Daily Reading: Exodus 37
Scripture Focus: The whole of it [the lampstand] was a single piece of hammered work of pure gold. (Exodus 37.22b)
Devotional Thought: Pictures of grace! That's what I see when I read about the articles used in the service of the tabernacle. We no longer have a physical lampstand in a temple made with hands, but you and I - by grace! - are shining the light of Jesus in our world. We can do it better than a lampstand.
Consider the following traits of the lampstand and how they apply to us:
Entirety. The instructions were for "the whole of it." There were not areas outside the requirements of God. So it is with us. We are to present ourselves completely - nothing held back - to God.
Integrity. It would have been tempting to construct the lampstand out of various and sundry pieces, separately fabricated and then joined together. But God wanted it to be "a single piece." Greater strength, beauty, and performance are possible when an instrument is one piece. Think about "seamless service."
Maturity. The lampstand was more than a hunk of gold. It was to be "of hammered work." The smith heated and hammered the gold into shape. In much the same way, we discipline ourselves to grow in the Lord. Maturity comes at a high and sometimes painful price!
Purity. Impurities in the gold would cause problems both in the shaping process and in the usage of the lampstand. When we try to hold on to sin, we become difficult to work with and sometimes even snap under pressure! It is so important that God purifies us!
Are you completely given over to God, in all parts of your life, growing in holiness? You can be. You should be. You're better than a lampstand!
Prayer: Lord, just as you gave Moses instructions for the articles of the tabernacle, so you have given me grace that I might serve you with my whole heart, pleasing in every way. Help me to grow into the grace you have given me! Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- 10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalms 91:9-16)
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