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Friday, January 31, 2014

Overview of Exodus

Ex 1.1-7; Story; Recap of the end of Genesis, the story continues
Ex 1.8-22; Story; The Egyptians were on dread of the multiplying Hebrews. Hebrews put in slavery.
Ex 2.1-10; Story; Moses is born and drawn out of the water
Ex 2.11-15; Story; Moses flees to Midian
Ex 2.16-22; Story; Moses saves the flock and gets a wife
Ex 2.23-25; Story; God heard Israels cries in slavery and remembers his covenant
Ex 3.1-8; Story; God renews his promises
Ex 3.9-22; Story; God instructs Moses to go back to Egypt and rescue his people

Ex 4.1-17; Story; Moses tries to get out of Gods request
Ex 4.18-23; Story; Moses is to return and command the release of Israel God’s firstborn son
Ex 4.24-26; Story; The LORD tries to kill Moses because his son was uncircumcised
Ex 4.27-31; Story; Moses and Aaron tell Israel and the people believe
Ex 5.1-23; Story; Pharaoh rejects the LORDs demands and places greater burdens on Israel
Ex 6.1-13; Story; The LORD promises deliverance and sends Moses in again
Ex 6.14-27; Genealogy; The family record of Moses and Aaron
Ex 6.28-30; Story; Recounting the LORD’s commission of Moses and Moses protest

Ex 7.1-13; Story; Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh again
Ex 7.14-25; Story; Plague 1, God turns the Mile river into blood. Pharaoh remains hardened
Ex 8.1-15; Story; Moses confronts, Plague 2, God brings frogs, Pharaoh relents, but later hardens
Ex 8.16-19; Story; Plague 3, God brings gnat’s, Pharaoh remains hardened
Ex 8.20-32; Story; Moses confronts, Plague 4, God brings flies, except Israel, Pharaoh relents, but later hardens
Ex 9.1-7; Story; Moses confronts, Plague 5, God brings livestock plague, except Israel, Pharaoh remains hard
Ex 9.8-12; Story; Plague 6, God gives the Egyptians boils on their skin, Pharaoh remains hardened
Ex 9.13-35; Story; Moses confronts, Plague 7, God sends hail, except on Israel, Pharaoh relents, later hardens

Ex 10.1-2; Story; The LORD commands Moses to go to Pharaoh again
Ex 10.3-6; Story; Moses confronts Pharaoh
Ex 10.7-11; Story; Moses called back into Pharaoh and they negotiate unsuccessfully
Ex 10.12-20; Story; Plague 8, God sends locusts, Pharaoh relents, later hardens
Ex 10.21-23; Story; Plague 9, God sends a great darkness for three days
Ex 10.24-29; Story; Moses and Pharaoh unsuccessfully negotiate, the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart
Ex 11.1-3; Story; The LORD commands Moses to prepare Israel for leaving Egypt
Ex 11.4-10; Story; Moses confronts Pharaoh predicting the LORD's last plague
Ex 12.1-13; Story; The LORD instructs Moses regarding the first Passover feast
Ex 12.14-20; Law; Passover and the Feast of Unleavened bread to remember deliverance from Egypt
Ex 12.21-28; Story; Moses instructs the people about the Passover, the people do as commanded
Ex 12.29-36; Story; Plague 10, God struck down all the unprotected firstborn, the people of Israel leave
Ex 12.37-42; Story; Israel’s journey begins, summary of important facts, including 430 years in Egypt
Ex 12.43-51; Law; Passover reiterated with more detail

Ex 13.1-2; Law; The LORD commands Moses to consecrate all the firstborn. The firstborn are the LORDs
Ex 13.3-10; Law; Festival of unleavened bread to commemorate coming out of Egypt
Ex 13.11-16; Law; Consecration of the firstborn as a sign and remembrance of their deliverance from slavery
Ex 13.17-22; Story; The LORD guides Israel as a Pillar of Cloud and Fire
Ex 14.1-9; Story; Pharaoh pursues Israel
Ex 14.10-14; Story; Israel fears Pharaoh and regrets leaving Egypt
Ex 14.15-31; Story; The LORD saved Israel passing through the red sea and destroys Pharaoh
Ex 15.1-21; Story; The song of Moses about the LORD's victory and salvation
Ex 15.22-27; Story; Bitter water made sweet, the LORD commands the people to listen and obey with a promise

