Devotionals – Page 22 – Grace at Wellington Church

16/07/2021

Exodus 27:1-19: The Altar and the Courtyard

The area surrounding God’s tabernacle, his palace amongst his people, also made clear that you were not entering any ordinary household. The expansive, walled off courtyard surrounding the tabernacle, reminded God’s people they were coming closer to the special presence of God. The altar reminded them of the means of access – God’s forgiveness. As we enter God’s presence, we too must remember that our privileged access is through the same.

09/07/2021

Exodus 26: Building God’s House

If God was going to dwell with his people, he needed a residence “fit for a king”. And so in Exodus 26, instructions are given about the construction of God’s House, the Tabernacle. Yet these instructions are valuable beyond the architectural information for what it teaches us about the relationship of God with his people, and especially now that Jesus has come.

02/07/2021

Exodus 25:31-40: The Golden Lampstand

God gave Moses instructions for the construction of a lampstand for the tent. After all, it is difficult to serve God in the Tent of Meeting when you stumble into the Table of the Presence! But as with the other items in the tent, their use went beyond the practical, to help teach the Israelites and us that God is the true source of light and life in the darkness of a sinful world.

25/06/2021

Exodus 25:23-30: The Bread of Presence

Moses receives instructions to build a table, which will belong in the outer room of God’s tent. This table serves as the home for the bread of presence, which symbolised God’s presence and provision for his people. Not surprisingly then, this bread pointed forward to the true bread, Jesus, who is God present with us but also God’s provision for us

18/06/2021

Exodus 25:10-22: The Ark of the Covenant

In the first verses of chapter 25, God instructed the people to provide materials for the building of God’s Tabernacle, his dwelling place with them. In verses ten to twenty-two, God instructs Moses on the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. But he does not just ask for a box, he explains the finish and decorative elements to go with it, and why they are there. Because the Ark of the Covenant is more than a box; it is a picture of God’s relationship and presence with his people, recognised most fully in Jesus.

11/06/2021

Exodus 25:1-9: Contributing to God’s Sanctuary

After freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and entering into a covenant relationship with them at Sinai, God begins to explain to Moses the requirements for his dwelling-place with them, which they would construct from their own contributions. This giving was to be freely given, generously contributed from their wealth, and dedicated for God’s glory. Our giving to building Christ’s Church should be the same.

04/06/2021

Exodus 24:9-18: Seeing God

In this passage, the covenant ratification ceremony is completed by Israel’s representatives enjoying fellowship with God. Then, following their return down the mountain, Moses ascends again to commune further with God, enjoying his presence. In these events, we see not only the mirror of the sacrament of communion, but also the great and glorious presence of God we will all enjoy in eternity.

28/05/2021

Exodus 24:1-8: Confirming the Covenant

God had provided an historical context for their relationship, expressed his terms, and highlighted the benefits and curses of obedience (or not). All that was left was the ceremony, which begins in Exodus 24:1-8 with a call to ascend, recording the covenant, and a ritual confirming the covenant. In this event, we have a picture of our own covenant relationship with God, in Christ.

21/05/2021

Exodus 23:20-33: God Giving Victory

Sometimes the Christian walk feels like a slog. You feel like you never get anywhere. Enemies without, and your own attitude and actions within, make you feel like you are heading for defeat. But what we feel is not the case. God has rescued us from slavery to sin, and will deliver us to a victorious presence with him, in his land, under his rule.

14/05/2021

Exodus 23:10-19: Putting God First

Not many of us are called to the mission field or the pastorate, but all of us are called to put God first. In this section of the divine laws given at Mount Sinai, God circles back to where he began: a focus on worshiping him. Here, God commands Israel to show reliance on him through sabbatical laws, thank him through harvest-based worship festivals, and honour him through following commands on the nature of their sacrifices. While these specific laws do not bind us today, they remind us to put God first.

Category: Devotionals