Our sermon yesterday was on the verses where Peter walks on water. It was called, “Rescue Me.” I love when God’s timing aligns in these ways for an extra “wink.”
it’s been a minute since i’ve read about how john the baptist died and that is sad. then to continue reading and see immediately after how Jesus fed the 5,000. i love to read these stories. they never get old. reading about Jesus walking on water as well. it’s amazing!
in exodus and reading about the details about aaron’s robe and how it should be made was a lot. i was thinking how will they remember all of this but everything that was said had a lot of details and was straight to the point of how this rob should be made. we can’t forget the details for the tabernacle and the temple. there’s so much that will have to go into all or these things. there was a purpose for all of this.
I was intrigued by the detailed description and instruction of how to make Aaron’s robe and wondered how heavy it was to wear and did a little more research on that and read a number of articles about it but this blog from an earlier Bible study from SRT stresses the importance of the red thread and the significance of the redemption story being woven throughout the OT, WOW!!!! such good news! https://shereadstruth.com/making-the-priestly-garments/
Jesus went away to grieve the loss of his dear brother John the Baptist, his forerunner, what a great witness, John died for calling out Sin as Sin and not covering up or compromising just because He was a ruler or great man. So blessed by today’s reading.
I’ve read the passage of Peter walking on the water towards Jesus so many times, but today it struck me differently. I was able to relate to it in a very personal way. When I’m called by Jesus (God) to do something, as long as I keep my eyes on Him, I can do it through remaining steadfast in my faith. When I take my eyes off of Him, only then do I fail/fall. But…He forgives me nonetheless. He understands my humanness. When I fall, He picks me back up – every single time. ❤️
This is the first time I’ve realized that Jesus feeding the masses took place immediately after he heard his cousin and friend, John the Baptist, was beheaded. He even went away for some alone time to grieve. And when he saw the people gathered, he stopped his grieving and had compassion and healed them. Wow.
I need to follow Jesus’ (always perfect) example and help/minister to others when I’m experiencing heartache.
I’m always so sad to read about the death of John the Baptist. He was beheaded for what seems like jealousy. Jesus continued to preach the word in his grief and fed over 5,000 with the loaves and fish. What a God moment.
Peter took his focus off of Jesus and that is when he started to sink. He called out ” Lord save me” and Jesus immediately reached out to him. Many times when we go through difficult things we blame the Lord when in reality we took our focus off of God. When things get hard and we start to sync we need to put our focus back on the Lord instead of the wind
Two things amazed me here in Matthew:
1. When Jesus heard about John the Baptist, he withdrew to be alone, seemingly deeply saddened. Yet when we came back shore, “he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick”. Even through Jesus’ hurt and pain, he continued to heal and give to others. Glory be.
2. I was amazed that even after Peter himself walked in water, that he doubted the Lord. He was WALKING ON WATER and it still wasn’t enough. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Lord, may I never doubt who or what You are, to myself or to others. I am Your child and You are my Father. May I praise you again and again!
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” How often we could say this to ourselves when we doubt and hem later truly call out and cast our fears into the Lord, only to realize he has had our back the entire time.
May we also remember we are consecrated and set apart, holy to the Lord to be vessels of mercy that bring glory to His name. May we not profane ourselves by dedicating ourselves to things not glorifying to God.
The detail the colors the ornaments all must represent glory. Gods vision is glorious. Oh how I would love to see these robes and tabernacle. Just looking at the landscapes, sunsets, even the cloud formation against a royal blue sky, explains the artistry in our God vision, so beautiful and detailed.
And when Jesus learns of his cousin, His pain was keep in solitary, reaching for God for strength. And He continued to reach out and heal the people with their needs. Creating miracles satisfying thousands. Our God, He is a giving God full of love and meaningful beauty. I am so thankful and feel so blessed and see His beauty everywhere I go.
There has to be something to all this detail in Exodus. Down to the last thread God designed His tabernacle and temple. He even detailed what the priest should wear. Could it be the same way he is going to prepare a place for us?
A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit evaluation on this. And he actually bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If potential, as you turn out to be expertise, would you thoughts updating your blog with more particulars? It’s highly helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog put up!
One thing that really struck me with the Exodus passage is that they were using Gold, Bronze, and Silver…the same articles He had them take from the Egyptians. I love how Jesus will allow us to overcome our enemies and still show us that it is for HIS glory!
Matthew 14:19 Jesus is telling the people to sit while he served them. I think Jesus and God are telling you that you have to sit and be patient and God will feed you
Jesus must have been heartbroken to hear of his cousin John — he retreated, because he wanted to be alone in his grief but the crowds followed him. And then, in the midst of his grief, he demonstrates love & heals their sick, feeds the multitudes, walks on water. Could it be that his vulnerable place of suffering enabled the power of God to work through him all the more? ! And it brings me to tears thinking of my savior extending that love to the masses, even though he himself felt broken and sad, he ministered to his people. How much more should we then minister to that stranger in the grocery store, that girl on our block who seems to like all the wrong guys, our weird neighbor. Even when we don’t feel like it.
