OT Fire Starters – Day 42: Exodus 40
READ: Exodus 40
THINK: Would you like God to speak to you in a more obvious way, giving unmistakable guidance for your life? Then again, what would you do if you actually heard God’s audible voice or saw a visible sign of His presence? Some people claim that such a sign would be all they need to believe in God or follow His plan for their lives. In reality, such a sign would terrify most of us. The fact is that God has spoken clearly to us already through His Word, which has never failed. Nothing need be added to His Word. Still, God will provide specific direction for our individual lives as we spend personal time in His Word and prayer. But why should He say more when He’s already told us so much that we’ve not yet applied? If we expect to hear more from God, we must respond obediently to what He’s already shown us.
RESPOND: Why did Moses anoint Aaron and his sons, the tabernacle and everything in it? What did this process represent? In what way were these things to be holy (i.e., pure, spiritually whole, separated from evil and devoted to God) and consecrated (i.e., set apart for God’s purposes)? In what way did these things represent God’s character and purposes? What is significant about why and how Moses set up everything associated with the tabernacle (vv. 16,19,21,23,25,29,32)? Why is it important for us to do as Moses did-just “as the LORD commanded,’ and how can we ensure that we do so? How did God respond when the work was finished? (See 40:34 note.) What did the visible presence of God in the cloud represent? How would you describe God’s “glory”? (See 40:34 note and the Glossary of Terms, starting on p. 2265 in the FBSE.) What’s the connection between people’s obedience and God’s presence? How did the people respond to the visible signs of God’s presence, and how did this affect their daily lives (vv. 36- 37)? What example does this set for you in regard to following God and fulfilling His purposes?
PRAY: Ask God to help you live in a manner that is worthy of identifying with Jesus. Seek a greater anointing of the Holy Spirit so you can more passionately and purposely fulfill God’s purposes for your life. Pray for God’s guidance and for the wisdom, insight and discipline to recognize and follow it.
ACT: Dedicate your possessions to God and make sure that you use them in a way that is responsible and God-honoring. This may mean that there are some things you need to get rid of. There are other things that you may be able to use for ministry or to help others. Also, if you sense that God has already given you direction that you’ve not yet followed, respond in obedience today and do what you know God wants you to do.