Leviticus 22 - 23 (20th Feb)

Leviticus 22

God wanted the priests to serve Him and the people. The priests help people draw near to God and worship Him. But after Christ’s sacrifice for us, we are given the freedom and privilege to draw close to God directly. Animals with defects of any form were not acceptable as sacrifices to the Lord because they did not represent God’s holy nature. When we give the best of ourselves to the Lord, we show the true meaning of worship and testify to God’s supreme worth.

Leviticus 23

The purpose for the appointed feasts of the Lord is that God wanted the people to set aside special days for the people to come together to 1) rest 2) receive refreshment 3) remembering with thanksgiving all He had done for them. The feast of the unleavened bread reminded the people of Israel their escape from Egypt.

The consumption of unleavened bread shows:
1) The bread was unique – rep. Israel’s uniqueness as a nation.
2) Yeast was a symbol of sin – the bread rep. the people’s moral purity.
3) The bread reminded the people to obey quickly.

The feast of first-fruits – shows that people can only eat from their harvest after they have offered to God.
The feast of weeks represents a festival praising God for a bountiful harvest.
The feast of tabernacle, also known as the feast of in gathering was a special celebration involving the whole family. It teaches the family about God’s nature and what he had done for them and was a time of renewed commitment.

Leviticus 19 - 21 (19th Feb)

Leviticus 19

Be holy because God is holy (v2). You can also find this verse in Lev 11:44, 45; Lev 20:7; and 1 Pet 1:16. It is a command. He commands us to be holy because He is a holy God. Right from the start of this chapter God has set His standard. Apart from the 10 commandments, in this chapter, God has given to Moses more commands to follow. Some of the commands were the same as the 10 commandments given earlier. When I read v5-8, I felt a new revelation came. It talks about fellowship offering and one of fellowship offering is thanksgiving (Lev 7:11-13). The offering is to be eaten on the day you sacrifice or on the next day. It is like telling me to give thanks everyday for the day today and yesterday. Not something that happened long ago. There are always things today or yesterday you can give thanks for. Start giving him thanks for today.

Love you neighbor as yourself (v18). Isn’t this one of the greatest commandments? It is also found in the New Testament: Matt 19:19; Mat 22:39; Mark 12:31, 33; Luke 10:27; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14; and James 2:8. But these are some verses I want you to read and observe, especially read the bold highlighted words.
Mark 12:31 - The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Mark 12:33 - "To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Galatians 5:14 - The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

James 2:8 – If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.

So remember to love your neighbor.

Also to all young people, please also take note of these few commands I surfaced in this chapter,
v14 " 'Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD. – Let’s always be welcoming to the silent ministry in our service.

v26 " 'Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. – medium instead of medium rare.

v28 " 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. – Just read an article on newspaper not too long ago that many young people like to slash themselves on their hands or wrist. Please do not do it. Also do not put tattoo. What you think is fashionable now, may not be so when you grow older. But more important is that God do not permit us to do so.

v30 " 'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. – Hey people, have reverence each time you enter the sanctuary of God. Many of us came in to service still bringing food and drinks like watching a movie or some entertainment. Respect God and let our conversation cease. Come in reverence and expectation before the Lord.

v32 " 'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD. – Hey young people, respect the elderly or those that are older than you. Somehow the saying is true, “They eaten salt more then we eaten rice.” We will always learn from them.

Leviticus 20

This chapter shared about the punishment of the sins mentioned in chapter 18.

Many debated on the area of homosexuality. You can read v13 and Lev 18:22.
V22 – 24 Tell us to keep God’s command so that we will not be vomitted out of the land or rather in our context today means, follow His command and you will not be kept out of the blessing (inheritance).

Leviticus 21

In summary, the priest must be holy (v8). Leaders, be holy, for this is the Lord’s command for us all.

Leviticus 16 - 18 (18th Feb) - Ivy

I am always amazed how we can come before the Lord, as simple as we are and not be ‘zapped to death’. Therefore it’s always good to come in thanksgiving towards God every time we approach Him.

Chapter 16 is a very detail instruction to Moses on how to enter into the sanctuary and prepare for Atonement.

