Day 7: Exodus 29:1-Exodus 40:38 - 90 Day Challenge

And with the end of our first week,

We meet the end of our second book!


Our reading today began with the Lord finishing his instructions to Moses, that he was to pass onto the Israelites. However, when he returns to the people--he found them worshiping a false god (the golden calf). He tells whoever is for the Lord to take up a sword and fight those who would disgrace God, he then asks the Lord to forgive the sins of the Israelites. 

When Moses begins to doubt God's plan for the Israelites, God responds with Exodus 33:14:

"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

It brings to mind (for me) Jeremiah 29:11, which is found later in the Old Testament: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Although the Israelites are still in the middle of a 40-year-long journey to the promised land, they are still God's chosen people. God is with them.


Then, the Israelites begin to put together all the things God had told Moses about--the tabernacle, the table, the altars, and the rest of the holy components. He also commands Moses to anoint his brother Aaron, and Aaron's sons, and make them holy priests. If you had some difficulty picturing the tabernacle, it likely looked something like this: 

Things may not always go the way we expect them to. I'm sure the Israelites were not expecting to stop in the middle of their journey to the promised land to set up a tent, and build structures and altars, and weave curtains, and spin yarn. But they did so, because it was God's plan for them. 
I believe taking the time to dedicate a structure to the Lord may have given the Israelites time to recenter and refocus on WHO truly provided their blessings and WHOSE promise they are waiting to fulfill. 

Have a blessed Sunday! Catch you tomorrow for the beginning of Leviticus and the start of Week 2!
Tomorrow's reading is: Leviticus 1:1-Leviticus 14:32.

Jill Jafarace
Director of Youth Ministry
New Leaf UMC

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