resides. Jesus is that covenant and we are that temple. What more fitting temple for God to meet us in than the one, not built with human hands, but by his own hands and in which he breathed his own breath into. We still go to church on Sunday and some pastors ask if we are ready to meet with the living God. We still consider church as the place to meet God, yet he does not dwell there nor is contained therein. Does he show up? Yes indeed, but he shows up in us. We bring him with us when we enter the doors. Is that too scary to consider God is in us? We say we have invited Jesus into our heart, so what exactly does that mean? Is it merely metaphorical? No, it cannot be for we are told that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God lives in us, he lives through our lives, and he is our lives. The children of Israel were not to defile the Ark of the Covenant by touching it with human hands. The purpose of the gold covered poles was it could be carried without ever touching it. We know the story about its return on an ox cart and how it looked as if it were going to tip over and Uzzah reached out to steady it and God struck him dead. Yet to do allow our human hands to defile this temple of the Holy Spirit? How they may look might differ with each of us, but we should know just how we defile it. Perhaps not in the physical sense with our hands, but within our heart, do we defile this temple of God?  Jesus taught us that it is not what goes into our temple that defiles it, but what comes out, of our mouths. What we say, is a reflection of what is in our heart. That is a question which needs a great deal of pondering, but the fact is we do defile it in too many ways. In us resides the covenant of God. Should we not live as such? 

Willing heart

DEVOTION

EXODUS

WILLING HEART

Ex 25:1-9

25:1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 8 "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.

NIV

We are about to build the tabernacle that was to be the center of the encampment of the Israelites. This tabernacle will be portable and transported by those from the tribe of Levi. We are going to see God give Moses very exact directions as to how it should be built and what the furnishings or furniture inside was to be made of and what it was to be like.  The gathering of the materials was to come from the people. But God was not instructing them to give, or demanding them to give, as he did and will regarding their sacrifices for sin. This is rather unique. God tells Moses to have the people bring an offering of these materials, but from each man whose heart prompts him to give. The materials are exact, but not the command to give them. Each man should be prompted by his own heart to give what he can give to the building of this temple of God. They are going to give so that God will dwell among them. They are going to have a place for God among them. Isn’t that our story? God wants to dwell among his people, but he wants them to offer the materials to build this place from a prompted heart. God wants to dwell among us, actually within us, who have been called and are the temple of God. But he will not dwell within this temple unless we offered it from a prompted or willing heart. He does not demand them to give, nor does he demand us to give, but desires us to offer ourselves willingly, as prompted by the Spirit. This is a daily offering we need to make. Although it is true that once we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we are saved. But, as with Calvin and his idea of once saved always saved, we cannot agree. It is possible that we retake this sanctuary kicking God out once and for all. That would certainly disrupt our eternal life status. It is not that we have to get saved every day, for once we accept Jesus and continue having this willing heart, and we will inherit eternal life. But we do need to continue having this prompted, this willing heart toward God. When we want to share our heart, or simple allow him only a portion of ourselves or our heart and use the other portion for our own desires, our own personal gain of fame and fortune, so to speak, we might well be in some sort of trouble, or jeopardy. We have to go to this idea of a covenant and being in partnership. God has told us what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever.

2 Cor 6:14-16

14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."  

NIV

How can we be both the temple of God and one of idols? How can we share the desires of those who live in the darkness when we are supposed to be not only living in the light, but being the light of the world? How can we experience the righteousness of Christ in our lives and share in wickedness, or as the original word means, violation of the law? Although we do not live under the law, Jesus gave us a new more complete law of love. So how can we love the Lord our God with all our heart if we are not also loving our neighbor as ourselves? That would be a divided heart if we say we love God but also love the things of this world. So as the Spirit prompted us to accept Jesus which we did, he also prompts us each and every day to live a life pleasing and acceptable to God. This is called living, worshipping God in spirit and in truth. He prompts us each day to live for God and we need to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice willingly each day. This is our reasonable act of worship. He does not demand it, but he prompts us to give it. Let us always be open to his prompting. Let us always have a willing heart.