Verse 6 says ‘Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household.’ And verse 15 says : "He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people’.

Notice that that Lord told Aaron to make atonement for his own sins and the household before atoning for the people. This reminds me that we have to ask God for forgiveness for sins of ourselves and our family before we can intercede or stand in the gap for others.

Verse 34 "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites." This is contrasts Jesus’ ‘once and for all atonement of our sins’.

Chapter 17

Sometimes called “Holiness Code”, this chapter deal with regulations for holy living and holy practice in various areas.

Verse 11: ‘For the life of a creature is in the blood…’ Blood shed in sacrifices was sacred. It epitomized the life of sacrificial victim. Since life was sacred, blood (a symbol of life) had to be treated with respect. Eating or drinking blood was therefore strictly forbidden.

Practically every sacrifice included the sprinkling and smearing of blood on the altar or within the tabernacle, thus teaching that atonement involves the substitution of life for life. The blood of the OT sacrifice pointed forward to the blood of the Lamb of God, who obtained for his people “eternal redemption” (Heb9:12). “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” – Heb 9:22

Conclusion: Dracula are detestable in God’s eyes? Okay, crap. =P

Chapter 18

In this chapter, God gave instructions to His people concerning interpersonal relations and morality reflecting God’s holiness. This also tells how sexually immoral people were in those times. Israel was thereby prepared for a life different from the Canaanites, whose lifestyle was deplorably immoral. This chapter also marks the boundaries for marriage and sexual relations.

Basically verse 6 sums it all. 'No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.’ Not only God detest sexual relations with close relatives but also homosexual relationships.

Verse 19 concludes: 29 'Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people. 30 Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the LORD your God.' Pretty clear and strict hor?

I believe God is teaching us to honour our family and loved ones and also ultimately to Honour Him. May we honour the Lord, our God in our relationships with our love ones.

Leviticus 14 - 15 (17th Feb) - Alvin

Isn't the Book of Leviticus amazing?? Or more so our God? Isn't He really an awesome God? We must remember that this book of the Law was given in the time of Moses, a time when there is no knowledge whatsoever about bacteria, or viruses. Yet, though man has no knowledge of such things, they actually exist. God in His wisdom uses these ceremonial laws not only to teach the Israelites about purity and "cleanness", but also to protect them from viral and bacterial infection, that could come about through skin diseases, bodily discharges, mildew etc. Isn't our God amazing?

But I also learnt something else through these 2 chapters. Notice, after the separation from the people of God, an unclean person must first cleanse him or herself, before returning to the people. And the person must offer a sin offering, a burnt offering and a grain offering. When the priest makes the atonement for the people, the priest will place the blood of the sacrifice on the person. Interestingly, the priest will also put the oil of the offering on the same parts of the person aswell.

This is a stark reminder of a few things, namely:

1) Sicknesses and uncleanness (be it discharges; mildew etc) are a result of sin in the eyes of God. I believe before the fall of man, there is no such thing as decomposition; hence, there will be no such need for viruses or bacteria. Do not forget, man was created to live with God eternally. Corruption and decay came after the fall. The constant need for the people of God to offer asin and burnt offering for uncleanness, reminds the people of God of our fallen nature and devastation of sin.

2) The oil for healing was placed on the same areas as the blood that was placed on the person making the offering. It's a reminder that healing is part of the ministry of the priest, but more importantly, healing is part of the entire atonement. And in our times, we must remember that Christ exchanged for us on the Cross more than the forgiveness of sins and redemption, but also our healing. It is part of the ministry of the Cross. Healing is not just another gift; it is an integral part of the work of atonement and cleansing. Sickness and infirmities are viewed as a work of sin, therefore through the Cross ofthe Lord, we received BOTH forgiveness and healing. We must claim our right to healing!!

3) Lev 15:31 "You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them." for all of us. All that God is teaching about cleanliness is much more about personal hygiene. It is a reminder of the need to keep ourselves pure from the things that defile us. And they are all around us. But God's grace is sufficient when we are weak. Be alert and keep ourselves pure and holy, for the Lord God we serve is a Holy God.

4) Let's appreciate the work of the Cross of Jesus.