Ex 16.1-3; Story; The people grumble at the LORD thinking Egypt was better
Ex 16.4-36; Sin-Law; The LORD hears Israel's grumbling and gives them a law to test them. They fail.
Ex 17.1-7; Sin-Story; The people grumble against the LORD and he gives them water from the rock
Ex 17.8-16; Story; Israel defeats Amalek by Moses raising his hand
Ex 18.1-9; Story; Moses recounts to Jethro (his father in law) how the LORD saved them from Egypt
Ex 18.10-12; Story; Jethro blesses the LORD and makes a burnt offering
Ex 18.13-27; Story; Moses on Jethro's advice delegates some judgement responsibility

Ex 19.1-6; Story; Israel comes to the wilderness of Sinai and the LORD says his people shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation
Ex 19.7-15; Story; The LORD says he will come down on the third say so Israel should be consecrated
Ex 19.16-25; Story; The LORD comes down on the third day and warns the people to remain separate

Ex 20.1-17; Law; The LORD gives the Ten Commandments
1) You shall have no other gods before me
2) You shall not make carved images or likeness of any god and serve them
3) You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain
4) Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (creation and salvation)
5) Honor your father and mother, promise that your days may long in the land God is giving
6) You shall not murder
7) You shall not commit adultery
8) You shall not steal
9) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour
10) You shall not covet what your neighbour has

Ex 20.18-21; Story; The people fear the LORD, Moses says God is testing them so they may not sin
Ex 20.22-23; Law; Repeated Law on worshipping other gods
Ex 20.24-28; Law; Laws about altars, sacrifices and offerings
Ex 21.1-11; Law; Laws about bondservants
Ex 21.12-27; Law; Laws about human rights
Ex 21.28-36; Law; Laws about agriculture

Ex 22.1-15; Law; Punishments and Restitution for damage to others
Ex 22.16-23.9; Law; Miscellaneous laws for a variety of occurrences, Social Justice laws
Ex 23.10-19; Law; Repeated Laws about Sabbaths and Festivals
Ex 23.20-22; Story; The LORD will send an angel before them to bring them into the promised land (cf. Joshua)
Ex 23.23-33; Story; Blessings for obedience and warnings about upcoming temptations
Ex 24.1-8; Story; Moses repeats all the laws to the people, they agree and come under the blood of the covenant.
Ex 24.9-18; Story; Moses and Joshua head up onto Mt Sinai to receive the tablets from God.

Ex 25.1-9; Story; A contribution for the tabernacle that the LORD may dwell in their midst.
Ex 25.10-22; Story; Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant (Law) and mercy seat
Ex 25.23-30; Story; Instructions for the Bread Table
Ex 25.31-40; Story; Instructions for the Golden Lampstand
Ex 26.1-37; Story; Instructions for the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting)
Ex 27.1-8; Story; Instructions for the Bronze Altar
Ex 27.9-19; Story; Instructions for the Court of the Tabernacle
Ex 27.20-21; Story; Instructions to keep an ongoing supply of Oil for the Lamp

Ex 28.1-43; Law; The Priests Garments. Breastpiece (of judgement), Urim and Thummim (v30), Ephod (names of the sons of Israel), Golden bell and a pomegranate, Robe, Coat of checker work, turban, plate titled ‘Holy to the LORD’, and sash.
Ex 29.1-46; Law; Consecration of the Priests