And ladies. Look how Herodias used her daughter to carry out the execution plan of John the Baptist. A scary call to examine our own hearts, as our kids are always watching and emulating our behavior! I only wonder how old that girl was, and how much she already knew about the situation before making her request.
Sorry- won’t let me edit …. What I was trying to say was that Jesus set aside his own grief to minister to the crowds. Lord you are so amazing trying to say
Matt 12: 23-31 I’ve read the story of Peter walking on water before but now it’s suddenly resonating with me. Without the Lord, we begin to sink just as Peter did. We look at the wind, all the troubles of this world and all the sin, and become scared, which causes us to lose our faith in the power of Jesus. I pray that the Lord will teach me how I can have faith in him despite daily struggles, and that I can uphold a consistent faith in Him!!!
Reminds me of the song about this story: “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander that my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.”
It’s crazy to think that even though the Israelites wondered in the desert for years they were still able to build the tabernacle. Using gold and luxurious thread to create such a beautiful masterpiece where they could worship God. I love the saying ‘the WILL of God will not take you where the GRACE of God will not cover you’. Although they wondered for years, God still blessed them. It’s not always about the place that your in, but rather the fruit that you bear that shows God’s work in your life. To think building a tabernacle from gold, bronze and other things whilst being in the desert is so amazing that it must be God!
One of my favorite images showing all the details of the Tabernacle and the High Priests garments. A great explanation and it helps so much to see it visually!! http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1001061225
Praise the LORD for Jesus coming and making things new, because I just am blown away at all of the rules and regulations showing up in Exodus! God is all Sovereign, and I am not doubting his reason for all of this but WOW…what a lot of stuff they had to create…in the DESERT!
I was really drawn to the part in Exodus when it says that each tribe is a gemstone represented on the clothing of Aaron when he enters into the holy place…gemstones are a rarity, prized possessions, beautiful things of the earth. How cool is it that each tribe is represented in their own gemstone and is “brought in” to the holy place?! These details are HARD to read through, but little things that stick out like that are awesome!
I too am grateful that we live under Grace and not the Law now. The fact that we can sit with God whenever we need, without formal ceremony or a middleman. Reading Exodus has served to remind me the incredible gift that he has given us. That I am able to sit and study his words with my sisters. Though I still want to come to him with my best, I am able to come to him at any time and be received, heard and loved. I pray I never take that for granted.
Praise God for giving them the things they needed! He told them what they needed and he provided it for them, even if it was a rarity. How great He is!
I love that Jesus, who was sad by the death of John, never stopped His ministry or His love for people. The Bible says He went off to be alone and then saw the people and He had compassion on them, so He healed them. How often do I let my personal feelings and life get me down to the point where I’m not thinking of others? Such a great reminder that the ministry isn’t about me, it’s about them.
Were did the Israelites get all of this gold ,wood, and fine stones to build the tabernacle? I know that they got some from the Egyptians but it doesn’t seem like they would have the resources to build something like this.
I know that God ensured they “plundered” the wealth of Egypt before they left, which is when the Egyptians gave them gold, precious stones and things of great value when they fled. But I was wondering where they got all the wood in the desert? I suppose my idea of a desert is different than where they were. I imagine West Texas, where my family is from, very hot, arrid and only full of shrubs and cactus.
I think it’s important to reflect on the Matthew 14 passage, where Jesus is sharing the loaves of bread and fish to feed thousands and in the end has more baskets of both than when they started. We serve a mighty God in whom all things are possible if we only follow his commands. Our human minds cannot understand the beauty of his plan. We have to have faith that if God has asked something of us, he will provide the means.
I found it interesting and somewhat funny that Aaron had to wear a big ol’ stamp on his forehead saying HOLY TO THE LORD. But we also wear that stamp that God puts on us when we are saved. How amazing that God sees us as Holy!
Still one of the saddest things in the gospels to me. His cousin, whom he loved, and the man who prepared the way for his ministry has just been murdered at the whim of a teenager & Jesus needs a minute to mourn. Rather than respecting that, the crowds need more from him RIGHT NOW! They follow him &, instead of reacting harshly out of grief, he feels compassion towards them. He’s living what he told his disciples, “let the dead bury the dead.” I’m proud of him, baffled by him, and want to hug him all in one. It hurts so much that he was forced not only to mourn without outward solace, but that no one thought of his needs above theirs, even for a minute.
How often to I ignore the pain someone else is feeling to push my own agenda without even realizing it?
Even though one of Jesus’s best friends had just died, he did not take the time to mourn until all his work for that day, for the Lord, was finished. He ministered all day and fed over 5,000 people. When that was finished he went to a solitary place to pray. What an incredible example of putting oneself and our feelings aside In order to do what God calls us to do.
I’m curious if anyone knows if the Jewish synagogues or temples include replicas of any of the items described in Exodus …such as the oil lamp that burns from morning to night or the hangings woven from fine linen…to see this in real life may help us to understand and take more interest in it all
I can’t help but humming Hillsong’s Oceans (where feet may fail) in my head everytime I read Peter’s story in Matthew! I just love love love this song! I pray that I’ll be open to step into the great unknown whenever God calls me and that I’ll find Him in the mystery. Peter’s faithfulness amazes me everytime, and even though he starts to sink he doesn’t try to swim on his own but calls out for Jesus to help him. What I also love is that Jesus enters the boat with Peter. He doesn’t say “great, now that you’re here, we can go the whole way”, but He brings Peter back to where he feels save. Yes, God calls us upon the water and He’ll be with us, but He’ll bring us back into the boat too :)
I just went to You Tube and listened to this song again. It’s one of my favorites too Christine, and definitely connected to these verses in Matthew. Thanks for your comments – great insight!
