Exodus Chapter 38

EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

38

1. He made the altar of burnt offering also of acacia wood; it was five cubits long, and five cubits wide; it was square, and three cubits high.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 1)


The altar of burnt offerings was made according to the dimensions given by God, on which burnt offerings were to be offered. Oh father may my heart be a place where I can offer my offerings of thanksgiving to You and even my chalice of sorrows. Thanks for giving me this special place where I can communicate with You. May You bless this blog and the time spent in prayer and worship by those who use it as a means of prayer and worship and may all our prayers appear before You in a flame of fragrant offering like the incense that was burnt as an offering to You.


2. He made horns for it on its four corners; its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 2)

According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter, just as in a square, the horns connected its four corners thus making the altar, a single unit. As in the case of humanity, no matter we humans may be living far away from each other living on the other side of the world or we are all united and all form part of the human race as created by God. 

3. He made all the utensils of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the firepans; all its utensils he made of bronze.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 3)

Every utensil made had its own intrinsic value and therefore was made of a particular material. As previously mentioned those utensils that were made to serve directly in the service of God were made of Gold, other utensils were made of inferior material such as bronze, however in order for the offering to take place all the utensils and apparatus were needed and their utility was worth its value in gold. Even in the Church, Everyone from the altar boy, priest, laity all have their function and value, and nobody can say that one does not need the other, or that one's role can be discarded for the other or considered as useless. 

According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter, in the process of furnishing the tent of the meeting the people started making items that were of a simple nature made from wood, however in time they moved on to accomplish more complex tasks thus making the tent more attractive and fitting to welcome the presence of God. God works in the same way in our lives. He may give us an idea or a calling that may on first sight appear crazy or insignificant however with alot of patience and love from You my God You develop it into something that gives You infinite pleasure.


A typical example is human nature meaning me and you. God created us in the womb by means of our parents and up to this very day we are developing from a material being to people who are becoming more like God sharing in love, faith and care towards ourselves and moreover towards others as is the will of God.  


4. He made for the altar a grating, a network of bronze, under its ledge, extending halfway down. 5. He cast four rings on the four corners of the bronze grating to hold the poles; 6. he made the poles of acacia wood,  and overlaid them with bronze. 7. And he put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar, to carry it with them; he made it hollow, with boards.

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 4 to 7)


In order to have an idea of what this altar looked like please click on the following link:-

The altar of burnt offerings


8. He made the basin of bronze with its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 8)

God is just like a mirror. He shows us our true selves and makes us realize who we are, who He is and where we stand as sinners in our relationship with Him and others. God also makes us aware of our errors when we wander away from Him. Just like a mirror He reflects our reality so that we can turn back to him before we place our spiritual welfare into serious trouble.

Moreover as in the case of the bronze material used to make the basin God also forms us into a form that can be of service to Him and others by giving us the necessary qualities needed to accomplish the given call or task. The greatest quality is that of love and faith.

9. He made the court; for the south side the hangings of the court were of fine twisted linen one hundred cubits long; 10. its twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. 11. For the north side there were hangings one hundred cubits long; its twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. 12. For the west side there were hangings fifty cubits long with ten pillars and ten bases; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver.

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 9 to 12)

God even told those who were making the tent and its furnishings to make some free space in order to give access to view the ark to those who were on the outside. God gives us the opportunity to explore our world from different perspectives thus becoming aware of the needs of those of our north, south east and even west, the poor the rich and those who in their situations are faring well, God is open to welcome people of different religions this may explain why the tent of the meeting was accessible from almost all angles, Even during our times the Roman Catholic Church welcomes people of all religions it even holds a yearly meeting thus inviting members of all religions to meet and unite in a spirit of prayer. The Vatican Council has also an Encyclical called 'Unitatis Redintegrazio" 


This document can be found by clicking on the following link Unitatis Redintegrazio


13. And for the front to the east, fifty cubits. 14. The hangings for one side of the gate were fifteen cubits, with three pillars and three bases 15. And so for the other side; on each side of the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits, with three pillars and three bases. 16. All the hangings around the court were of fine twisted linen. 17. The bases for the pillars were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver; the overlaying of their capitals was also of silver, and all the pillars of the court were branded with silver

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 13 to 17)


In order to obtain a bird's eye view of the tabernacle and the furnishings of the court please click on the following link.


The layout of the court of the tabernacle

In life we are exposed to different forms of curtains of deception by which the truth is hidden from us. On the other hand, those who have put the curtain do their best to make sure that the curtain is not lifted, not only the devil does this but many people also do the same by telling lies to us and do their best that to make sure that their deception is not exposed.

18. The screen for the entrance to the court was embroidered with needlework in blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine twisted linen. It was twenty cubits long and, along the width of it five cubits high, corresponding to the hangings of the court. 19. There were four pillars; their four bases were of bronze, their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals and their bands of silver. 20. All the pegs for the tabernacle and for the court all around were of bronze. 

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 18 to 20)

According to the author of this chapter in our life, no matter how many curtains are placed before us in order to hinder us from reaching our ultimate goal that of being reunited with God, sooner or later these curtains or obstacles are meant to be lifted no matter how hard, many people attempt to deceive us God, will always be their to uplift those curtains and show us, the truth and the light to find our way to Him.