Ex 30.1-10; Law; Temple Worship - Instructions for the Altar of Incense
Ex 30.11-16; Law; Temple Worship - Census Tax to be used for the tent of meeting
Ex 30.17-21; Law; Temple Worship - Bronze basin
Ex 30.22-38; Law; Temple Worship - Anointing Oil and Incense
Ex 31.1-11; Story; Oholiab and Bezalel commissioned to make all commanded of Moses
Ex 31.12-17; Law; Repeated Law - The Sabbath is a sign (for creation) and to be observed for all generations
Ex 31.18; Story; The LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mt Sinai and gave him the two tablets
Ex 32.1-14; Sin-Story; The people create and bow down to a golden calf, the LORD denounces them, and Moses intercedes
Ex 32.15-35; Sin-Story; Moses punishes the people and tries unsuccessfully to atone for them

Ex 33.1-6; Story; The people are commanded to go to the promised land, but the LORD will not go up among them
Ex 33.7-11; Story; Moses and Joshua speak with God at the tent of meeting
Ex 33.12-23; Story; Moses pleads that the LORD remain with them and the LORD makes all his goodness pass him
Ex 34.1-9; Story; The LORD writes on the second set of tablets, and passes by him describing his goodness
Ex 34.10-28; Law-Sin; The Covenant Renewed, Various laws reinstated
Destroy all other forms of worship
Do not make any gods of cast metal (cf. Golden Calf)
Feast of Unleavened Bread
Firstborn to be dedicated to the LORD
Sabbath observance
Feast of Weeks
Feast of Ingathering
Ex 34.29-35; Story; The Shining face of Moses
Ex 35.1-29; Story; Moses passes on the LORD’s commands to Israel, including an offering for the tabernacle
Ex 35.30-35; Story; The LORD equips craftsmen for the construction of the Tabernacle

Ex 36.1-7; Story; The people are told to stop giving after giving more than enough for the work
Ex 36.8-38; Story; Making of the tabernacle
Ex 37.1-9; Story; Making of the Ark
Ex 37.10-16; Story; Making the Table
Ex 37.17-24; Story; Making the Lampstand
Ex 37.25-29; Story; Making the Altar of Incense
Ex 38.1-7; Story; Making the Altar of Burnt Offering
Ex 38.8; Story; Making the Bronze Basin
Ex 38.9-20; Story; Making the Court
Ex 38.21-31; Story; Summary of all the materials for the tabernacle

Ex 39.1-31; Story; Making the Priestly garments
Ex 39.32-43; Story; Summary of all they had made
Ex 40.1-33; Story; They put it all together forming the tabernacle
Ex 40.34-38; Story; The LORD enters the tabernacle and later guides Israel by cloud and fire

Exodus 39-40 The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle

From Exodus 39-40




Overview
Ex 39.1-31 Story; Making the Priestly garments
Ex 39.32-43 Story; Summary of all they had made
Ex 40.1-33 Story; They put it all together forming the tabernacle
Ex 40.34-38 Story; The LORD enters the tabernacle and later guides Israel by cloud and fire

Passage and Comments
Hopefully we remember for the last few days that the LORD after Moses’ pleading agrees to remain with the people. This is the outworking of the LORD’s promise to him.
[34] Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. [35] And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. [36] Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. [37] But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. [38] For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. (Ex 40:34-38)
‘The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle’. What a generous act of kindness and goodness on behalf of the LORD. 

Story of Israel
His presence remained with the people, and he guided them to the promised land. Well it took awhile, 40 years in fact. The cloud and fire was in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Story of Jesus
The LORD filling the temple is also part of the language Paul employs in the Holy Spirit indwelling believers.
[9] You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [10] But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. (Rom 8:9-11)
Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the LORD's glory (Rom 3.23). But only some have received grace and been redeemed. The LORD is with his people because of what Jesus has done. Thanks be to Jesus death on the cross and the everlasting forgiveness he attained for us. But I hope for us better things than what happened to this generation of Israel. With the exception of a few, this generation proved unfaithful to the LORD despite his remaining with them. It was only due to the faithful remnant and his covenant promises that the LORD remained. Just as the glory of the LORD dwelt among them in the tabernacle, we should also be thankful for the ‘Spirit of Christ’ (Rom 8.9) dwelling in us.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Exodus 36-38 The people build the LORD’s Tabernacle

