Thoughts on the readings for February 24th (Exodus 37, Psalms 96, 97, 98, 99, 1 Corinthians 7)

Exodus 37 has a focus on the construction of the furniture for the Tabernacle. Verses 1-9 describe the making of the ark of the covenant, the only item of furniture in the Most Holy Place. The ark represented the presence of God through the Shekinah glory that the High Priest saw only once per year - on the Day of Atonement (or "coverings" ie of sins); dwelling between the cherubim. The box itself, made from acacia wood overlaid with gold represented our Lord Jesus Christ; as did the three items placed inside the ark. The lid and cherubim were made from a single piece of beaten gold and spoke of the atoning work of our Lord and his sacrifice for himself firstly; and for those his saints redeemed by his glorious offering. The dimensions of the ark and the instructions for its making were given by God to Moses in the Mount, as a pattern; and then provided via Moses to Bezaleel. Verses 10-16 describe the dimensions and appearance of the table of the shewbread (on which were placed 12 unleavened cakes - one for each of Israel's tribes - these were called "the bread of the faces" speaking of the saints serving the Almighty). This too was a box of acacia wood, which was overlaid with gold); and the table of shewbread was carried by means of acacia rods overlaid with gold; and these were passed through the four golden rings - one on each corner of the box. Verses 17-24 describe the the seven branched Lampstand, beaten into shape from a single solid golden piece. It spoke of the light of the LORD's Word illuminating a completely dark place. Its size is given and its appearance described. There was a central golden stem from which three pairs of extended curved arms were seen. It spoke of Christ as "the light of the world" (John 11:9). Seven symbolises perfection, that is, the number of the covenant. Stretching over the length of each branch were almond blossoms, their calyxes and flowers. The blooms of the almonds symbolised resurrection and new life. At the top of each branch was a bowl into which was poured the pure olive oil, which would burn brightly without smoke on a continual basis. The final item of furniture, in this chapter, was the altar of incense. We have already commented that the fragrant incense was a symbol of ascending prayer. The description of the altar and its utensils of gold are mentioned in verses 25-29. The altar itself was made from acacia wood overlaid with gold. Bezaleel also compounded the sweetly aromatic incense oil. Psalm 96 is about the worshiping of Yahweh in the beauty of holiness. His saints are called on to relate His glory and majestic deeds to the nations. His mighty doings have shown Him to be the all powerful and self existent, incomparable Sovereign. Creation shouts, that there is but One who made us - the dumb idols are voiceless in the face of His manifold witnesses - each one was made in His wisdom. Now in awe we bow before this loving Potentate. The earth will be judged righteously by His Son (Acts 17 verses 30-31). Psalm 97 declares that our God reigns. He is shrouded with clouds and other symbols of His greatness. His righteousness is universal - in heaven and earth - in all His realm. Idol makers and those whose trust is in those vanities will be put to shame. Zion the earth's capital city resonates with praise throughout the world. The LORD is the joy, strength and constant deliverer of the faithful. And for this they endlessly praise Him. Psalm 98 firstly calls upon the saints of our God to sing praises and make known His stedfast love. Israel were the first to benefit from His compassion; but says the psalmist, ultimately the entire earth will experience these blessings. All nature joins in His praise. And the reason for this is stated in verse 9; which repeats the refrain of Psalm 96 verses 13. Psalm 99 tells of the holiness of our God, who sits enthroned upon the cherubim. He executes His mighty deeds from there and His saints exalt and extol their Creator. Zion dispenses His just laws and merciful ways. Gathered there all present will see all His righteous saints - Moses, Aaron and Samuel, as a few who are named. They worshipped their Sovereign with reverence. And all the other faithful from every age will find their place in the Jerusalem of the kingdom age. How remarkable is our Lord. In the 7th chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul told of the importance of marriage in faithful service. One husband and one wife is the Divinely designed arrangement. But marriage is not for all as the chapter outlines. Verses 6-7 indicated that a single person is better placed to serve God, provided their passion can be contained, otherwise marriage would seem essential ( verse 36 reinforces this thought). The next section from Verses 12-16 says that the proper upbringing of children is dependent on harmony between a husband and a wife. This chapter also says that perseverance and faithfulness may convince a spouse to become a believer. From verses 17-24 advice is provided that we must give diligent service in the calling in which we have been called; whether single, or married. This is followed by advice for the widows and unmarried. The objective of being devoted and undistracted servants. Should this not be maintained, then marry - but only to a believer. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-24th-exodus-37-psalms-96-97-98-99-1-corinthians-7/?feed_id=85949&_unique_id=67bac702ea339