The details in Exodus are a little hard to stay focused on, but God couldn’t be expected to not be specific to details. He is our creator and the creator of all things and look at the specific detail he used there.
I couldn’t agree with you more Nikki! There were a few times I had to reread the verse but it amazing and beautiful how detailed our Creator is, and we should feel honored to be His creation :)
I echo what others have said about Exodus. I’m overwhelmed by the detail but appreciative of it. I’ve also prayed before reading these chapters that God would reveal small parts to me and that I would remain focused enough to see them. Sometimes that’s through comments here (thank you all) and sometimes it’s like this verse: 3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
I am a “maker,” and I spin, weave, knit, create..and I’ve often wondered why God gives us these gifts and desires and what that can mean for the kingdom. This verse reminded me that for some reason, “he has given us wisdom for these matters” and I feel at peace..there is a plan for makers and artists, and wouldn’t it be amazing to be doing that in Heaven? Love this! :-)
I felt the same way when I read the references to skilled weavers, yarn , etc. I crochet and make other things. Reading this passage makes me want to see how I can use my God given skills in praise of him and his kingdom. I wish I had the answer . I’m sure it will come in time. I just need to be patient and wait.
Mona, one of the ways I have been working on this is to make things for charity auctions, or to do a prayer piece..a gift like a prayer shawl where I pray for the person I am making it for. Not everything fits into these categories but it’s nice to try to make things connect that way.
I’m a maker too :) I’ve been doing a bit of weaving the last few days. The idea of God giving the wisdom to weave a garment for Aaron is so rewarding to me.
Wow Laura, I never thought about it that way , it’s so true though. How easy is it for us to focus on what we don’t have than what we do have. God help me to realize that despite what I lack, I have Jesus and your Holy Spirit and that is all I need.
Lauren, I struggle sometimes when reading this stuff, too. It’s so different from the earlier stories of exodus and genesis when it felt like EVERYTHING applied but now its not so much that way. However, like others have said, I do pray before I read and ask God to reveal something to me. Honestly, reading all of these specifications and details makes me realize just how precious of a gift Jesus Christ on the cross was for us. We are no longer bound by the law. We don’t have to make animal sacrifices. God did that with His Son. We don’t have to measure our temples and wear specific robes and tunics. We are free because of Jesus Christ!
There are a lot of cool things to be found throughout all the details of exodus! The tabernacle in itself was a sign–usually pagan tabernacles were built as stairways with the “holy of holies” up at the top. God put His tabernacle/holy of holies on the ground signifying that He is a God who dwells with us. There are also many things that point to Jesus: the only way you could enter was through the gate, Jesus said He was the gate. The golden lampstand symbolizes the light of God for the seven days of the week, Jesus said He is the light of the world. The table of showbread symbolizes how God provided for them, Jesus is the Bread of Life. There’s a lot to be found but it is tedious to find! At the very least I know I read exodus and am just thankful I have the Holy Spirit and don’t need to present sacrifices but can just pray and confess what’s going on with me! God is still a God who dwells with us!
Matthew 14:30 “But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”. How often to I look at the waves and storms of life and become overwhelmed and frightened. And I begin to sink into unbelief and despair. But where do I look for Hope?
Seeing Aaron as the people’s mediator before God reminded me of how Christ is our mediator now. He regularly goes before God and presents his righteousness before his presence to cover our sins. He bore all our guilt and shame at the cross so that now we stand shameless and guiltless before the creator . Seeing all these details and regulations of the sacrificial system made me realize just how far the chasm is between God and man. We should not deserve to meet him the way that we do now. He tore the veil and took away this whole system so that we can have a right standing with him, and that the fellowship that he originally intended for man to have in the garden might be restored
Amen! Thank you so much for your words. I was able to really connect with them and it gave me a fresh perspective of Jesus interceding for us constantly on our behalf in front of His Father. Beautiful imagery.
God said “make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.” Why would God, the creator and master of all things, care about Aaron’s dignity & honor? How profound that God specifically has a calling for each of us. He cares in the detail of that calling too. Ultimately to bring Him honor, yet He wants us to be partners in His plan!
Now, there was only ~that~ Aaron that had that specific calling. God specifically called for Aaron! While sometimes it is easy to look at the people that stand out, and feel a bit of jealousy not being like him or her…and even though some have greater responsibilities, each person has their specific calling.
Being a mom is a calling. Maybe not cherished too much, and some days it may not “feel” like such a calling, but as small as it is in comparison to what we think as a “calling”…it is our calling. Not all of us are mothers either…well, maybe not to a specific child, but maybe a mother in a different way! I love that God knew who he wanted and specifically knew his name. I love that as small as our job may seem (whatever it may be), it is important to God, therefore it matters! May this encourage us today!!
