Who To Please!

When God gave Moses the instructions relating to the tabernacle, He stated. . .
"(9) EXACTLY AS I SHOW YOU concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, SO YOU SHALL MAKE IT." ( Exodus 25:9 ESV)

God was quite specific with those instructions and gave the skills to those who would be in charge and would do the work. ( Exodus 31:1-6) When we read of the work being done we read those same specifics again. Fourteen times in the ESV we have the expression "as the LORD had commanded Moses" (i.e. Exodus 39:1) -- six of which are in the final chapter of Exodus -- providing the clear record that what God commanded was followed until the work was finished. Including these references we have the expression "as the LORD had commanded" (i.e. Exodus 39:43) sixteen times, plus four more times the reference was simply "the LORD had commanded". This is besides the number of references to doing the work all in accordance to what God commanded, "they shall do." (i.e. Exodus 31:11 ESV) Then the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. ( Exodus 40:34) This was because everything was done GOD'S WAY! Reading through all of this it is abundantly clear what God's expectation was and how He was pleased with the follow through in doing it according to the pattern God had given Moses on the mountain.

Remember, while Moses was first being given these instructions, the people decided to do worship their own way ( Exodus 32) and received punishment for it. God alone was to be worshipped and that worship was to be in accordance with HIS WAY.

Though our worship under the New Testament is not as elaborate (thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf), is it not reasonable to understand we must be careful of making additions and alterations to the things associated with our worship today? If the glory of the LORD is going to be connected with our worship today, the expectation is that we would do it GOD'S WAY! The things that some may not think make much difference apparently matter to God. That is why in connection with the planning, the arrangement, and the manner in which all the offerings and sacrifices were approached in connection with the tabernacle were specifically prescribed by God. We would be wise to follow the pattern as we find it in the New Testament.

Remember, Jesus Himself said. . .
"(23) But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the TRUE WORSHIPERS WILL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. (24) God is spirit, and those who worship him MUST WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH." ( John 4:23 ESV)

"SPIRIT AND TRUTH"! Spirit is no substitute for neglecting the truth of worship and truth is no substitute for the proper spirit either. The two are to go together. Our responsibility is not to please ourselves, but to discern or find out what is pleasing to the Lord. ( Ephesians 5:10) May we truly continue to worship in both SPIRIT AND TRUTH so that we remain the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

Have a great day OFFERING GOD THE WORSHIP HE IS DUE!
Carl

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