March 2, 2022 - Exodus 39-40
Some individuals, like my mother, have the innate ability to make articles of clothing and create beautiful sweaters and blankets from a ball of string! Especially in the eyes of someone who barely can draw stick figures and make them identifiable, I look forward to seeing the finished work of art.
Day by day the artisans worked to create and produce the patterns given to them by the Lord. Every stitch and fold were carefully placed, every mold was measured and examined for the exact size needed for the project. Aaron and his sons were measured, and the tailors spent time meticulously making the garments for each one. Threads were dyed and gold was beaten into thin sheets and cut into threads to create a magnificent garment fit to be worn before the King of the universe.
Others added the required memorial stones to the ephod to sit on the shoulders of the high priest. The breastplate was made with the precious stones placed in the order and sequence God had instructed. Each article and every piece of clothing was precisely made "as the Lord had commanded Moses." This phrase is very important as it is repeated eight times in chapter 39. This repetition magnified the importance the Lord placed on the execution of His designed plans.
Meanwhile, the final details for the tabernacle were being accomplished. Both the priestly garments and the tabernacle were precisely designed and assembled, following the God given pattern. An unspoken value that is evidenced through the creation of the garments and the tabernacle is the manifestation of excellence in their work.
Moses and the workers labored mightily to build the tabernacle which was an exact replica of the tabernacle (God's throne room) in heaven (Hebrews 9:11). This may explain the specific details and instructions given to Moses. The children of Israel were mindful of the Lord's presence as they watched the cloud descend upon the tabernacle, revealing God's glory.
Today, God does not call us to be visual based on determining how the Lord's will is to work in our lives. Instead of looking for a cloud to ascend or descend, we are to look to the written word of God. It is His word that teaches us the Lord's will for our lives. A walk of faith calls for us to know His word and to prayerfully apply the teachings He has instructed us to accomplish. Paul's words clearly tell us God's will for us; "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). How would others rate our rejoicing, praying and giving thanks?