From Exodus 36-38




Overview
Ex 36.1-7 Story; The people are told to stop giving after giving more than enough for the work
Ex 36.8-38 Story; Making of the tabernacle
Ex 37.1-9 Story; Making of the Ark
Ex 37.10-16 Story; Making the Table
Ex 37.17-24 Story; Making the Lampstand
Ex 37.25-29 Story; Making the Altar of Incense
Ex 38.1-7 Story; Making the Altar of Burnt Offering
Ex 38.8 Story; Making the Bronze Basin
Ex 38.9-20 Story; Making the Court
Ex 38.21-31 Story; Summary of all the materials for the tabernacle

Passage and Comments
Today’s reading was a bit dry, but there are things of interest. Consider this summary statement;
[21] These are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were recorded at the commandment of Moses, the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. [22] Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses; [23] and with him was Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer and embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. (Ex 38:21-23)
Scripture was used to keep records. And perhaps considering the destruction of the temple and the exile that was a good thing. Israel could look back at the scriptures and recall how to build their holy places. Not that the circumstances that led them to that point were good. But, scripture did serve a variety of purposes and seemingly Moses thought it was important to record these details as well as their dealings with God.

What they are building of course is to be God’s dwelling place amongst them and the historical context is not so dry. God had almost abandoned Israel after her apostasy. It was only after Moses’ special pleading that the LORD said he would accompany them. After these events the dry records gain significance. If the LORD would not go with them they would have no need to make the tabernacle.

Story of Israel
God only stays with Israel for a time. Due to their apostacy he eventually abandoned the temple. It is not until the end of Ezekiel we see a future hope of God returning. But that prophecy is not fulfilled with an actual temple.

Story of Jesus
Being aware of the historical context is important for interpreting scripture. Now consider the gospel narrative and the hopes of Israel, under foreign occupation. They were waiting for the LORD to come and fulfill his promises. And he did, he sent Jesus. The gospel needs to be understood against the backdrop of the Old Testament in order to see Jesus as Israel’s good news.
[32] And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, [33] this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus (Acts 13:32-33)

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Exodus 33-35 Do not depart from the tent

From Exodus 33-35




Overview
Ex 33.1-6 Story; The people are commanded to go to the promised land, but the LORD will not go up among them
Ex 33.7-11 Story; Moses and Joshua speak with God at the tent of meeting
Ex 33.12-23 Story; Moses pleads that the LORD remain with them and the LORD makes all his goodness pass him
Ex 34.1-9 Story; The LORD writes on the second set of tablets, and passes by him describing his goodness
Ex 34.10-28 Law-Sin; The Covenant Renewed, Various laws reinstated
* Destroy all other forms of worship
* Do not make any gods of cast metal (cf. Golden Calf)
* Feast of Unleavened Bread
* Firstborn to be dedicated to the LORD
* Sabbath observance
* Feast of Weeks
* Feast of Ingathering
Ex 34.29-35 Story; The Shining face of Moses
Ex 35.1-29 Story; Moses passes on the LORD’s commands to Israel, including an offering for the tabernacle
Ex 35.30-35 Story; The LORD equips craftsmen for the construction of the Tabernacle

Passage and Comments
Today I would like to comment of a passage that was brought to my attention by a Charismatic Anglican named Simon Ponsonby. Check it out.
[7] Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. [8] Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. [9] When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD[F1] would speak with Moses. [10] And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. [11] Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. (Ex 33:7-11)
His observation was that Joshua remained at the tent. He also asked a question, why didn’t everyone hang out with God at the tent? I will pick up on this aspect later on in the Jesus bite section, for now I also need to highlight some of the more significant aspects of these chapters. Consider;
[18] Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” [19] And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. (Ex 33:18-19)
So the LORD says his ‘goodness’ will pass Moses by. What does the LORD mean by his goodness? Some sort of ethical quality that manifests itself somehow?... Read on...
[6] The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, [7] keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” (Ex 34:6-7)
This is the LORD’s goodness;
merciful and gracious,
slow to anger,
abounding in covenant love and faithfulness,
keeping covenant love for thousands,
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,

But,
will not clear the guilty,
visiting iniquity of the fathers on their descendants.

