Exodus 25-27 Psalm109 Proverbs 7 Acts 12-13
As I read through the instructions for the creating of the
tabernacle in Exodus 25 to 27 two things stood out to me, they were all to be
made of the highest quality material and they were made to be portable so they
could be moved. The detailed instructions also say that details are important. At
the end God begins to setup the leadership structure on how it is to be
accomplished with the assignment of Aaron and his sons to oversee the work.
In Psalm 109 we are reminded that all was not easy for
David. He pours out his heart to the Lord because he suffers the wrath of
others as he struggles to remain faithful to the Lord. In the end is his hope
that those that do evil against him will be held accountable for their actions.
He also shows he will give thanks with abundance no matter what the Lord has in
store for him. A good model for us all.
Proverbs 7 finds Solomon warning of the dangers or turning aside
from the ways of the Lord. Using the young man that is taken in by the words
and attraction to the prostitute we are swept up in sin. The danger is we do
not see that like this young man it will take away life. A final reminder not
to turn away from the ways of the Lord or stray from the paths of righteousness.
The story of Herod’s arrest of Peter and his release by an
angle recorded in Acts 12 show the power of God to work even when the full power
of the ruler is used against followers of Jesus. Couple things I would note is
that no one expected Peter to be set free, he didn’t linger in the area and put
himself and others at risk unnecessarily and in the end Herod’s arrogance cost
him his life as he praised himself, excepted public praise that belongs to God
and suffered for it.
Acts 13 continues the story of the early church being spread,
first by select disciples being selected to take the Word out and point to the
truth. It doesn’t take long for the opposition to begin as they run into those
that have their way of life threatened by the truth of the gospel. Paul goes
first to the Jews, because he is one of them and knows them well. He starts by
pointing out the faithful journey of his people and how the turning away from
the Lord led to the persecution and crucifixion of Jesus. God’s word will
always be true and be fulfilled. Paul points out how they have already
experienced that.
As Paul and Barnabas are used by the Lord those threatened
by them continue to seek to destroy them. They find themselves going from place
to place proclaiming the Good News to the Jews and the gentiles. Large crowds gather
and create jealously because large numbers of people are turning from sin and beginning
the journey of faith in following Jesus. We must note that the Jews, those in
power and that would do anything to keep it incited the devout and prominent to
instigate a persecution of the true followers of Jesus. When
that happened the left, shook off the dust and moved on to those more ready to
hear the good news. The true disciple of Jesus where continually filled with
joy and the Holy Spirit.
Today’s readings again remind me that God pays attention to
the details and looks for those that are truly working to follow his way of
life. God want’s our best and we are called to walk with integrity and seek
justice while leading others to Jesus. When we do, we have a lot to be thankful
for and God continues to bless us and fill us with His Spirit.
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