In Hebrews 10:1-25 we read: "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am-it is written about me in the scroll- I have come to do your will, O God.' "First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after thattime, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near toGod with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Let us draw near to God through holiness.

Leviticus 11 - 13 (16th February) - Isaiah

In chapter 11, we learn about the rules of God in telling us what to eat & not to eat. Whether creatures that fly in the sky, swim in the sea or walk on land, the Lord made it clear to us to watch what we eat. But in fact, what the Lord really wants is for us to consecrate ourselves & to be pure & holy before Him because He is a Holy God.

In chapter 12, it's sharing about women being purified by the Lord after giving birth. She is not allowed to touch anything that is sacred or go into the sanctuary of God until the purification period is over.

In chapter 13, i had to read a few portions twice or more times because i was trying to understand what exactly is the Lord teaching me about. As much as it is saying about the different kind of diseases or problems that man or woman has, only the priest has the permission to certifiy whether that person is clean or unclean.

I feel that through these 3 chapters itself, it shows us how holy & pure our God is. He is someone who desires us to be set apart pure & holy before Him. And if we're not, He will deal with us in different ways where He will isolate us & cleanse us.

In today's context for us, the challenge is whether are we making a choice daily to live a life that is pleasing before Him. There are times when we're like the man or woman who has 'skin disease' & in the end feel isolated from the rest. But thanks be to God who will forgive & cleanse us whatever suituation our lives are as long we confess our sins & struggles to Him!

So let us not be 99.9% but 100% pure & holy children of God!

Leviticus 8 - 10 (15th Feb) - Joshua

The one important lesson I'll like to share today is, - Worship God, God's way.

Worship though it's personal, it is God-centered & dedicated (lev 8)

Aaron being chosen by God might have felt proud, favored or priviledged. It is similar when we feel proud or exclusive when God calls each of us to be serving with some form of prominence or platform. We must remember, that though God engages us, worship to Him is a dedication of our lives to Him. Not for ourselves.

By this time, after the golden calf, the people of Israel must be still unclear about worship and Holiness. Their worship in the past was self originated and self honoring (golden calf). The first lessons of worship is to know that though it's personally engaging, its because God wants us near. He longs for us.The scene of moses dressing aaron and his sons signifies the redemptive purpose of God, though aaron sinned greatly in the past, God has chosen Him. God loves Him. God still clothe men (like He did for adam. And at that point of time He knows, Jesus is going the garment of righteousness for all generations). In the sight of all Israel, it is highly liberating. If I was a common Israelite, I would have thought "man, this aaron screwed it up big time for us and yet God chose Him as priest.. How great is God's love!" Redemptive purpose as so, but it doesn't mean it's about us. Centered on us.

The tabernacle and special garments (Exo 39) done in an extremely intricate way by a God chosen and gifted people highlights the fact that God is teaching the people of Israel what holiness is. It is different. It is uncommon. It is set apart. Reserved. Exclusive. Most importantly, His initiative. Shouldn't He teach us, lead us in how to approach Him? God revealed His anger when His own priest disobeyed and put unauthorized fire.

The death of Nadab and Abihu is a sad fact still evident in modern day christianity. - Christians who worship God their own way. And we die spiritually.
In our modern day "feel good" culture, the devil deceives the world by telling us "God's love is for us means we can do our own thing." WRONG! God's love ultimately teaches us to hate evil, to differentiate His voice and the devil's, becoming that distinctive light that breaks out from a world of darkness. That's who we are.

We are handpicked by God to come close to Him. Should we approach Him with reverance?
Let's not be conceited to love God our own way. Worship though it's personal. It is God's centered and dedicated.

Worship God His way today.

Leviticus 5 - 7 (14th Feb)

Happy Valentine’s Day. Many couples probably are having some romantic nights out, sharing their love and showing their love for one another. Well, maybe you may want to set aside time to pour your love to Jesus instead on this special day. Tell Him and show Him how much you love Him by spending time with Him and seeking Him. Give Him your all your heart and soul. This is the best offering to Him. The LOVE offering from our hearts.

Leviticus 5 – 7

Yesterday, Weiling shared the 5 kinds of offerings from chapter 1 right up to chapter 5. In Chapter 6 & 7, The Lord spoke to Moses the regulations of the different kinds of offering.

