October 29 | Exodus 32:7-21

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DAILY READING

Exodus 32:7-21

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REFLECTION

God Forgives His People

by Elaine Pierce

Moses was on the mountain 40 days, and in that time the Israelites tired of waiting for their leader to return. So they decided to turn to gods of their own making, and Aaron helped them fashion a golden calf from their gold earrings.

40 days. You may recall that Jesus was tempted in the desert by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights. Lent, the time before Easter of fasting and prayer, is 40 days (not including Sundays). We see the significance of time throughout scripture, and 40 days seems to be important.

God's response to the people's sin—creating an idol and then engaging in dancing and worship of this idol—is righteous anger. Moses' response to God's anger is to plead for forgiveness for his wayward people. When Moses actually sees the idol, his anger burns with bright fury (see verses 19-20). And Aaron' response—Aaron who enabled this sinful behavior—is to excuse their actions (You know how these people are, Moses—what else could I do?).

The Israelites did not deserve God's favor. They could not wait 40 days without their leader before they turned from God and created their own idol. Before you judge them too harshly, take some time to reflect on your own life. Have you prayed for something and given up when you didn't get the answer you wanted? Have you quickly taken the easy way out of a difficult situation and not stood up for what is right? Reflect on these words in 2 Peter 3:8-9:

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

PRAYER

Lord, we come to you as a sinful people, and we ask forgiveness for the many times and the many ways we fail to honor you. Thank you for the gift only you can give us, and help us each day to serve you. Amen.

October 28 | Exodus 31:12-18

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DAILY READING

Exodus 31:12-18

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REFLECTION

Rest

by Mary Alice McGinnis

Rest. What comes to mind when you hear this word? Is taking time to rest easy or hard for you?

Do you have someone in your life who seldom seems satisfied? They are never happy or pleased with anything? Have you had a parent, a teacher, a boss, a coach, or another loved one that seemed to find fault with everything? Living up to their expectations seemed exhausting and impossible. Just being in their presence causes anxiety and stress. In the presence of such individuals, we can never rest. It is impossible to have a deeply intimate relationship. If we are honest, it is not because of their expectations, but because deep down we know we are flawed. Their voice often confirms the thought we already have in our heads.

So, what do we do? We relentlessly look to either defend ourselves or hide away. We either armor up like a warrior to protect and defend, or we run and hide like a fugitive fearful of being found out.

Neither a warrior in the heat of a battle, nor a fugitive in hiding will ever be at rest.

I find it interesting that after the giving of the Ten Commandments, the ceremonial laws, civil laws, and laws of justice and mercy, and all the instructions on how to set up the Tabernacle and the priesthood, God now commands the people to Sabbath rest.

How can we possibly rest? We know we don't measure up. We know we are not perfect. And as a result, how could we ever have a relationship with an Almighty, Holy God? How could we ever rest in His presence?

We have trouble resting because we are striving to either measure up or hide. But I want you to notice something different about why God rested.

"For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore, the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Exodus 20:11)

God did not need rest because He was tired. He did not feel weary. He was not exhausted by His work of creation. He rested because He work was completed.

Remember Jesus' words from the cross? As the day before the Sabbath day was coming to an end on that Good Friday, He declared: “It is finished.”

All the requirements of the law, all the things necessary to please the Heavenly Father, every righteous requirement had been fulfilled. God's plan was to redeem the world, and Jesus’ work of redemption for us was finished. Jesus rested in the grave on that holy Saturday, and then on Easter Sunday declared His victory.

This verse from today's reading jumped out at me:

"You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy."

Jesus did for us what we are unable to do for ourselves. We could never make ourselves pure enough. But we no longer need to defend ourselves. We no longer need to run and hide.

We have the freedom to rest in the presence of the Almighty, Holy God who has made us holy, washing us clean and pure in His sight.

PRAYER

Thank You, Jesus, that you declared - It is finished.

Thank You that You invite us, “Come all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When I am feeling anxious or worried or tired, help me find my rest in Your unchanging grace!

October 27 | Exodus 31:1-11

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DAILY READING

Exodus 31:1-11

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REFLECTION

Called and Equipped, Now Obey

by Judy Webb

We have all heard that God has a plan for our lives. I understand this plan includes my Spiritual Gifts, and how I use them. Our gifts complement our passions and often those things we truly enjoy doing. And it just makes sense that God would do this, but sometimes it doesn’t happen this way. Sometimes following our calling involves obedience to pursue God’s way as we move forward in readiness to serve where needed.

“They are to make them just as I commanded you [Moses]." (Exodus 31:11b)

This may not lead us into comfortable areas but may challenge us to take on a task we are inexperienced in; God will equip us to accomplish the task He has called us to carry out.

In today’s reading it is reasonable to assume that Bazalel and Ohaliah had the gift of craftsmanship, for their task was enormous…to build the Tabernacle. “I have chosen Bezalel…and have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.” (Exodus 31:2-3a) God also provided a partner and other skilled workers to make everything as he commanded.

Sometimes God calls us to serve Him in ways we feel ill-equipped to handle. He assigns us projects way outside our ability and comfort zone. Can you think of a time when you were in a situation like this? Maybe, overnight, you became the caregiver for a spouse. Did God give you what you needed to care for and love in ways you never imagined? God will equip us to accomplish the task He has called us to carry out.

Perhaps you lost your job and are looking for a new employment and an opportunity popped out of nowhere; a job you would love, but had no talents or gifts to offer? God will equip us to accomplish the task He has called us to carry out.

PRAYER

God,

As we consider our gifts and the needs of others, help us see what you may have set right in front of us. Remind us to acknowledge our Spiritual gifts and use them every day for your glory. Amen.