1. How incredible this story in the New Testament is! Peter is my favourite disciple to read about – he’s so full of passion and energy! I wonder what was going through Jesus’ mind when he saw the crowds in his grief – I wonder how his humanity and his divinity may have conflicted here. I know Jesus was fully God and also fully Man, but sometimes I wish the Bible was more clear on how that worked…
2. Guys, I really find all this stuff in Exodus incredibly dull. I know that’s wrong of me, but I’m totally skimming. Dreading Leviticus and Numbers.
I know how you feel! I used to honestly feel this way, but I really started praying about that and asking God to really help me understand and even enjoy the parts of the Bible where I found it boring, because if it’s in the Bible then it must be important. God then started showing me how much of a detail oriented God He is. All the details, small or large, insignificant or not, He cares about.
Praying for you Lauren, that God would begin to reveal Himself to you even in the parts you don’t like.
maybe if you can find a good nap of the tabernacle and pictures of the various items, you’d be able to pick out the details and it might be more interesting?
I thought of your first comment. The so detailed God in OT in comparison to the compassionate Jesus in NT, may give a slight perspective in the “fully God also fully man”… God has every detail covered to the point that we can lose perspective…then Jesus comes in as our “mediator” passing by those “extra God details”, going straight to the compassion side. Just my own little visual & comparison twist. :)
On your second comment. Love it! Be real always, and feeling a certain way is not wrong. When I started reading yesterday’s passages, I thought like you too. Then God revealed to me a few interesting points. Then I saw some of my points being reflected by others too. And learned some additional points, I didn’t think about at all, from the many posted comments. My two cents: don’t dread it…let God reveal the points He wants to reveal to you. It may be just two words, or you may just need to let it sink in for a bit. It is easy to struggle with some of the topics…but as you can see, you are not alone. We just need to continue on.
Lauren, it helps me to read it in a modern version like the NLT. What spoke to me was that the priests garments were to be “glorious and beautiful”. And how Aaron had to “carry” the names of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders and over his heart. The High Priest had such a heavy burden.
I used to find all the details of offerings, temples, and priest boring too. it wasn’t until I started to understand their importance in preparing us for Christ’s own death and in the institution of the Church that I love the details. There is nothing greater in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. Everything in the Old points to the New.
I was really moved by the selflessness of Jesus that when his cousin, John, had been beheaded, he tried to go off alone but was instead followed by the crowds, AND HE TOOK CARE OF THEM! in the middle of his grief, he was still taking care of others. Even his disciples suggested that he send them away, but he wouldn’t. If only I were this selfless.
that’s what stuck out for me too, after so many times of hearing this story. thst Jesus put his own mourning aside to minister to people who were so hungry to hear what he had to say.
This is exactly what I was thinking Becky! How often do we allow our grief or situation stop us from doing the things God has sent us to do. It’s really encouraging to see Jesus taking his focus off of how he was feeling to help others in need. I pray the Lord makes us more like him.
i also love how Christ knew, of heaven and eternal life etc but didnt allow this wisdom to prevent him from grieving. he made himswlf vulnerable, and opened himswlf to this emotion. perhaps to learn how His disciples would later feel. but either way, he set aside wisdowm for emotion, yet at the same time didnt allow that emotion to hinder Gods purpose. we too are to get on board and share emotion with others so we may understand their situations and bring glory to God by having compassion
At this point, Aaron hadn’t done anything. the whole golden calf incident isn’t for 5 more chapters yet! That is why I’ve always been stunned by the whole episode…here he’s been made a priest, he’s seen God working for what seems like a long time, they have this tabernacle being constructed, and he still gives in when the people want a pagan god to worship. Not so different from us, but still amazing every time I read it.
Our sermon yesterday was on the verses where Peter walks on water. It was called, “Rescue Me.” I love when God’s timing aligns in these ways for an extra “wink.”
it’s been a minute since i’ve read about how john the baptist died and that is sad. then to continue reading and see immediately after how Jesus fed the 5,000. i love to read these stories. they never get old. reading about Jesus walking on water as well. it’s amazing!
in exodus and reading about the details about aaron’s robe and how it should be made was a lot. i was thinking how will they remember all of this but everything that was said had a lot of details and was straight to the point of how this rob should be made. we can’t forget the details for the tabernacle and the temple. there’s so much that will have to go into all or these things. there was a purpose for all of this.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27
I was intrigued by the detailed description and instruction of how to make Aaron’s robe and wondered how heavy it was to wear and did a little more research on that and read a number of articles about it but this blog from an earlier Bible study from SRT stresses the importance of the red thread and the significance of the redemption story being woven throughout the OT, WOW!!!! such good news! https://shereadstruth.com/making-the-priestly-garments/
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Jesus went away to grieve the loss of his dear brother John the Baptist, his forerunner, what a great witness, John died for calling out Sin as Sin and not covering up or compromising just because He was a ruler or great man. So blessed by today’s reading.