That about sums up the LORD’s goodness don’t you think?

Story of Israel
The description of God's character is displayed again and again through God's dealings with Israel. There are those he chooses to display his steadfast love, and others he wipes out because he has not favored them.

Story of Jesus
Returning now to my comment of Joshua and the observation why more people didn't meet and remain with God at the tent. When Jesus died the curtain that represented the barrier between God and man was torn down. No barrier separates us from him. There is nothing separating us from him. This was the work of Jesus blood on the cross. Spend time with the LORD. Don't leave it to the few. We need to keep spending time with the LORD and thank Jesus for the entry pass he has given us.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Exodus 30-32 They ate and drank and rose up to play

From Exodus 30-32







Overview
Ex 30.1-10 Law; Temple Worship - Instructions for the Altar of Incense
Ex 30.11-16 Law; Temple Worship - Census Tax to be used for the tent of meeting
Ex 30.17-21 Law; Temple Worship - Bronze basin
Ex 30.22-38 Law; Temple Worship - Anointing Oil and Incense
Ex 31.1-11 Story; Oholiab and Bezalel commissioned to make all commanded of Moses
Ex 31.12-17 Law; Repeated Law - The Sabbath is a sign (for creation) and to be observed for all generations
Ex 31.18 Story; The LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mt Sinai and gave him the two tablets
Ex 32.1-14 Sin-Story; The people create and bow down to a golden calf, the LORD denounces them, and Moses intercedes
Ex 32.15-35 Sin-Story; Moses punishes the people and tries unsuccessfully to atone for them

Passage and Comments
There is a fair amount that caught my interest today, so I will quote a lot.
[26] With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony, [27] and the table and all its utensils, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense, [28] and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils and the basin and its stand. [29] You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them will become holy. [30] You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. [31] And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations. [32] It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you. [33] Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.’” (Ex 30:26-33)
This passage is interesting because you always have to note what makes things holy. Here it is the anointing oil, whatever it touches becomes holy. Normally uncleanness spreads by touch. Touch an unclean dead body and you become unclean. Here it is in reverse. Whatever the anointing oil touches becomes holy. Secondly, this is probably the same anointing oil they used to anoint the messiah.
[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.’” (Ex 31:12-17)
 What is interesting about this passage is that the Sabbath is deliberately described as a sign. What this means is that it is intended to distinguish the people apart from others. When the Hebrews observed the Sabbath, people around them knew they were Hebrews. God’s chosen people.
[3] So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. [4] And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” [5] When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” [6] And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. (Ex 32:3-6)
A shocking display of apostasy and idolatry. Why Aaron was not killed in punishment I don’t know. We need to pay attention to the detail here, because it is commented on by many later.
1) They create the golden calf
2) Aaron proclaims a feast to the LORD
3) They offer burnt and peace offerings to the calf (both included in Leviticus 1-6
4) There is a funny expression - ‘the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play’

Paul and the early church both recall (4). The early church use this account of Israel’s sin as one reason why God does not accept the levitical offerings as valid laws. They continued use in pagan festivals becomes increasingly associated with them.
[30] The next day Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” [31] So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. [32] But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” [33] But the LORD said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. (Ex 32:30-33)
 Moses pleads their case. But the LORD refuses. Whoever sinned will be blotted out of his book. The book of life.

Story of Israel
When we look at Israel, quite often we need to make a decision based on the behaviour of people if they are really the people of God or not. Paul said in Rom 9, 'not all Israel is Israel'. Based on the assessment of Stephen (Acts 7), Paul (2 Cor 3) and the author of Hebrews (Heb 3-4), it seems unlikely these people are the true Israel.