6:9 – Regulations of Burnt Offering
6:14 – Regulations of the Grain Offering
6:25 – Regulations of the Sin Offering
7:1 – Regulations of the Guilt Offering
7:11 – Regulations of the Fellowship Offering

There were also other kinds of fellowship offering mentioned like thank offering (v12), freewill offering (v16) & wave offering (v30). Also ordination offering that mentioned on the summary in v37.

God bless and may your LOVE offering be acceptable to God.

Leviticus 1 - 4 (13th Feb) - Weiling

Leviticus receives its name from the Greek word Septuagint and means “relating to the Levites”. Although Leviticus does not only deal with the special duties of the Levites, it is so named because it is concerned mainly with the service of worship at the tabernacle. Exodus had given the directions for the building of the tabernacle. Leviticus gives the laws and regulations for worship at the tabernacle, along with the instructions on ceremonial cleanness, moral laws, holy days, the sabbath year, and the Year of the Jubilee.

Theme: The key thought of Leviticus is holiness – that of God and of man. The instructions or laws in the book were given to help the Israelites worship and live as God’s holy people.

Five categories of offerings were mentioned in the book. And since I have a nice page in my Zondervan reference bible that explains the difference, I shall share them with you.

1. Burnt Offering [Lev 1]
- Elements: Bull, ram or male bird (dove or young pigeon for the poor); wholly consumed; no defect
- Purpose: Voluntary act of worship; atonement for unintentional sin in general; expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to God.

2. Grain Offering [Lev 2]
- Elements: Grain, fine flour, olive oil, incense, baked bread (cakes or wafers), salt; no yeast or honey; accompanied burnt offering and fellowship offering
- Purpose: Voluntary act of worship; recognition of God’s goodness and provisions; devotion to God.

3. Fellowship Offering [Lev 3]
- Elements: Any animal without defect from herd or flock; variety of breads
- Purpose: Voluntary act of worship; thanksgiving and fellowship

4. Sin Offering [Lev 4:1-5;13]
- Elements:
i) Young bull: for high priest and congregation
ii) Male goat: for leader
iii) Female goat or lamb: for common person
iv) Dove or pigeon: for the poor
v) Tenth of an ephah of fine flour: for the very poor
- Purpose: Mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin; confession of sin; forgiveness of sin; cleansing from defilement

5. Guilt Offering [Lev 5: 14-6:7]
- Elements: Ram or lamb
- Purpose: Mandatory atonement for unintentional sin requiring restitution; cleansing from defilement; making restitution; pay 20% fine

When more than one kind of offering was offered, the procedure was usually as follows: sin/ guilt offering -> burnt offering -> fellowship offering and grain offering
The spiritual significance is that first, sin has to be dealt with (sin or guilt offering), second, the worshipper committed himself completely to God (grain or burnt offering) and then, fellowship or communion is established between the Lord, the priest and the worshipper (fellowship offering).

What can be noticed from the four chapters is that offerings cost us. Often the requirement is for male animals without defects. (Often, male animals are fewer in numbers and are more precious because they are used for breeding.) It is the giving of YOUR best. Even for the poor, they give something that costs them too though God does not impose on them what they cannot afford. It is the same with the offering of the first fruits (Lev 2: 12), we give of what is precious not the leftover. When we sacrifice unto the Lord, we should be like King David who said “I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” in 2 Samuel 24: 24.

Exodus 39 & 40 (12th Feb)

Exodus 39

The making of the Priestly Garment according to the instructions God has given to Moses. In v8, they fashioned a very nice and beautiful breast piece with 12 precious stones in it. Each of these stones represents the tribe name. Total of 12 tribes.
I always wanted to have these 12 stones. The Livingstones.

Ruby, Topaz, Emerald
Turquoise, Sapphire, Diamond
Jacinth, Agate, Amethyst
Beryl, Onyx, Jasper

After everything was done, there was a stand by area. Moses inspected all the works that were done and everything were done according to the Lord’s command.

