Faith & Identity - Ex. 25-28 & Matt. 20 - 21:22

Well it appears that I won't be blogging on most Sundays or Wednesdays. That seems to be my normal pattern so far this year. Those days are just too busy! But I suppose 5 out of 7 days of blogging isn't bad?

Well, the OT readings for today discuss the exact specifications of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, the Table of Showbread, the curtains for the tabernacle, the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Courtyard, and the clothing for the priests. This is the beginning of what can be some BORING READING. But don't give up, keep reading! Because a) there is a point to it and b) it gets better as you get past the book of Leviticus (which you'll complete in a few weeks). If you're hitting the wall of boredom, let me give you a brief answer to the grand old question, "Why is God telling us about this stuff and who cares?!"

Check this out;

1. The high quality and precious materials that all of things things were constructed of represent God's greatness.
2. The curtain surrounding the most holy place represents God's perfection and need to be separated from uncleaness and impurity.
3. The fact that the Tabernacle is portable represents the fact that God desired to be with His people as they traveled.
4. The Tabernacle and all of the things that went on there represent sacrifice, atonement, and forgiveness - all things that foreshadow Jesus.

Getting on into the NT readings, we see Jesus predicting what was gong to happen to Him which helps us to realize that He was fully aware of what was going on and why He had to do what He did. It's amazing that He was willing to die for us! We also see Jesus ride into town on a donkey. This was His way of proclaiming His kingdom. In that day kings would ride into town on a great stallion, proclaiming their greatness and all of the followers would bow before them. But Jesus, mocking the earthly model, chooses a donkey to ride in on, showing His humility. Another instance of His identity was shown when He cleared the Templ and even the children were saying, "Praise God for the Son of David." This made the religious leaders mad, because even the kids were saying that Jesus was the Messiah. So the religious leaders ask Jesus, "Don't you see what you've led these children to believe?!" And Jesus basically says, "Yes! They're smarter than you!" Jesus was very aware of His identity...

Which brings us to the teaching He gives in these chapters, because He wants us to be aware of our identity as followers of Him. He teaches His disciples that if we are to be leaders in His kingdom, we must be humble, not seeking first place. And He proves His point with His own lifestyle saying in chapter 20:28, "...even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many."

May we throw off the messed up values of fame and fortune in this world and recognzie our new identity in Christ as servants, giving our lives daily so others can come to know Him.