Today’s Reading: Exodus 36-40; Psalm 99

It was always God’s plan to lead His people and to direct them in His ways. They were never alone and never without His leadership. This is evident in His instructions to Moses. He told Moses to build a Tabernacle so that He could live among His people, giving him an exact pattern to follow. There were specific instructions about the Ark of the Covenant in which the stone tablets containing the 10 Commandments would be placed. Moses was given the exact measurements for the table, the lampstand, the framework and curtains for the Tabernacle. There was to be an altar on which to give burnt offerings and a courtyard. Lamps burning pure olive oil were to burn continually.

IT WAS ALWAYS GOD’S PLAN TO LEAD HIS PEOPLE.

God set apart Aaron and his descendants as priests to minister in the Tabernacle and again gave specific instructions regarding their role and their garments. On the ephod (apron) was engraved the names of Jacob’s twelve sons in birth order, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. He would carry these names on his shoulders reminding him of who he represented every time he went before the Lord.

The chestpiece was beautifully adorned with twelve stones, again representing the twelve tribes of Israel. It was worn as a constant reminder that it was the priest’s task to bring the people to God and to bring God’s word to the people. He was to wear the chestpiece for seeking decisions from God. Aaron was never meant to lead the people of his own strength, but was to always seek God and follow His lead.

IT WAS NEVER GOD’S PLAN FOR AARON TO LEAD GOD’S PEOPLE OF HIS OWN STRENGTH.

The preparations God asks us to make are different from those He instructed the Israelites and priests to complete, but He still desires for us to prepare our hearts to enter into His glorious presence. He longs to live among us and be our God, that we might know that He is the Lord our God!

For we are the Temple of the living God. As God said: “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. – 2 Corinthians 6:16b-7:1

What a privilege to be in God’s presence!
Who am I representing when I come before the Lord?
Whose needs am I lifting to God in prayer?
Am I seeking God for every decision, following His lead?
Is His will the desire of my heart?

IT WAS NEVER GOD’S PLAN FOR MOSES TO LEAD GOD’S PEOPLE HIS OWN WAY.

Sometimes the whirlwind of life pushes us to move at a faster pace, or sometimes it slows us down. God says — Let me lead. Let me set the pace. I know where I am taking you. Trust me. Moses was never meant to lead the people at his own pace, but was to always seek God and follow His lead — God’s will, God’s way, in God’s time.

Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. – Exodus 40:36-37

Lord, cleanse us from everything that can defile us. Create in us a clean spirit and make us a masterpiece of your holiness at work, clothing us in your righteousness. Bring the needs of your people to our hearts this morning so that we can lift them to you in prayer. Dwell among us, oh Lord, and lead us on today’s journey. Help us to trust your timing as we relax and let you lead at your pace, taking us where you want us to go. Amen.

IT IS NEVER GOD’S PLAN FOR ME TO TAKE THE LEAD BUT TO FOLLOW THE LORD MY GOD.

Exalt the Lord our God!
Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!
Moses and Aaron were among his priests;
Samuel also called on his name.
They cried to the Lord for help,
and he answered them.
He spoke to Israel from the pillar of cloud,
and they followed the laws and decrees he gave them.
O Lord our God, you answered them. – Psalm 99:5-8a

Send out your light and your truth;
let them guide me.
Let them lead me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you live.
There I will go to the altar of God,
to God—the source of all my joy.
I will praise you with my harp,
O God, my God! – Psalm 43:3-4