Sunday, January 18, 2009

Willful Obedience

Everyone who wanted to contribute to the work of the tabernacle could. If one had treasures, they were commanded to contribute to the work, but only if they were willing. Some had skills and talents that could be used in the construction, but God only wanted those who were also willing.
God took raw materials, gold, silver, brass, wool, etc. and they were refined and configured into useful articles comprising the Tent of Meeting. He also took ordinary people and empowered them by His Spirit to do extraordinary work for Him.
God could have created the tabernacle ex nihilo (out of nothing), but instead, He offered the willing to give what they had. To give what had been given to them by God in use for this most important dwelling among God's people.

Treasures and Talents (Exodus 39:32-43)
Obedience to God is an act of the will.
What blessings have you receive through obedience to God?
How are you using your talents for the work of God?
What might you be doing grudgingly rather than willingly as unto God?
What treasures have you been given that need to be given back to God and His work?

Duty and Disposition (Exodus 40:1-33)
Obedience includes not only what, but how something is accomplished.
How important are God's instructions to you and how active are you at discovering them?
What are you doing today to help you remember what God requires of you in the future?
How might you be doing the right thing for God but in the wrong way?

Presence and Preservation (Exodus 40:34-38)
A tabernacle is only a tent without God's presence.
Life's journey without God is futile.
How involved is God in your daily decision making process? And what do you need to do to change that?
What covenant will you be judged under, the old or the new?
How suited are you to be the temple of God through His Holy Spirit? Are you living an obedient life? Are you seeking God's forgiveness for sin? Are you honoring Him with your body?

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