Exodus 40

The final set up of the tabernacle and when everything was done, the glory of God filled the tabernacle. The glory of the Lord was revealed like cloud that covers the tabernacle. May the glory of the Lord dwells in our church and our tribe.

Exodus 36 - 38 (11th Feb)

Exodus 36

Again Bezalel and Oholiab were mentioned. In chapter 31, it was an instruction from the Lord to Moses about both of their roles. And so now in this chapter, it talks about both of them doing their roles in building the Tabernacle.

Exodus 37 & 38

From Chapter 25 to 30 was God instruction to Moses how to build the tabernacle. In these 2 chapters, it mentioned how the craftsmen made the tabernacle. Read and you will find a lot of times it repeated the word “They made”. They were building the tabernacle according to the instruction given from god to Moses from Chapter 25 to 30. But from Chapter 38:21 onwards, there is a slight turn. It talks about the amount of material used to build the whole temple. Look at it. It is really an expensive sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting and it sure took a lot of very gifted and skillful people to build them.

Thank God that we have the freedom to worship the Lord anywhere that Jesus has torn the curtain and we have the access into the Holy Place to worship Him. Praise the Lord.

Exodus 33 - 35 (10th Feb)

Exodus 33

God and Moses talked face to face in the Tent of Meeting like friends. Isn’t that awesome? How I wish I can do that with God…Why did Moses receive such privileges from God? Not due to his talents, gifts or character…but simply because God chose Moses in the first place and Moses obeyed, relied and followed what God asked him to do. Though we can’t talk with God face to face, we can still talk with God and Jesus will always be a friend to us. We just ended today’s Friendship event at MagicBox. God is really reminding us that He is our friend yesterday and today and forever. Praise the Lord!

Moses told God not to send them up to where God wanted them to go if the Lord God won’t be there. I fully agree. I will never want to do something or go somewhere if God will not be there with me. I want His guidance, His blessings and His presence to be with me at all times. I am sure all of you will fully agree with me. But pause again, sometimes, we do things without really praying and seeking His approval…hence, stop and invite God to be with you at all times and in doing all things.

Exodus 34

God did not give Moses the vision of His power and majesty, rather His love. God’s glory is revealed in His mercy, grace compassion, faithfulness, forgiveness and justice.

God mentioned-Do not worship any other god, for the Lord whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. God wants us to give Him wholeheartedly-our heart, mind, time, money…

Moses’ face was radiant after he spent time with God. Although we are not like Moses, we still need to spend time with God - reading and mediating upon His words, praying and simply taking delight to be with Him all the time. We can then radiate the beauty of God in us. This is the beauty that will last. Have you seen someone who is physically not that pretty or handsome, but when you spend time with this person, you find this person so beautiful as the beauty of God is reflected through him/her. I definitely want this type of beauty.

Exodus 35

Tabernacle construction- the people were called to construct the tabernacle based on God’s specific instructions. God gives each of us a gift, a talent. We are to use them to His glory. Thank God for whatever gift or talent you have and for some of us who are not sure what are our gifting, ask God to reveal to you and use it for His glory.

Exodus 30 - 32 (9th Feb)

Exodus 30

The continuation of the building of Tabernacle. The Altar of Incense was where the incense burned regularly before the Lord for the rest of the generations (v8). The Basin was where the priests washed their hands and feet with the water from it (v19).

Exodus 31

God had chosen Bezalel from the tribe of Judah to fill him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts (v3). He was such a privileged man. God had chosen him (v2). Then God appointed Oholiab from the tribe of Dan to help Bezalel (v6).

Hi people, God has chosen each of you and given each and everyone of you different gifts and talents to accomplish the things of God. But God appoints each of you with different role just like God appointed Oholiab to help Bezalel. Whether your appointment is big or small, remember, it is for God we served.

Exodus 32

The Israelites became very impatient. They did not know what happened to Moses up at the mountain. So they challenged Aaron to make them a god that will go before them. So Aaron lead the people to give their gold and he it into an idol in the shape of a calf. Aaron broke the commandment of God but please understand that Moses hasn’t come down with the commandments during that time. So Aaron declared that the next day they will celebrate the Festival of the Lord. The word “LORD” that mentioned here is the same Jehovah God (YAHWEH). So to Aaron, he thought it was alright and still worshipped the Lord. But God was angry and called them the stiff-necked people (v9). Then Moses sought favor from the Lord for mercy.