I’ve read the passage of Peter walking on the water towards Jesus so many times, but today it struck me differently. I was able to relate to it in a very personal way. When I’m called by Jesus (God) to do something, as long as I keep my eyes on Him, I can do it through remaining steadfast in my faith. When I take my eyes off of Him, only then do I fail/fall. But…He forgives me nonetheless. He understands my humanness. When I fall, He picks me back up – every single time. ❤️
So true.. ❤
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If I just touch His garment I will be well
This is the first time I’ve realized that Jesus feeding the masses took place immediately after he heard his cousin and friend, John the Baptist, was beheaded. He even went away for some alone time to grieve. And when he saw the people gathered, he stopped his grieving and had compassion and healed them. Wow.
I need to follow Jesus’ (always perfect) example and help/minister to others when I’m experiencing heartache.
I’m always so sad to read about the death of John the Baptist. He was beheaded for what seems like jealousy. Jesus continued to preach the word in his grief and fed over 5,000 with the loaves and fish. What a God moment.
Peter took his focus off of Jesus and that is when he started to sink. He called out ” Lord save me” and Jesus immediately reached out to him. Many times when we go through difficult things we blame the Lord when in reality we took our focus off of God. When things get hard and we start to sync we need to put our focus back on the Lord instead of the wind
Spring. The promise of new life. Dead living again.
I love this story!
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Jesus is so powerful. Why should we doubt and think we can help ourselves more than he can?
Two things amazed me here in Matthew:
1. When Jesus heard about John the Baptist, he withdrew to be alone, seemingly deeply saddened. Yet when we came back shore, “he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick”. Even through Jesus’ hurt and pain, he continued to heal and give to others. Glory be.
2. I was amazed that even after Peter himself walked in water, that he doubted the Lord. He was WALKING ON WATER and it still wasn’t enough. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Lord, may I never doubt who or what You are, to myself or to others. I am Your child and You are my Father. May I praise you again and again!
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” How often we could say this to ourselves when we doubt and hem later truly call out and cast our fears into the Lord, only to realize he has had our back the entire time.
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31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Amen!-ellie
May we also remember we are consecrated and set apart, holy to the Lord to be vessels of mercy that bring glory to His name. May we not profane ourselves by dedicating ourselves to things not glorifying to God.
The detail the colors the ornaments all must represent glory. Gods vision is glorious. Oh how I would love to see these robes and tabernacle. Just looking at the landscapes, sunsets, even the cloud formation against a royal blue sky, explains the artistry in our God vision, so beautiful and detailed.
And when Jesus learns of his cousin, His pain was keep in solitary, reaching for God for strength. And He continued to reach out and heal the people with their needs. Creating miracles satisfying thousands. Our God, He is a giving God full of love and meaningful beauty. I am so thankful and feel so blessed and see His beauty everywhere I go.
Day 57
There has to be something to all this detail in Exodus. Down to the last thread God designed His tabernacle and temple. He even detailed what the priest should wear. Could it be the same way he is going to prepare a place for us?
A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit evaluation on this. And he actually bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If potential, as you turn out to be expertise, would you thoughts updating your blog with more particulars? It’s highly helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog put up!
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
One thing that really struck me with the Exodus passage is that they were using Gold, Bronze, and Silver…the same articles He had them take from the Egyptians. I love how Jesus will allow us to overcome our enemies and still show us that it is for HIS glory!
Matthew 14:19 Jesus is telling the people to sit while he served them. I think Jesus and God are telling you that you have to sit and be patient and God will feed you
Jesus must have been heartbroken to hear of his cousin John — he retreated, because he wanted to be alone in his grief but the crowds followed him. And then, in the midst of his grief, he demonstrates love & heals their sick, feeds the multitudes, walks on water. Could it be that his vulnerable place of suffering enabled the power of God to work through him all the more? ! And it brings me to tears thinking of my savior extending that love to the masses, even though he himself felt broken and sad, he ministered to his people. How much more should we then minister to that stranger in the grocery store, that girl on our block who seems to like all the wrong guys, our weird neighbor. Even when we don’t feel like it.
And ladies. Look how Herodias used her daughter to carry out the execution plan of John the Baptist. A scary call to examine our own hearts, as our kids are always watching and emulating our behavior! I only wonder how old that girl was, and how much she already knew about the situation before making her request.
Yes, Im starting to think what about Jesus? What about God? God had no one when he lost his son. Just breaks my heart.
Yes I was thinking what horror she must have had carrying a human head on a platter because her mother told her to! I’d be scarred for life!
For some reason, I never realized that Jesus ministered the crowds of his own grief today he found out his cousin John was beheaded
Sorry- won’t let me edit …. What I was trying to say was that Jesus set aside his own grief to minister to the crowds. Lord you are so amazing trying to say
I noticed this today, too Gail :)
Wow thank you for sharing that!!
Matt 12: 23-31 I’ve read the story of Peter walking on water before but now it’s suddenly resonating with me. Without the Lord, we begin to sink just as Peter did. We look at the wind, all the troubles of this world and all the sin, and become scared, which causes us to lose our faith in the power of Jesus. I pray that the Lord will teach me how I can have faith in him despite daily struggles, and that I can uphold a consistent faith in Him!!!
Couldn’t have said it better. God is so good.
Reminds me of the song about this story: “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander that my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.”
