In reading and reflecting upon the texts for this day, one thing is clear: those who choose to enter the story and live life God’s way are not without guidance. There is structure. There are examples and models. There are patterns. The wisdom in the book of Proverbs conveys this, as do the specific instructions for the place and symbols of worship. And the lives of people like Moses. And, ultimately, Jesus.
“See that you make them according to the pattern . . .” (Exodus 25:40. With 25:9; 26:30; 27:8). There is a popular notion that spiritual life is a matter of personal preference; a kind of “whatever works for you” mentality. But the scriptures reveal that God doesn’t leave us to our own devices. God is with us, as we have seen, redeeming, guarding, providing . . . and guiding. And with the guidance comes an expectation of follow-through and, yes, obedience. “You shall make” is an oft-repeated phrase in Exodus 25-27. Proverbs promotes “discipline” and a “better way.” And Jesus (remember Hebrews 12:1-2), the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith,” issues the call, “follow me” (Matthew 4:19).
God’s Word provides patterns for the life of faith. What are the implications, then? Of God’s call for beauty and care and investment in the place and symbols of worship? Of Moses and Jesus each fasting and practicing the disciplines of silence and solitude for 40 days and nights (Exodus 24:18; 34:28; Matthew 4)? Of the contrasting choices of the wise and the foolish? Of the example of those who “immediately” leave and follow (Matthew 4:18-22)? Am I — are we — simply engaged in reading interesting stories? Or are we discovering patterns for living and deciding to follow those patterns?
Let us thank God for the story and the patterns revealed in that story. May we enter the story more fully this day, learning from the examples provided, and following Jesus into life.
“Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to advice.”
— Proverbs 12:15
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Do we choose to “Swim Upstream” or go with the flow. Don’t be of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. Romans 12-1,2. This was our study at our F+ group yesterday. The reading for today goes along with this study, as it gives great detail on worshiping and,
how we are expected to be different in our actions in this world. As Christians, our goal should always be centered on all the details that God has provided to us to reach that Goal. The reading in Exodus today, gave great detail on how God wanted his place of worship to be built. And Proverbs listed traits we should incorporate into our daily lives, so we do not become of this world. Many of us don’t always like such details..Usually when I purchase a new item that requires “some assembly” :), I usually set aside the instructions, and start on my own. When I finally discover that A does not connect with D, I finally resort to using the instructions. I know from personal experience, that I cannot live my life, without God. It is with joy that Ron and I “Enter the Story, Join the Song”.