Moses came down with 2 tablets of God’s writing but he threw them out of his hands and broke into pieces because he was angry. Killer Litter!!! Then see what Moses did in v20. It is gross. I will not drink that.

Exodus 28 - 29 (8th Feb)

Exodus 28
Give us some details about the priests. Not only was a priest from the tribe of Levi, but also a descendant of Aaron (Moses’ brother), Israel’s first priest. The priests performed the daily sacrifices, maintained the tabernacle and provide counsel to the people how to follow God. They are the representatives of God and they need to live worthy lives. Aaron was in charge of all the priests and Levites. Now, Jesus is our high priest as he had sacrificed himself on the cross for the atonement of our sins. PTL! No need for daily sacrifices anymore! Safe us the time for marketing!

Exodus 29
Sin prevents people from approaching God. God then appointed priests from the tribe of Levi and set up a system of sacrifices to help the people approach God. God is actually preparing the people for the coming of Jesus Christ. Our God is a holy God. The holiness of God is greatly emphasized-the priests, the clothing, the tabernacle and the sacrifices had to be clean and consecrated as a preparation to meet God. Let’s come before God with reverence and repentance daily.

In verse 45-46- shows God’s GREAT desire to be with the people and to protect them. God wants to live among us in our hearts and minds. Allow God to dwell and participate in every aspects of our lives. Let God be the Lord of our lives!

Exodus 25 - 27 (7th Feb)

Exodus 25 – 31 gives the full record for the building of the tabernacle based on God’s directions.
Exodus 35-39 tells how these instructions were to be carried out.

Exodus 25
The high qualities of the precious materials used to build the tabernacle shows God’s greatness and transcendence. The curtain surrounding the most Holy Place shows God’s moral perfection symbolized by His separation from the common and unclean. The portable nature of the tabernacle shows God’s desire to be with His people as they traveled. Till now, God still desires to want us draw close to Him. Indeed, Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with God!

Exodus 26
Food for thought: When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple (which had replaced the tabernacle) tore from top to bottom (Mark 15:38) symbolizing our free access to God because of Jesus’ death. No longer do we need to approach God with sacrifices and through priests

Exodus 27
The altar of burnt offering was the first thing the Israelites saw as they entered the tabernacle courtyard. They could only go to God through sacrifices but now Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

Exodus 22 - 24 (6th Feb)

Exodus 22

These are God's principles in action given to the Israelites. They serve to guide, protect and bless the people if they choose to abide to the principles. God also stressed the principles of restitution-making wrong RIGHT! If you have done someone wrong, make a point to make wrong RIGHT as this will

1) help ease any pain you have caused

2) help others more forgiving and

3) cause you to think before doing the wrong thing again.

Exodus 23

Laws of Justice and Mercy, Sabbath Laws, The Three Annual Festivals...again God gave out a list of laws for the people to follow, so that they will live right before the eyes of the Lord, God.

God is such a merciful and loving God who is always there to want to guide us, warn us so that we do not fall into the trap of sinning against Him and need to bear the consequences of our sins and hence miss out His blessings for us. God's angel to prepare the way---most likely the angel was a manifestation of God. God was the angel the same way He was present in the pillar of clouds and fire for the Hebrew people.

God will never leave nor forsake us...He is and will be there for all of us, in whatever situation we are in, at any point of time in our lives, He chose to want to be there for us---shows how wonderful and loving God is to us.

Exodus 24

God confirmed the covenant. God chose Moses alone to approach Him. Moses wrote down everything the Lord had said. Moses then built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up 12 stone pillars representing the 12 tribes of Israel to worship and honour God.

God called Moses to go up to the mountains and He gave Moses the tablets of stone with the law and commands written for the people's instructions. Moses was with the Lord, God for 40 days and nights. Awesome, right?

Exodus 19 - 21 (5th Feb)

Exodus 19

The Lord assured the Israelites through Moses in v4-6 “I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself………” When Moses told the people, they replied that they will do everything the Lord has said (v8). Then the Lord came down and appeared to the Israelites with smoke and fire. Wow, it is awesome. If I was there, my jaw will probably dropped and with bended knees, I will just soak in His present.

