Day 7 of 90 Devotion

Dearest e-votees-

Day seven of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. Exodus done, 64 books left to go. If you care to follow along you can find links to the assigned Bible passages at:

www.christthegoodshep.org/biblein90days.html

Peace,
Karl

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Day 7 Readings: Exodus 29:1-40:38

There are some who relish in the detailed plans of a building or craft project. Materials, dimensions, procedures and relative positions allow work to be done well and according to expectations.

This latter part of Exodus feels like the ultimate set of assembly instructions from IKEA.

The people of Israel donate their materials, their time and construct this portable tent which foreshadows Solomon’s Temple which foreshadows our very bodies being the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

So tragic that when these plans were being given out the people were already slipping into idolatry. So tragic that Aaron, God’s chosen priest, would so quickly agree to fashion a golden calf from the castoff jewelry of the people to serve as their God. So tragic that Moses turned the first two tablets of the Law into rubble in disgust.

The consequences on the people were immediately tragic (3,000 slain by the sword-wielding Levites) and chronically tragic (idolatry plagued the people in the ensuing years).

Where are we in the scope of this story? Are we eager to give all that we have and share our talents to serve God fully? Are we mindful of the gift of the temple of the Holy Spirit that is our body that is at least as exquisitely designed and fashioned as the sanctuary in the wilderness? Are we quick to dispense with God’s instructions and “buy” our idol of choice and with it all the plagues and ensuing troubles?

God still desires us to worship. God still wants us to do things according to God’s plan. God still affords us ways to be restored when we wander and transgress. God still wants to be in relationship with us.

The object of our worship, the fulfillment of God’s plan, the means of restoration when we wander and transgress and the best means of relationship with God are all found in one person—Jesus of Nazareth.


God your plans are good and right. At times we adhere and at others we flee. Keep sending your presence into our midst to guide and restore us. Thanks and praise and worship be to you. Amen.