READING FOR AUGUST 2, 2024: EXODUS 38, TITUS 3, PSALM 75 EXODUS 38 The text constantly uses the pronoun “he” in the phrase, “He made.” This seems to refer back to the proper noun “Bezalel,” whose name was most recently used in Ex. 37:1. He’s the first artist craftsman mentioned, given the most identification, and likely led the work: “I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to create artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, so that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Ex. 31:2-5). Though he may have played the leadership role, it’s apparent there were many other artists involved in such a huge project: “‘Have every skillful person among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded” (Ex. 35:10).
New information is provided in verse eight about a group of women who had a serving role in worship. This would counter the view that women had no role to play in Old Testament ministry. Some writers have found meaning in that these women gave up their mirrors (tools for personal physical beauty) so that the bronze basin (a tool for holiness before God) could be made. It is hard to ignore such a wonderful connection. What might be a corollary for us?
Verse 21 says that Ithamar, the son of Aaron, was tasked with accounting for all the expenditures of this project. It seems God desires us to use the resources He provides wisely and intentionally. Remember when Jesus fed the 5,000 and 4,000, the exact number of leftover baskets of food was also recorded. In fact, Judas is mentioned as being the treasurer for the disciples (John 12:6). Despite that unworthy example, there will always be the need for a church treasurer to ensure wise stewardship of our resources. YMC has been well served.
Also meaningful is that the courtyard of the tabernacle is given serious attention by God and, as a result, by the workers. Might this have any correlation to the property on which our church building stands. Has anyone ever noticed the beautiful gardens and landscaping at YMC. Again, this has been maintained by faithful volunteers from the membership as an offering to God.
TITUS 3 As might be expected from someone with a clear and consistent theology, Paul inserts phrases in this letter that echo sentiments expressed in other letters. For example, Paul begins this chapter admonishing Titus to obey the governing authorities, which were set up by Rome at this time. This is stated more fully in Romans 13 and connected with evangelism in 1 Timothy 2. Those Christians today who regularly preach against the government as the “deep state” should reflect on these passages. There are also Christians today who equate concern for social justice as forsaking the Gospel. It’s true some denominations have focused
READING FOR AUGUST 2, 2024 CONTINUED: TITUS 3, PSALM 75 solely on social action while ignoring the Gospel. Paul, however, the greatest explainer of the Gospel, urges us to be gentle, caring to all people and slanderous to none—certainly including those who are unbelievers and are in need of material support. An over-reaction to those who are ashamed of the Gospel is understandable but not biblical. Let’s obey all the Bible.
In fact, starting in verse three, Paul links our good works to unbelievers to the great Gospel message. All of us were once sinners and unbelievers. Yet God showed us kindness along with all of humankind. The greatest kindness is God sending His Son to die for our sins, to rise in victory over death, and to offer salvation to all who believe—no matter how terrible our past. We are made righteous in God’s sight and given eternal life by God’s grace, not according to any good we have done. This great kindness toward us then must prompt us to do good worksto all people—including those caught in the cycle of generational poverty or by being innocent victims of war. PSALM 75 There are endless reasons to give thanks to God. In differentiating the specific reasons, it keeps our thanksgiving fresh and focused. Here Asaph thanks God for His nearness or immanence. God is with us in an intimate way: “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel, which translated means, ‘God with us”’ (Matt. 1:28).
Titus 3 commands that believers do good works in the midst of a fallen world. We know such works not only emulate our loving God but also are not done in vain. At the perfect moment, God will judge the world with perfect justice. Yes, the earth with its apparent shakiness veers from one crisis to another and isn’t functional on its own. God, however, is always there undergirding it: "He [Jesus]is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).
Is there anything wrong with lifting a horn, such as trumpet or tuba? Not at all. A horn in this case is a symbol of strength. Remember the altar was constructed with four horns, signifying God’s strength. On the other hand, Daniel had a vision about horns: “a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns” (Dan. 7:7). In this case as with Psalm 75, horns represent a defiant show of strength opposing God.
As with the horns mentioned in Daniel and reprised in Revelation, these prideful sources of power will not prevail against God. He will remove and judge them, and the Lord Jesus will be exalted over all. The reference to cup in verse eight stands for God’s wrath, as in Isa. 51:17 and Jer.25:15. The mixed drink is also significant: He [worshippers of the Beast] also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger” (Rev. 14:10). Remember that Jesus accepted the cup and experienced the Father’s wrath for us: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39).
