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Ex. 39
I marvel at all the Israelites accomplished in the construction of the mobile tabernacle and all its furnishings. This wasn’t just some slap-together tent with make-do stuff inside. It was detailed, ornate, complete. As if the scope and quality of the work was not enough, they accomplished all of it out in the wilderness while living in tents. Hardly ideal conditions for such a project! That just made me think that ideal conditions have nothing to do with obedience to God. Whatever location we are in, whatever tools we may or may not possess for the task – none of that matters. Because the work is God’s, He will ensure His desired outcome.
John 18
When the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate, they would not enter Pilate’s building. Doing so would have prevented them from eligibility to participate in the coming Passover. How ironic! They failed to recognize the true Passover Lamb, even as they led Him to His slaughter. Thus, though they remained externally clean, their defiled hearts prevented them from participating in His true Passover. They chose the shadow over the light which created it.
Prov. 15
“Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, but trouble is in the income of the wicked.” (Pr. 15:6). I don’t take this verse as a correlation between righteousness and money. Rather, I take it as an indication of true wealth. The life of the righteous generates true riches – peace, contentment, joy, and all the other blessings God’s Spirit imparts by God’s great love and mercy. Perhaps this comes with money and possessions; perhaps it doesn’t. But what are those compared with a thriving relationship with the living God? As for the wicked, even the money and possessions he gains for himself bring him trouble, anxiety, and sorrow. Not a very good trade, in my view.