READING FOR JULY 16, EXODUS 25, 2 THESSALONIANS 3, PSALM 68:28-35 EXODUS 25 The God who created the universe told Moses to ask the people to take up an offering for Him. This sums up how God achieves His Kingdom objectives. Although He could do everything Himself, He asks for our willing (never coerced) participation. It is our great privilege to be involved in His work as our hearts move us. And if they don’t move us, why not? After explaining the method of acquiring resources, God explains the specific resources needed. We, as His people, should provide what He identifies. After acquiring the right resources, God explains what exactly His people should construct. This process of going from the heart principle to resources to the specific functional use is directly applicable to our lives.
The sanctuary to be constructed will be the place where God’s people (or least their representatives the priests) meet God’s presence. We can only approach God as He determines. Today, God’s approach to us comes only through Jesus. Then, the Ark of the Covenant, which is like a small box, was to be constructed by the people exactly according to God’s pattern. It reminded the people of God’s mighty acts of rescue and His righteous laws. The Ark would be too holy for men to touch directly, so rings and poles would be used to carry it. Cherubim are heavenly beings, first mentioned in Gen. 3:24 as having a guarding function. Making images of these beings, since they serve God and are not objects of worship themselves, apparently didn’t violate the second command.
The very names of the items explain something about how God has and will interact with HIs people: Ark of the Covenant, Atoning Cover, and Bread of Presence. God’s manner of interaction will be through the means of these instruments and ceremonies which themselves foreshadow the atoning death of Jesus and the indwelling presence of God through the Holy Spirit. The lampstand and lamps point even beyond the cross all the way to the throne in Heaven: “There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God” (Rev. 4:8). We are part of this great story, some of which occurred before we were born, part which we experience now, and the greatest part in the future is currently unseen, only revealed to us in His word. Let’s be aware now and ready for tomorrow.
2 Thessalonians 3 The first two verses are Paul’s prayer requests. Before we reflect on them, consider what we ask for when prayer requests are solicited in church. Paul asks that the word of God spread and be glorified. Let’s start praying this for our lives and our church. He also asks that they pray for rescue against evil people who are unbelievers. That might be a good one for us also. It would certainly get everyone’s attention. His attitude toward the Thessalonians is one of confidence in God’s work in and through them. Do we tell our fellow
READING FOR JULY 16, 2024 CONTINUED: THESSALONIANS 3, PSALM 68:28-35 believers that kind of thing? Once again, Paul is such a good model for us. Then Paul becomes more authoritative in tone as befitting his apostolic position. As he did to the church in Corinth (1 Cor 5:9-13), he tells them to disassociate with any Christians who lead a disorderly life, not according to the guidelines Paul gave them (vs. 6-15). This includes those not working and those who are busybodies. It is rare that a church today practices this kind of discipline. Possibly the feeling is we need everyone who is willing to attend and thus should not be offensive, but also there is fear that this would be judgmental.
All this is understandable, but less than the fully functional church Paul envisioned. Rom. 2:1-4 suggests that those who would judge a person for a certain sin should not be involved the same sin. Also, Romans 2:4 implies the person inappropriately judged was not a Christian, not yet having received saving faith that follows repentance. Paul said give our patient God more time to lead this unbeliever to faith. Paul makes this clear distinction to Corinth: “For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves” (1 Cor.5:12-13).
PSALM 68:28-35 David looked back at how God acted before and asked Him to show Himself strong again in their behalf. Is that selfish? Only if his agenda is not God’s agenda. David looks at dangers on the horizon and asks God to scatter them. In fact, he is bold enough to believe God can also turn past enemies into fellow worshippers of the one true God. Such a wonderful thought. He doubles down on this by inviting all kingdoms of the earth to a service of praise and worship to God. Perhaps we have been overly pessimistic about those who seem the least likely to be interested in God. God can reach them. Which of our friends who we have always considered resistant to the Gospel might be open to an invitation to church or a small group?David says God is in control and gives us strength and power. Let’s see if David is right.
