READING: Exodus 25-27
I can think of a number of things that amaze me.
Airplanes amaze me. I have no idea how tons of material somehow fly tens of thousands of feet in the air.
Nature amazes me. To see ecosystems of life in the tiniest crevice of a rock is fascinating.
Babies amaze me. There’s no way apart from God to explain how a sperm and an egg can unite to become a human being with a unique personality.
But do you know what most amazes me today? These words in today’s reading, a reading about the details of the tabernacle that sometimes seem tedious, if not boring:
“They are to make a sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them.” (Exo. 25:8)
“I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you from there about all that command you I regarding the Israelites.” (Exo. 25:22)
The Creator God who is so holy that we cannot enter His presence has chosen to be in relationship with us. He’s not some distant God who just put creation in motion and stepped aside. No, He lives among us — in us, even. He meets with us, though on His terms rather than ours. He speaks to us, communicating to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. When we’re covered in the sacrificed blood of His Son, He invites us to the mountain to hear His voice and see His glory.
That’s what amazes me today.
And when that wonder of God’s grace overwhelms me, everything the enemy offers me loses its power. His lures are no longer inviting if they separate me from the One who loves me.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- Take ten minutes, and make a list of God’s attributes that ought to amaze you.
- Get into the book of Exodus. Imagine hearing God give you the directions for the tabernacle, including everything related to sacrifice and access to Him. Then, choose to live today the way Moses was commanded to build the tabernacle — just exactly as God commands.
PRAYER: “Father, I have no right to even talk to You today. Yet, You meet me, dwell within me, and speak to me. I do more than sing the song today: I really do stand amazed in Your presence.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 28-29