Exodus 20

The Lord gave Moses the 10 commandments for the Israelites:-
1. You shall not have any other gods.
2. You shall not make or have any idol.
3. You shall not misuse God’s name.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your parents so you may live long in the land.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against someone.
10. You shall not covet.

The first 4 commandments talk about your relationship with God. The 5th commandment talks about your relationship with your parents. This is the only commandment that comes with a promise to claim, that you will live long in the land in peace. The 6th to 8th commandments is about your personal life and the last 2 commandments talk about your relationship with others.

The purpose (EX20:20) – Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that THE FEAR OF GOD will be with you to KEEP YOU FROM SINNING.
So remember this verse : EX2020

Exodus 21

The Laws that were set for the Israelites to follow. They have law for the servant, also for people who kill someone whether intentionally or accidentally, they also have laws that against people who harm others whether physically or verbally. Also laws for their pet animal.

Exodus 16 - 18 (4th Feb)

Exodus 16

The Israelites grumbled against Moses because food ran out and Moses said to them that they were not grumbling against him but against the Lord. The Lord then rained down bread from heaven. They called it Manna which means “What is it?” If you pronounce wrongly, it will sound like a Malay word which means “Where is it?”

Exodus 17

Again the Israelites grumbled and quarreled against Moses when they were thirsty. Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?” The Lord asked Moses to strike the rock and water will flow out from the rock.

So people, please remember, do not grumble or argue with your leaders. You are not against them but you are against the Lord who sent the leader to watch over you.

Then in this chapter, there is this lesson on spiritual warfare and the power of intercession. From v8 to v16 was a physical war of Joshua and his men fighting with the Amalekites. While the physical battle was on, Moses together with Aaron and Hur were doing the spiritual battle. The victory is ours if you persevere and press on in prayers.

Exodus 18

The Jethro principle. Work was too heavy for Moses and Jethro taught Moses to choose capable men to assist him.

Exodus 13 - 15 (3rd Feb)

Exodus 13

The Lord said to the Israelites to consecrate every firstborn male of man and animal. The Lord also commanded the Israelites to tell their children about what the Lord had done.

Exodus 14

The Lord went ahead of the Israelite in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way by the day and by the night in a pillar of fire to give them light. The Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds and they went after the Israelites. When the Israelites saw the Egyptians coming after them, they were afraid and cried out to God (v10) and then blamed Moses for bringing them out (v11).

Ironic isn't it? If I’m there at the scene, what will be my response? If after I saw many miracles and also God being so real sending the pillar of cloud and fire in front of me to guide me, I will be very contented and follow Him without any complaint. But the Israelites complained that it would be better serving the Egyptians (v12). And Moses said “The Lord will fight for you; YOU NEED ONLY TO BE STILL. (v14)” Yes! BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD (Psalms 46:10)

Now, from the best movie in the 70s of the Hollywood came “Moses” With a nice picture of him lifting up his staff to part the sea. Can you imagine yourself at the scene? No! Not as Moses, but as one of the Israelite’s child. I’ll be walking through the Underwater World and Aquarium which was the world longest underwater world. I’ll be amazed that I can walk through the sea on dry ground. No crab, corals or lobsters around.

Then the Egyptians chased after the Israelites while crossing the sea and God covered the Egyptians such that not one of them survived (v28)

Exodus 15

God saved the Israelites and they all celebrated and worshipped the Lord with songs. Miriam, one of the prophetess (Aaron’s sister) danced and prophecised with songs. After walking in the desert for 3 days, they found water but the water was bitter and the people grumbled against Moses again (v24). Then Moses cried to the Lord and the Lord showed him to a piece of wood and Moses threw it into the water and the water turned sweet.

There God made a decree and a law to test the Israelites. “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees. I will not bring on you any diseases I brought on Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

So people, listen to the Lord’s word and obey His word.

