Thoughts on Exodus

Patrick and I have been reading through Exodus and as we read through the law (in the last part of Exodus) that God gave to Moses, there are some interesting things that stand out...

We noticed that God's laws are direct instructions of how to live, down to the minutest detail. He did not just tell Moses, "Make a tabernacle, make an alter, offer sacrifices", He gave specific directions. With what metals to make exact utensils, what wood to use and what size boards of a certain number for the ark of the covenant. What kind and color of cloth with an exact number of
gems for the priests garments. What type of animals and grain to offer, and how to cut, wash, separate, and what parts to burn, what parts to eat, and what parts to cast without the camp. At that time Moses and the children of Israel obeyed the Lord and did all according "as the Lord commanded Moses." They did not question God's wisdom in using a vast amount of gold and silver to build His tabernacle, instead they gave willingly of what they had until they had to be restrained from bringing any more gifts. They found joy in obeying the Lord.

This makes me think of my life. Do I find joy in obeying the Lord my God? Are His commands precious to me? God has given us very specific commands for this life... we are told: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) Have you thought about this? I mean Really thought about it. What does it mean to love the world? Some things come to mind immediately...immorality, profanity, idolatry, just godlessness in general. Of course these things are of the world and we should not love them, but does it stop there? How far does God take this? To the tiny details? I think so.

"I will set no wicked thing before my eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." (Psalms 101:3) Do you love to watch TV, movies, play video games? Are you aware of the filth that you are allowing to come into your eyes, mind and heart? OK lets just say that you are very careful and only watch good movies without offensive scenes and language, or violence. Why do you watch it? To glorify God? That is the reason He gave you breath today, that should be our reason for living. It should motivate everything that we do. "For my own sake, even for my own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be profaned? and I will not give my glory unto another." (Isaiah 48:11)

We should ask ourselves, "Where is my heart?" We can find that out by asking "where is my treasure?" "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21) What do you think about all day long? Seriously consider that one. Because... "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." (Psalms 10:4) Is God in all your thoughts? Do you find your thoughts soaring to Him throughout the day? Some would say, "you have to be able to think about other things, there is work to do." Yes, and no. Of course there are tasks that take concentration and there are things to think through, but in what context are those thoughts? Are you abiding in Christ? "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." (John 15:4) It is a moment by moment thing, abide in Christ. Rest in Him. "Pray without ceasing." (1Thessalonians 5:17)

What other worldly things can we think of that we may find ourselves loving and not realize the danger? The list can be pretty big. I pray that the Lord will reveal those things to me in my life, help me compare my life to His Word and make me sensitive to His voice. I want to follow Jesus...and he, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;" (Hebrews 5:8) Jesus obeyed to the tiniest detail, He offered Himself willingly until it was enough. He tells us..."If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

Do you enjoy and are you entertained by the things that nailed Jesus to the tree?

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he who has called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conduct; Because it is written, You will be holy; for I am holy. And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your exile here in fear: Since you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of life received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1:13-21)