Yeeeeees! Such a great song.
I’ve never read this much of Exodus before and it is confusing! I would love a SRT study on just Exodus to help explain its purpose!
Yes! Me too!!! That’s a great idea.
I know an amazing exodus study!! It’s by Jen Wilkin!
It’s crazy to think that even though the Israelites wondered in the desert for years they were still able to build the tabernacle. Using gold and luxurious thread to create such a beautiful masterpiece where they could worship God. I love the saying ‘the WILL of God will not take you where the GRACE of God will not cover you’. Although they wondered for years, God still blessed them. It’s not always about the place that your in, but rather the fruit that you bear that shows God’s work in your life. To think building a tabernacle from gold, bronze and other things whilst being in the desert is so amazing that it must be God!
Love that! Never thought about that aspect. That God provided even though they were in the wilderness! Wow!
Thanks Jess for the link! Some of these images are very similar to the Catholic Church; the priests garments and all the gold utensils.
One of my favorite images showing all the details of the Tabernacle and the High Priests garments. A great explanation and it helps so much to see it visually!! http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1001061225
Praise the LORD for Jesus coming and making things new, because I just am blown away at all of the rules and regulations showing up in Exodus! God is all Sovereign, and I am not doubting his reason for all of this but WOW…what a lot of stuff they had to create…in the DESERT!
I was really drawn to the part in Exodus when it says that each tribe is a gemstone represented on the clothing of Aaron when he enters into the holy place…gemstones are a rarity, prized possessions, beautiful things of the earth. How cool is it that each tribe is represented in their own gemstone and is “brought in” to the holy place?! These details are HARD to read through, but little things that stick out like that are awesome!
Amazing take away!
I too am grateful that we live under Grace and not the Law now. The fact that we can sit with God whenever we need, without formal ceremony or a middleman. Reading Exodus has served to remind me the incredible gift that he has given us. That I am able to sit and study his words with my sisters. Though I still want to come to him with my best, I am able to come to him at any time and be received, heard and loved. I pray I never take that for granted.
Praise God for giving them the things they needed! He told them what they needed and he provided it for them, even if it was a rarity. How great He is!
I love that Jesus, who was sad by the death of John, never stopped His ministry or His love for people. The Bible says He went off to be alone and then saw the people and He had compassion on them, so He healed them. How often do I let my personal feelings and life get me down to the point where I’m not thinking of others? Such a great reminder that the ministry isn’t about me, it’s about them.
Same thing stuck out to me! Loved that, even in His mourning He still wanted to help others.
A beautiful reminder. Thanks Stephanie!
How many times do I know Jesus will help and save me, yet I still allow fear to take hold?
Were did the Israelites get all of this gold ,wood, and fine stones to build the tabernacle? I know that they got some from the Egyptians but it doesn’t seem like they would have the resources to build something like this.
*Where
I know that God ensured they “plundered” the wealth of Egypt before they left, which is when the Egyptians gave them gold, precious stones and things of great value when they fled. But I was wondering where they got all the wood in the desert? I suppose my idea of a desert is different than where they were. I imagine West Texas, where my family is from, very hot, arrid and only full of shrubs and cactus.
I think it’s important to reflect on the Matthew 14 passage, where Jesus is sharing the loaves of bread and fish to feed thousands and in the end has more baskets of both than when they started. We serve a mighty God in whom all things are possible if we only follow his commands. Our human minds cannot understand the beauty of his plan. We have to have faith that if God has asked something of us, he will provide the means.
I found it interesting and somewhat funny that Aaron had to wear a big ol’ stamp on his forehead saying HOLY TO THE LORD. But we also wear that stamp that God puts on us when we are saved. How amazing that God sees us as Holy!
Still one of the saddest things in the gospels to me. His cousin, whom he loved, and the man who prepared the way for his ministry has just been murdered at the whim of a teenager & Jesus needs a minute to mourn. Rather than respecting that, the crowds need more from him RIGHT NOW! They follow him &, instead of reacting harshly out of grief, he feels compassion towards them. He’s living what he told his disciples, “let the dead bury the dead.” I’m proud of him, baffled by him, and want to hug him all in one. It hurts so much that he was forced not only to mourn without outward solace, but that no one thought of his needs above theirs, even for a minute.
How often to I ignore the pain someone else is feeling to push my own agenda without even realizing it?
Well said Britt!! This requires much thought. Thank you.
I had never thought of it in that light. It was always one of those details that I just missed until now. Shows you even more what kind of man he was.
Even though one of Jesus’s best friends had just died, he did not take the time to mourn until all his work for that day, for the Lord, was finished. He ministered all day and fed over 5,000 people. When that was finished he went to a solitary place to pray. What an incredible example of putting oneself and our feelings aside In order to do what God calls us to do.
||in faith my feet walk upon stormy seas||
I’m curious if anyone knows if the Jewish synagogues or temples include replicas of any of the items described in Exodus …such as the oil lamp that burns from morning to night or the hangings woven from fine linen…to see this in real life may help us to understand and take more interest in it all
http://www.bibleplaces.com/tabernacle.htm this isn’t in a synagogue, but it’s a replica of the tabernacle in the wilderness in Israel.