Exodus 10 - 12 (2nd Feb)

Exodus 10

The plague continued. 8th The Plague of locusts. Again in v3, “Let my people go”. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and then God brought locusts swarmed everywhere. After that Pharaoh seek for forgiveness and the locusts left (v16-19). Again, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened by the Lord.

Then came the 9th Plague. The plague of darkness which was to prepare for the next plague which was also the last plague that was coming. Pharaoh’s heart was still hardened.

Exodus 11 & 12

The final countdown….. then came the Plague of the firstborn. The Lord has given some instructions to the Israelites because God is going to strike down every firstborn. Instructions like how to cook lamb chop (Chapter 12:8, 9). I thought only Chinese eats every part of the animal? The Israelites were to take some blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of their houses. It was the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of Israelites in Egypt and spared their homes when He struck down the Egyptians. Then Pharaoh gave up and told Moses to go worship the Lord with the people and everything they have.

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread and Passover (v17-20) commemorates God’s Deliverance of Israel out of Egypt. It is a lasting ordinance for generations to come. Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples (Luke 22:7-20). Now in our generation, we called it Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion. Please note the regulations in partaking the Passover (v43-49). No foreigner is to eat of it. Which means it is not meant for non believers. All this is to remember Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb that delivered us from sin, slavery and bondages just as God delivered Israel out of Egypt.

So once again to sum up: DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART and ALWAYS REMEMBER JESUS. He saved us all.

Exodus 7 - 9 (1st Feb)

Exodus 7

So ironic, God sent Moses and Aaron to rescue the Israelites and yet God hardened the heart of Pharaoh (v1-4). Well this was to show God’s mighty power and judgment over the Egyptians who had ill-treated God’s people. Remember in Genesis 45:18 that the previous Pharaoh promised the Joseph and his families the best of land and they can enjoy the fats of the land. In Genesis 47:20-27, you can see that the Israelites acquired property, were fruitful and great in number. Also then in Exodus 1:7, the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly in numbers. But sadly in Exodus 1:8, a new king took over Egypt who did not know anything about Joseph. This is why God held judgment against Egypt and wanted to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt.

Then Pharaoh asked Moses and Aaron to perform a miracle. With Aaron’s staff, it became a snake. Also Pharaoh’s wise men, sorcerers and magicians came and perform the same act and each one threw their staff and it turned to a snake. Although the movie only shown 3 person with 3 snakes, you can read carefully that there were more then one wise man, more than one sorcerer and more than one magician because all is in plural. Then came the snake fight and Aaron’s snake won by eating up all the snakes. After eaten up so many snakes, it sure to be fat or maybe it was Anacondas. Still the Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

So, the Lord started the mighty acts of judgment (v4), first, with the plague of blood. There were 10 plagues. The whole of Exodus is divided into
10 Plagues
10 Commandments
10 Parts of the Tabernacle

So, the first plague was the plague of blood where God said to Moses to tell Aaron to strike the water with his staff on the water of Nile and all the water in streams, canals, ponds, reservoirs, wooden bucket and stone jars (v19) turned to blood.

Exodus 8

For 7 days everywhere was blood and God said “Let my people go so that they may worship Me”. (v1). Pharaoh’s heart was hardened because his magicians also did the same with their secret arts (Ex 7:22). Then God sent the plague of frogs. Can you imagine frogs everywhere and the numerous screams by the gals? With all these, Pharaoh’s heart was softened and asked Moses and Aaron to ask God to get rid of the frogs and it was so. The frogs died. Because of that, Pharaoh hardened his heart again (v15)

Well, if this will to happen in China, frogs everywhere, it will be great. Chinese eats everything. By the way, Geylang got nice frog porridge. Oh man, I’m hungry. I’m still working in Bogota timing, lunchtime now over there and midnight here.

Then came the third plague, the plague of gnats where it stuck on men and animal irritating them and followed by the plague of flies swarmed everywhere, because Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

Exodus 9

5th The plague on the livestock where all livestock died
6th The plague of festering boils that broke out on men and animals
7th The plague of hailstorm. Again Pharaoh asked Moses and Aaron to pray to God to stop and Moses did. But after Pharaoh saw that, he hardened his heart again. Sigh.

Well, all I can wrap up is this. God wants us to be free and to worship Him. DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART.