October 31, 2020
The book of Exodus tells the story of the birth of the nation of Israel fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. From the seventy descendants of Jacob, Israel was fruitful and multiplied greatly until they filled the whole land of Egypt. After four centuries of slavery, God answers the cries of His people for deliverance. God raises up Moses for this calling, to lead his people out of bondage to a land of promise and deliverance.
Some of the greatest stories of the Bible are featured in Exodus—from the Ten Plagues, and the Passover, to the crossing of the Red Sea, and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. The Passover lamb, the exodus from the land of Egypt, the seven feasts, the tabernacle, and even the high priest, are all foreshadows of the ministry of Christ.
Chapters 1-18 contains the events leading up to God’s delivering the Hebrews from their captivity in Egypt, and chapters 19-40 shares the events in the wilderness and the account of God’s instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai to direct the life and worship of the nation.
Exodus 31
Oholiab and Bezalel
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, 10 and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.”
The Sabbath
12 And the Lord said to Moses, 13 “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. 14 You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. 16 Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. 17 It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”
18 And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- Who was the source for the people’s talents, knowledge, and ability to construct the tabernacle and all the furnishings for the tabernacle?
- Who is the source of gifts and abilities for the building up and ministering in God’s church (Romans 12:4-8)?
- What talents and abilities has God given you that you are using for his glory and ministry?
- In what ways are you serving in God’s church?
- Have you discovered your spiritual gift(s)? A helpful resource is https://www.championforest.org/volunteer/spiritualgifts/
- What was the significance of the Sabbath according to verse 17?
- Israel’s faithful observance of the Sabbath was integral to their being a holy people set apart by God.
Prayer: Lord, whatever you have called me to do, you have already provided the means by which to do it. Whether it is knowledge, or talents and abilities, or financial resources, you are the provider of all I need to serve you. Help me to always remain humble and grateful in my service to you Lord. Help me to always see it as a privilege and never a burden. Blessed be the name of the Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me to use my talents for Your glory and the advancement of Your kingdom. Show me the ways I can serve You the best. Incline my heart,mind and soul to You. Thank You for giving me much more than I deserve and keep me humble and gracious and compassionate to others less fortunate. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gracias mi padre por hoy por ayer y por mañana gracias por tu misericordia gracias por los talentos que me has dado ayúdame a usarlos para tú gloria bendita ayúdame a ser humilde cada momento de mi vida amable y tener compasión por los demás quiero ser barro en tus manos moldéame padre guíame para depender en cada momento de ti y no apartarme nunca de tu presencia padre te necesito hoy más que nunca llámame de tu espíritu santo bendice mi familia mi casa mi vida pero sobre todo tú palabra que me infunde aliento gracias mi Dios por ser mi padre amado bendito seas por los siglos de los siglos en nombre y por amor de tu hijo Jesucristo é orado amén y amén ?
AMEN AND.HALLELUJAH!!!!???? Lord Jesus I will always follow you and your word. Please use me as you will. Let the gift song praise you. You have given me the talent to sing. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Father,
In the midst of the storms of life may my eyes see Jesus.
When I am alone and afraid, may I be held in the hands of Jesus.
Hear my cries this day, dry my tears, fill me with hope. You are my God and my savior.
Here I am. LORD, use me as an instrument of your will.
Amen
I will observe the Sabbath for it is holy.
The Lord fills me with the Spirit of God in all things to accomplish His will.
God you have called me to be a caregiver since I was 16 years old. It really started taking care of my first husband Bobby for 30 years, Daddy for 7 years and now my husband Walt these last 3 years. I really need your help and strength to get through this one as they told me he will not get over those infections in his intestines. I am stronger today than I was a week ago because of my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. I will not give up on you power to heal but also know it is your will for him not mind and I have accepted it.
Vickie, I am lifting you in prayer. May God’s peace blanket you in comfort and may His power be your strength. Keep fixed firmly to your God. I’m certain you are a wonderful caregiver to your husband. Be sure you are also caring for yourself. ♥️??♥️
I am praying for a miracle for you and your husband. Impossible things in Jesus name, they shall be done to glorify The Father in heaven. I believe and I give my Heavenly Father all glory, honor and praise. God bless you both.
Vickie, we are praying for you and your husband-even all your family. May God’s presence be very near during this difficult time. We send Christian love and prayers.
Thank you father for providing all we need and working through us to reveal yourself to the world. Help me trust you more, reset in your provision, and be refreshed to continue your work tomorrow.
God gives the Holy Spirit to enable us to accomplish the work He assigns .