I can’t help but humming Hillsong’s Oceans (where feet may fail) in my head everytime I read Peter’s story in Matthew! I just love love love this song! I pray that I’ll be open to step into the great unknown whenever God calls me and that I’ll find Him in the mystery. Peter’s faithfulness amazes me everytime, and even though he starts to sink he doesn’t try to swim on his own but calls out for Jesus to help him. What I also love is that Jesus enters the boat with Peter. He doesn’t say “great, now that you’re here, we can go the whole way”, but He brings Peter back to where he feels save. Yes, God calls us upon the water and He’ll be with us, but He’ll bring us back into the boat too :)
I just went to You Tube and listened to this song again. It’s one of my favorites too Christine, and definitely connected to these verses in Matthew. Thanks for your comments – great insight!
The details in Exodus are a little hard to stay focused on, but God couldn’t be expected to not be specific to details. He is our creator and the creator of all things and look at the specific detail he used there.
I couldn’t agree with you more Nikki! There were a few times I had to reread the verse but it amazing and beautiful how detailed our Creator is, and we should feel honored to be His creation :)
I echo what others have said about Exodus. I’m overwhelmed by the detail but appreciative of it. I’ve also prayed before reading these chapters that God would reveal small parts to me and that I would remain focused enough to see them. Sometimes that’s through comments here (thank you all) and sometimes it’s like this verse: 3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
I am a “maker,” and I spin, weave, knit, create..and I’ve often wondered why God gives us these gifts and desires and what that can mean for the kingdom. This verse reminded me that for some reason, “he has given us wisdom for these matters” and I feel at peace..there is a plan for makers and artists, and wouldn’t it be amazing to be doing that in Heaven? Love this! :-)
I felt the same way when I read the references to skilled weavers, yarn , etc. I crochet and make other things. Reading this passage makes me want to see how I can use my God given skills in praise of him and his kingdom. I wish I had the answer . I’m sure it will come in time. I just need to be patient and wait.
Mona, one of the ways I have been working on this is to make things for charity auctions, or to do a prayer piece..a gift like a prayer shawl where I pray for the person I am making it for. Not everything fits into these categories but it’s nice to try to make things connect that way.
I’m a maker too :) I’ve been doing a bit of weaving the last few days. The idea of God giving the wisdom to weave a garment for Aaron is so rewarding to me.
Right?!? :-) I found it very gratifying to read!
what an encouragement to a creative heart! I didn’t even notice that verse, thank you for bringing it to my attention :)
17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
They were focused on what they didn’t have – enough food – instead of seeing what they did have – Jesus – He is all we need.
It’s likeEve in Genesis. She saw the only tree she couldn’t eat from instead of all the others she could.
The Lord doesn’t withhold what we need. He gives us exactly what we need, when we need it.
Wow Laura, I never thought about it that way , it’s so true though. How easy is it for us to focus on what we don’t have than what we do have. God help me to realize that despite what I lack, I have Jesus and your Holy Spirit and that is all I need.
Amen, Laura! May we use and be content with what we already have-Jesus!
What a great connection, thank you for this comment!
Lauren, I struggle sometimes when reading this stuff, too. It’s so different from the earlier stories of exodus and genesis when it felt like EVERYTHING applied but now its not so much that way. However, like others have said, I do pray before I read and ask God to reveal something to me. Honestly, reading all of these specifications and details makes me realize just how precious of a gift Jesus Christ on the cross was for us. We are no longer bound by the law. We don’t have to make animal sacrifices. God did that with His Son. We don’t have to measure our temples and wear specific robes and tunics. We are free because of Jesus Christ!
There are a lot of cool things to be found throughout all the details of exodus! The tabernacle in itself was a sign–usually pagan tabernacles were built as stairways with the “holy of holies” up at the top. God put His tabernacle/holy of holies on the ground signifying that He is a God who dwells with us. There are also many things that point to Jesus: the only way you could enter was through the gate, Jesus said He was the gate. The golden lampstand symbolizes the light of God for the seven days of the week, Jesus said He is the light of the world. The table of showbread symbolizes how God provided for them, Jesus is the Bread of Life. There’s a lot to be found but it is tedious to find! At the very least I know I read exodus and am just thankful I have the Holy Spirit and don’t need to present sacrifices but can just pray and confess what’s going on with me! God is still a God who dwells with us!
Very interesting Amy! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing!
Matthew 14:30 “But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”. How often to I look at the waves and storms of life and become overwhelmed and frightened. And I begin to sink into unbelief and despair. But where do I look for Hope?
Seeing Aaron as the people’s mediator before God reminded me of how Christ is our mediator now. He regularly goes before God and presents his righteousness before his presence to cover our sins. He bore all our guilt and shame at the cross so that now we stand shameless and guiltless before the creator . Seeing all these details and regulations of the sacrificial system made me realize just how far the chasm is between God and man. We should not deserve to meet him the way that we do now. He tore the veil and took away this whole system so that we can have a right standing with him, and that the fellowship that he originally intended for man to have in the garden might be restored
Amen! Thank you so much for your words. I was able to really connect with them and it gave me a fresh perspective of Jesus interceding for us constantly on our behalf in front of His Father. Beautiful imagery.
