Exodus 25 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
“Worship-where it is done, how it is done, by whom it is done, with whom is done, with what it is done – would dominate the the rest of the Sinai covenant, that is the law through the rest of Exodus, through all of Leviticus, and up to Numbers 10:10,” writes Stuart in his brief introduction to chapters 25-31:18 in his commentary on Exodus. Further he writes, “Worship is the first, most basic response of a true believer to the true God. It should begin immediately upon conversion, continue with regularity and consistency throughout the rest of life, and will be continued forever in heaven.”
Observe that God is telling Moses this information. Moses is then to tell the people. This pattern is duplicated time and time again. This is a good reminder for us. God doesn’t need any help to soften or strengthen his message. If you relay any of God’s messages, just be faithful to the message.
Also reflect on the following, “From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me” v. 2. The offering God wants is giving done freely and willingly. I am so happy that my parents taught me to give at a very early age. Because of God’s grace, I have made giving a regular practice all my life. Teach your children at a young age. Second, although the giving is always to people, our giving is essentially to God. We do not give our money to God directly nor does it go directly to heaven. You give to people who pay salaries, electric bills, and a host of mundane bills. Yet, if we truly give the way the Lord wants us to, we are giving to the One who saved us. The giver, those who make decisions regarding these gifts, and all who ask for payments need to remember this. We do all this for the glory of God.
Also, one might think these travelers had nothing to give since they left Egypt in haste. Remember, they did plunder the Egyptians. They evidently had more things than we would think. Maybe that should remind us that if the Israelites on the exodus had all this wealth to give to God, we might have more to give than we realize.
Verse 8 is most interesting: “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” God wants to dwell in their midst. God is teaching them how He will dwell but he is making it clear that this is good for them. More surprisingly, He wants to dwell with us. This is the essence of being a believer: living your life surrounded by and centered in the presence of God. What is more precious than this? We live coram Deo – before the face of God every moment of our lives. He protects us, loves us, corrects us, and draws us to Himself.
Notice the concern God has for beauty. God gives specific details about the objects in worship. Is it a stretch to observe that God, who is a Spirit, cares about beauty that we can see and experience? He must love the world He created because the lampstand is fashioned after almonds brances. Why so much beauty? Why does a God who does not look on outward appearances seemingly care so much about outward appearances . . . in worship. Are not all of our senses involved in worship? Worship, created by and directed to a Spiritual being, is made for physical beings like you and me
Remember that you can worship anywhere and anytime. Since God in “in their (your) midst, He sees everything. He cares about you. So talk to you about your life. Tell Him what you are worried about, what you are excited about. Worship Him by praising Him for the good things you enjoy and worship Him for the difficult events or people in your life.
Regarding public worship, one important aspect of worship: keep making this a priority. We need each other and they need us. Hopefully, our concerns for Covid will grow less and less over time. So, if for a time, you feel you need to be away, realize that worshipping together is the norm. Worshipping together is a privilege that we ought not take for granted. And worship . . . “will be continued forever in heaven.”