Story of Jesus
If I continue with the theme of holiness we should be reminded Jesus is the one who makes people holy. Seek him out, touch him like people did who were sick. Be healed. Follow him. No longer is the Sabbath a sign for the people of God, faith in Jesus as the Christ is. Do people know you're a Christian? Are you a sign to the people? Likewise the levitical offerings have been rejected and or replaced by Christ. They were a shadow of the things to come. That is Jesus the Christ. People who trust and follow him are in the book of life.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Exodus 28-29 PPE for the LORD’s service

From Exodus 28-29




Overview
Ex 28.1-43 Law; The Priests Garments. Breastpiece (of judgement), Urim and Thummim (v30), Ephod (names of the sons of Israel), Golden bell and a pomegranate, Robe, Coat of checker work, turban, plate titled ‘Holy to the LORD’, and sash.
Ex 29.1-46 Law; Consecration of the Priests

Passage and Comments
One thing about my work is that I have to wear personal protective equipment or PPE. This is the last level of protection for me when I am standing in a rail corridor with heavy plant moving around. This gear consists of a hard hat with wide brim, safety glasses (tinted with UV protection), sunscreen, long sleeve high visibility orange shirt with reflective strips (horizontal not crossed), drill trousers, steel capped lace up boots higher than the ankles and gloves. Its excessive but necessary.

Today’s chapters similarly discuss the PPE for the Priesthood working around the temple.

[2] And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. [3] You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. [4] These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. (Ex 28:2-4)


These garments are to be made with skill for glory and beauty. Note an early reference to the Holy Spirit in verse 3. There is judgement involved, but probably not what we are used to.
[29] So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breast piece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD. [30] And in the breast piece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the LORD regularly. (Ex 28:29-30)
The Urim and Thummim were necessary elements in the judgement of the priests. Basically when they were to discern the will of the LORD they used these (stones I think) to tell what was the LORD’s will and what was not (Nu 27.21; 1 Sa 14.41; 1 Sa 28.6; Ez 2.63; Neh 7.65). Now talking about the ephod.
[33] On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, [34] a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. [35] And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the LORD, and when he comes out, so that he does not die. (Ex 28:33-35)
The reason specified in the text is that the golden bell and the pomegranate were to be attached at the command of the LORD. Failure to do so would result in death. An additional reason the golden bell was attached so that when the High Priests was in the Holy of Holies he could have people outside listening to him work. If they continued to hear the sound of the bell they knew everything was alright. It the ringing stopped they knew he did something wrong and died for it. In this case a rope was tied to the Priest so they could pull him out.
[40] “For Aaron's sons you shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty. [41] And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. (Ex 28:40-41)
We have a repeated reference the these garments being made for glory and beauty. Probably a reflection of the significance of God and their ministry.
[42] You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs; [43] and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him. (Ex 28:42-43)
They need clean and special underwear. Underwear obviously collects a lot of bodily emissions. These emissions are unclean. The priests are meant to be clean before the LORD. So they need these linen undergarments - lest they bear guilt and die. We skip now to the end of the chapters and the end of the priests consecration for service.
[42] It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. [43] There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. [44] I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. [45] I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. [46] And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. (Ex 29:42-46)
Notice who does the consecration. I've put it in italics. The LORD sanctifies them.

Story of Israel
Israel when they determined to observe the LORD's requirements kept these cleanliness laws. If we now zoom forward to Jesus.

Story of Jesus
Can you imagine then Jesus telling the story of David entering the house of God.
[3] He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: [4] how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? (Mt 12:3-4)
No priestly lineage, no protective garments, no consecration from the law. David just walks in and takes what he wants. How did this happen? Jesus gives a cryptic answer by instructing his listeners to learn what it means - ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ (Mt 12:7; cf. Hos 6.6)

The author of Hebrews says much the same and discloses how David could enter without the protective equipment.
[19] Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20] by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb 10:19-22)
Through Jesus blood and having faith in him, we know we can boldly walk into the holy places without PPE. Jesus blood and faith is the new PPE.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Exodus 25-27 The Tabernacle that walked among us