God said “make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.” Why would God, the creator and master of all things, care about Aaron’s dignity & honor? How profound that God specifically has a calling for each of us. He cares in the detail of that calling too. Ultimately to bring Him honor, yet He wants us to be partners in His plan!
Now, there was only ~that~ Aaron that had that specific calling. God specifically called for Aaron! While sometimes it is easy to look at the people that stand out, and feel a bit of jealousy not being like him or her…and even though some have greater responsibilities, each person has their specific calling.
Being a mom is a calling. Maybe not cherished too much, and some days it may not “feel” like such a calling, but as small as it is in comparison to what we think as a “calling”…it is our calling. Not all of us are mothers either…well, maybe not to a specific child, but maybe a mother in a different way! I love that God knew who he wanted and specifically knew his name. I love that as small as our job may seem (whatever it may be), it is important to God, therefore it matters! May this encourage us today!!
1. How incredible this story in the New Testament is! Peter is my favourite disciple to read about – he’s so full of passion and energy! I wonder what was going through Jesus’ mind when he saw the crowds in his grief – I wonder how his humanity and his divinity may have conflicted here. I know Jesus was fully God and also fully Man, but sometimes I wish the Bible was more clear on how that worked…
2. Guys, I really find all this stuff in Exodus incredibly dull. I know that’s wrong of me, but I’m totally skimming. Dreading Leviticus and Numbers.
I know how you feel! I used to honestly feel this way, but I really started praying about that and asking God to really help me understand and even enjoy the parts of the Bible where I found it boring, because if it’s in the Bible then it must be important. God then started showing me how much of a detail oriented God He is. All the details, small or large, insignificant or not, He cares about.
Praying for you Lauren, that God would begin to reveal Himself to you even in the parts you don’t like.
I have trouble focusing on the plans for the tabernacle and the items.
maybe if you can find a good nap of the tabernacle and pictures of the various items, you’d be able to pick out the details and it might be more interesting?
map, not nap lol
Lauren I love your questions.
I thought of your first comment. The so detailed God in OT in comparison to the compassionate Jesus in NT, may give a slight perspective in the “fully God also fully man”… God has every detail covered to the point that we can lose perspective…then Jesus comes in as our “mediator” passing by those “extra God details”, going straight to the compassion side. Just my own little visual & comparison twist. :)
On your second comment. Love it! Be real always, and feeling a certain way is not wrong. When I started reading yesterday’s passages, I thought like you too. Then God revealed to me a few interesting points. Then I saw some of my points being reflected by others too. And learned some additional points, I didn’t think about at all, from the many posted comments. My two cents: don’t dread it…let God reveal the points He wants to reveal to you. It may be just two words, or you may just need to let it sink in for a bit. It is easy to struggle with some of the topics…but as you can see, you are not alone. We just need to continue on.
Thank you for your honestly, I feel the same way, I was just skimming this morning too.
Lauren, it helps me to read it in a modern version like the NLT. What spoke to me was that the priests garments were to be “glorious and beautiful”. And how Aaron had to “carry” the names of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders and over his heart. The High Priest had such a heavy burden.
I used to find all the details of offerings, temples, and priest boring too. it wasn’t until I started to understand their importance in preparing us for Christ’s own death and in the institution of the Church that I love the details. There is nothing greater in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. Everything in the Old points to the New.
I was really moved by the selflessness of Jesus that when his cousin, John, had been beheaded, he tried to go off alone but was instead followed by the crowds, AND HE TOOK CARE OF THEM! in the middle of his grief, he was still taking care of others. Even his disciples suggested that he send them away, but he wouldn’t. If only I were this selfless.
Love this thought! Thank you!
that’s what stuck out for me too, after so many times of hearing this story. thst Jesus put his own mourning aside to minister to people who were so hungry to hear what he had to say.
I hadn’t thought of it that way. It’s so east when we’re going through something hard to only focus on ourselves.
This is exactly what I was thinking Becky! How often do we allow our grief or situation stop us from doing the things God has sent us to do. It’s really encouraging to see Jesus taking his focus off of how he was feeling to help others in need. I pray the Lord makes us more like him.
That was what stood out to me as well! So amazing.
i also love how Christ knew, of heaven and eternal life etc but didnt allow this wisdom to prevent him from grieving. he made himswlf vulnerable, and opened himswlf to this emotion. perhaps to learn how His disciples would later feel. but either way, he set aside wisdowm for emotion, yet at the same time didnt allow that emotion to hinder Gods purpose. we too are to get on board and share emotion with others so we may understand their situations and bring glory to God by having compassion
It is really special and encouraging that God still wanted Aaron to be the High Priest even after his failures.
At this point, Aaron hadn’t done anything. the whole golden calf incident isn’t for 5 more chapters yet! That is why I’ve always been stunned by the whole episode…here he’s been made a priest, he’s seen God working for what seems like a long time, they have this tabernacle being constructed, and he still gives in when the people want a pagan god to worship. Not so different from us, but still amazing every time I read it.
Yeah you’re right! That does make it even more crazy! And yes but God knows what’s coming!
How amazing our God is!!!