From: February 8, 2025
“And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2 ESV).
Today’s Old Testament reading from the One Year Bible’s assignment from the book of Exodus, continues the description of the Tabernacle’s design, furnishings, and now the design of the priestly garments. It is very detailed. For the modern reader it can be somewhat laborious and overwhelming to read. It begs the question: “Why? Why so much detail?”
Perhaps one way to think about it is that the Tabernacle was more than just a tent—it was a theological blueprint for how God relates to His people. The details serve multiple purposes beyond just historical record-keeping.
For example:
1) God’s meticulous design reflects His character. The Tabernacle points to God’s order, holiness, and intentionality.
2) The Tabernacle pointed forward to Christ. Every element, from the sacrificial altar to the mercy seat, foreshadowed the person and work of Jesus (Hebrews 9:11-12).
3) It teaches us the importance of worshiping God on His terms. Our worship isn’t about what we find meaningful, but about honoring God as He has revealed in His Word.
It may seem like too much detail, but if God’s Word is so specific about a temporary earthly Tabernacle, how much more should we value the true heavenly one where Christ intercedes for us? (Hebrews 8:1-2).
What’s standing out to you the most as you read through these Exodus passages?
PRAYER: Dear Father, You have designed all things for Your glory and beauty. Help us to bring You glory in all things that we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 8, 2024
‘But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand’ (Psalms 31:15 ESV).
David put his trust in the Lord, even in the timing of things. He trusted that the time of his birth, death, and every appointment in between was in God’s hands. Therefore, he was able to endure seasons of suffering and difficulty, knowing that every season has a beginning, a middle and an end. More than that, he knew that the timing of such seasons, whether good or bad, happy or sad, were under the Lord’s control. And the Lord was his God, whom he trusted fully for his good.
What’s on your calendar today? As the Proverbs say, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (Prov. 16:9). Are you worried or distressed about today? Put the details of this day in the Lord’s hand. For He cares for you.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we may put appointments on our calendar, but our times are in Your hand. Teach us therefore to number our days and make the best use of our time serving You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 8, 2023
“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed” (Matthew 26:13 NLT).
What Jesus said is true. Wherever the gospel is preached, the story of this woman’s extravagant generosity towards Jesus is told. For she had approached Jesus with “an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and poured it on his head” (Matt.26:7) causing those in attendance to accuse her of waste. Yet, Jesus accepted her gift, rebuking her critics and declaring her offering a “beautiful thing.”
The parallel reading for this story found in Mark 14, informs us that the ointment was worth nearly a year’s wages (300 denarii or 300 days wages). And this unnamed woman poured the whole thing out upon Jesus. What crazy love is this? What extravagant generosity?
It is the only right response for those who have recognized and received Christ’s extravagant generosity towards us. The gospel and generosity always go hand in hand.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we give thanks for Your extravagant generosity towards us. You have given us life and all that we have. Even more, You have given us Your precious Son, Jesus, through whom we have been adopted into Your family. We pull our affections off of this world and put them upon You. We are determined to live a life of extravagant generosity as Your children, so that your gospel story includes us as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From: February 8, 2016
What Jesus said is true. Wherever the gospel is preached the story of a woman’s extravagant generosity towards Jesus is told. A woman in Bethany came up to him with “an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and poured it on his head” (Matt.26:7) causing those in attendance to accuse her of waste. Yet, Jesus accepted her gift, rebuking her critics and declaring her offering a “beautiful thing.” The parallel reading for this story found in Mark 14:3-9, informs us that the ointment was worth nearly a year’s wages (300 denarii or 300 days wages). And this unnamed woman poured the whole thing out upon Jesus. What crazy love is this? What extravagant generosity? It is the only right response for those who have recognized and received Christ’s crazy, extravagant generosity towards us.
From: February 8, 2015
A psalm of David, asking God for salvation based on God’s character of mercy rather than any sense of his own deserving it. It is a bold request, asking for God’s face to “shine upon” him, knowing that the Lord could rightfully look at his sinful life with a face darkened by wrath and displeasure. Yet, like a son seeking his father’s attention, David cried out, “Lord, look at me and let your face show your divine mercy and radiant joy towards me!” God answered David’s prayer, but at great cost. For in turning His face towards David in mercy, He later turned His face away from the Christ, the Son of David, while He died upon the cross for our sins.