February 6, 2008

Read Exodus 38-40 and Matthew 23:23-39

1 comment:

Chris said...

Exodus 40:3
Partition off the ark with the veil...

I have seen several movies depicting the life and/or death of Christ, and I believe it was in the Passion of the Christ that there was the scene where the camera rushes into the temple when Jesus dies and shows the veil being torn in two.

Matthew 27:50-51 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split...

That verse, and that scene, always gives me chills and strikes me as almost too deep for expression. The separation between God and man was over, forever. There was restoration of that relationship. Hallelujah!

Until that day, however, the Holy of Holies, where the Ark was, was off limits except to the priests. I realize this isn't anything most of us don't already know, and after the day I've had I'm not sure I'm adequately conveying how much this deeply touches me, but I'm just so thankful that the veil has been removed and we can approach the throne of grace with confidence and be called friends of God.

Ex 40:13 I found it interesting that God still let Aaron be annointed after that golden calf business. I thought, he worshipped and led others to worship an idol instead of God! How could Aaron DO that?! Well, haven't I?? Oh, sure, maybe I never fashioned a statue, but have there been times I have put other things, idols if you will, before God, and even unwittingly led others to do the same? Um, yes. As Dana said yesterday, please read with grace, OK? Bottom line: I can't point fingers. I can't judge; every time I begin to, I am reminded that I've done the same or worse. Sin is sin, and we're all sinners. Forgiven, yes, but sinners all the same.

Matthew 23:23-39
As I read the words of Christ this morning, I tried to think in my head how they must have sounded; His tone, His inflection, His expression. Jesus was angry, yes, but He was also distraught. This is my same Lord who holds me and comforts me when I need it; I found myself wishing I could just jump into the pages and give Him a big ol' hug and say, "It's OK, Jesus! I believe you! Don't even worry about those meanies....You know it will be OK....that the Father has this all set up for His purposes. I know it's hard right now and Your heart is broken, but in a little while none of this will matter..."

Huh. Maybe He IS making me more like Him, as I pray daily He will do. Cuz that's about exactly what He says to me sometimes.

OK, guys, I'm out. Lots of studying to do. Keep me in your prayers please!