Highlights In Today's Reading:
Notice the progression from suffering, blood, and death, to beauty, holiness, and the glory of God in these chapters.
God emphasized to Moses: Take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with Him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto Me. . . . And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron, thy brother (28:1-2). Nothing was left to human opinion.
The Israelites were limited to priests from the tribe of Levi who were to intercede in worship on behalf of the people. There had to be a cleansing from sin and also a mediator. The heart of every Christian is thrilled to know that our wonderful Lord was both the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (John 1:29) and the High Priest who ever liveth to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25).
Besides the priests, God called others into His service. Thou shalt speak unto all that are wisehearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom (Ex. 28:3). There is a wisdom that is not of this world (I Cor. 1:21).
As New Testament Christians, our priority should be to focus on being filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). To be filled with the Spirit is more than just a matter of the offering of time, talents, and activities. Our whole being is to be devoted to Christ and to realize that we belong to Him in order to be available for His purposes in our lives.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
So many have never allowed God to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:5). They may want to devote themselves to "work" for Him. But, as important as devoted workers are, our greater need is to be men and women who willingly lay our all on the altar as a Burnt Offering, being wholly devoted to God. The powerful ox had to be slain as a sacrifice, losing all its own power and past abilities, cut in pieces, washed, and then reduced to ashes.
This illustrated the order in which God wants us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:1-2).
Thought for Today:
God desires for us to follow His plan for our lives and not to devise one of our own. His thoughts for us are thoughts of peace (Jer. 29:11).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Brasen Altar, upon which the Sin Offering was burned (Exodus 27:1-8; Lev. 4:1-35). Jesus' offering of Himself as the final sacrifice was the fulfillment of all Old Testament altars as well as all sacrificial offerings. Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1:5-7; John 1:29,36; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12).
Word Studies:
26:1 cunning work =killful workmanship; 26:2 have one measure =e the same measurement; 28:2 holy garments =od-appointed clothing was required to participate in worship services; 28:8 curious girdle =b> skillfully made belt; 28:43 bear not iniquity =ot be guilty of sin.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA), Rep. Kevin McCarty (CA), Rep. Albio Sires (NJ) • Country: Yemen (17 million) in southwestern Arabia • Major language: Arabic • Attempts to convert Muslims to Christ are fiercely opposed • 98% Muslim; .03% Christian (all secret believers) • Prayer Suggestion: Pour out your heart in prayer to the Lord for your children (Lam. 2:19).
Optional Reading: Matthew 26
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-4