From Exodus 25-27




Overview
Ex 25.1-9 Story; A contribution for the tabernacle that the LORD may dwell in their midst.
Ex 25.10-22 Story; Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant (Law) and mercy seat
Ex 25.23-30 Story; Instructions for the Bread Table
Ex 25.31-40 Story; Instructions for the Golden Lampstand
Ex 26.1-37 Story; Instructions for the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting)
Ex 27.1-8 Story; Instructions for the Bronze Altar
Ex 27.9-19 Story; Instructions for the Court of the Tabernacle
Ex 27.20-21 Story; Instructions to keep an ongoing supply of Oil for the Lamp

Passage and Comments
Some might find chapters 25 to 27 a little tiresome. But there is always something interesting or of importance. Note the following;
[8] And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. [9] Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. (Ex 25:8-9)
and a bit later;
[26:1] “Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them. (Ex 26:1)
and then;
[31] “And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. [32] And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver. [33] And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. [34] You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place. [35] And you shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table, and you shall put the table on the north side. (Ex 26:31-35)
The tabernacle had huge importance of the Jewish people. Primarily though we should focus on one of the first statements - 'And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.' (Ex 25.8). This is important because Christians now have had God dwelling among them. Jesus Christ the Word of God.

Story of Israel
The temple remained the symbol of God abiding in the midst of Israel. Unfortunately however, due to their disobedience God left the temple and the temple was destroyed. Israel needed another temple to represent God's presence among the people.

Story of Jesus
In the New Testament John writes,
[14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
Some people might know, but in case some readers of this blog don't. The expression 'dwelt among us' means tabernacle'd amongst us. The direct analogy of Exodus is unmistakable. Jesus Christ is the person of God dwelling among his people.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Exodus 22-24 The Blood of the Covenant

From Exodus 22-24




Overview
Ex 22.1-15; Law; Punishments and Restitution for damage to others
Ex 22.16-23.9; Law; Miscellaneous laws for a variety of occurrences, Social Justice laws
Ex 23.10-19; Law; Repeated Laws about Sabbaths and Festivals
Ex 23.20-22; Story; The LORD will send an angel before them to bring them into the promised land (cf. Joshua)
Ex 23.23-33; Story; Blessings for obedience and warnings about upcoming temptations
Ex 24.1-8; Story; Moses repeats all the laws to the people, they agree and come under the blood of the covenant.
Ex 24.9-18; Story; Moses and Joshua head up onto Mt Sinai to receive the tablets from God.

Passage and Comments
For the next few books we will encounter a lot of laws. Some are ordered. Others don't appear so. However amongst the law giving its helpful to keep attentive to the things going on. Consider the following passage.
[3] Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do.” [4] And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. [5] And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD. [6] And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. [7] Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” [8] And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” (Exodus 24:3-8)
Its always helpful to remember the larger context when reading through the scriptures. Here we have several things to note;
1) Moses writing down all the words of the LORD (24.3)
2) The sacrifices and offerings to the LORD (24.5-6)
3) The reading of what Moses wrote down (now called the Book of the Covenant) to the people. (24.7)
4) The promise by the people they will obey what the LORD has spoken (24.7)
5) Moses takes the blood of the sacrifices and throws it on the people (24.8)

The covenant here is synonymous with the Law. This pattern will continue.

Story of Israel
Unfortunately through Israel's history we will see time and time again the covenant gets broken. Israel abandons the LORD for other god's. Israel needs a new covenant and a new heart.

Story of Jesus
Jesus inaugurated a new covenant in his death. From the gospel of Matthew;
[26] Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” [27] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, [28] for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Mt 26:26-28)
The same theme of the blood of the covenant is in both Exodus and the gospel. Jesus says, for the forgiveness of sins. The significance of the parallel between the Exodus and gospel accounts sheds light on what Jesus means by forgiveness of sins. In this instance it is not simply a much repeated forgiveness for sin. The forgiveness here is something much bigger. I suggest more like the creation of a renewed people. A new covenant for a newly created people of God.