21. These  are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant which were drawn up at the commandment of Moses, the work of the Levites being under the direction of Ithamar son of the priest Aaron,

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 21)


Verses 21 to 31 are a haven for those of us who love keeping track of costings and accounts. Although part of my work concerns billing and statements I still do not consider myself as an accountant, However in a spirit of prayer God gave me the following reflection in light of verses 21 to 31 which brings us to the end of this chapter. All the work and skills devoted to the construction of the temple and its apparatus were accounted for in the following inventory. As Christians all the good deeds that we do to others and even those actions that are done as a consequence of willful sinful actions are also accounted for. Although You oh father are portrayed as loving Father and I wholly believe that You are, I also believe that You believe in justice and in truth therefore You cannot hold back from executing judgement in order to assure that justice is done both at the time that we appear before You at the point of death and even at the point of universal jurisdiction.


22. Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses: 23. and with him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, engraver, designer and embroiderer in blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and in fine linen.

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 22 to 23)

According to the author of this chapter, Aaron was a priest, Oholiab was an engraver and designer. They both had a talent that, they used to the fullest so that society would benefit from their efforts sustained with the help of God. All of us have a special are in which we are gifted, however as humans, we tend to look at our bad things and not focus on our good talents. Therefore we are to be be happy for whatever talents God has given us and whatever skills and talents he has given us we are to use happily and to the maximum of our potential for the benefits of society and in the work of God our father.

24. All the gold that was used for the work, in all the construction of the sanctuary, the gold from the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, measured by sanctuary shekel.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 24)

After alot of digging I calculate that twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels amounts 1160 kg of gold. According to the following hypotheses if 1 talent is 40 kg of gold 29 x 40 is 1160 kg of gold.

25. The silver from those of the congregation who were counted was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred seventy five shekels, measured by the sanctuary shekel. 26. a beka a head (that is half a shekel, measured by the sanctuary shekel), for everyone who was counted in the census, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand, five hundred fifty men. 27. The hundred talents of silver were for casting the bases of the sanctuary, and the bases of the curtain; one hundred bases for the hundred talents, a talent for base. 28. Of the thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their capitals and made bands for them. 29. The bronze that was contributed was seventy talents, and two thousand four hundred shekels; 30. with it he made the bases for the entrance of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar and the bronze grating for it and all the utensils of the altar, 31. the bases all around the court, and the bases of the gate of the court, all the pegs of the tabernacle, and all the pegs around the court.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 25 to )

According to Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar the author of this chapter, many precious metals such as gold and silver and brass were used which was impossible for anyone to collect this great quantity of resources. However God gave them whatever materials they needed for the completion of the whole project. Similarly God gives us all those things that we need in order to achieve our goals. However although we all in some way or another benefit from God's providence not all use it properly for the good of humanity but sometimes only to achieve power and personal accomplishments.

Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar the author of this chapter chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:-

                                                                                              

God thank you for giving me the things  I needed in my life thank you for being with me every time saving me from myself from my foolish deeds and from the curtains of deception in front of my eyes as with you always looking upon me I feel safe thank you God for everything. 

 Thank you God for everything. 

Exodus Chapter 37

EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

37

Due to an internal error I was under the impression that all the published posts were being shared to all in my circles and contacts, however according to the feedback that I received the chapters following Exodus chapter 33 and Matthew chapter 1 to 3 were not received by all. In order In order not to keep on filling your inbox with chapters please click on the following links that is there for your perusal and view the missing chapters. Thanks and God bless 

http://www.bibleanalyis2003.blogspot.com/  (Old Testament)

http://bibleanalysisnewtestament.blogspot.com/

1. Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; it was two and a half cubits long and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.

(Exodus chapter 37 verse 1)

Listening to God's commandments the ark was made just as God had told Moses while in His presence on the mountain. The measurements given by God were to be strictly adhered to in the sense that they were to be not a inch more or less. When God gave His people these orders God was aware of  how much space they needed in the arc in order to have the capacity to carry the contents that would be placed in it.

In life God also created us according to the exact specifications. He created us as we are, giving us access to all possible skills that would match our character and being. As in the case of the capacity of the ark, God knows how much we can cope with and does not permit us to endure more than that capacity. Any extra demands placed on us would mean that he would be there to compensate for it in support love and grace.

2. He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold around it. 3. He cast for it four rings of gold for its four feet, two rings on its one side and two rings on its other side. 4. He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold,

(Exodus chapter 37 verses 2 to 4)

Just as the ark was basically made of wood and overlayed with, gold to make it appear beautiful in our lives, we also encounter situations or people, who apparently, look good and attractive just as in the case of gold, but when we come to know them, we become more aware that the person in ratio has a high percentage of wood and a very low percentage of precious gold! However on reflecting we are a mixture of both gold that is the presence of God in us and wood that is our sinful self. However God loves us so much that He chose to anoint that wood with precious gold from the inside and outside so that we could reflect his presence in us, both within and outside of us so that we can give testimony by the way we live and the words we say.

5. and put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark.

(Exodus chapter 37 verse 5)

In this world we are not alone. Just as the rings functioned as a support to the ark, God himself is of support to us. If we were to go back and reflect on the downfalls of our lives, we could not have survived these moments were it not for the intervention of God of God in our lives. God works miracles and is able to bring us back to the path we were walking on.


6. He made a mercy seat of pure gold; two cubits and a half was its length, and a cubit and a half its width. 7. He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the two ends of the mercy seat he made them one cherub at the one end and one cherub at the other end of one piece with the mercy seat he made the cherubim at its two ends.  9. The cherubim spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings. They faced one another: the faces of the cherubim were turned toward the mercy seat."

(Exodus chapter 37 verses 6 to 9)


The focus of the cherubim were on the mercy seat which was the lid of the ark of the covenant, where God's presence would rest when appearing to the chosen people of God. May our hearts be like the mercy seat, a place where the presence of God can find a place where to rest and find comfort.


On reflecting the mentioned pieces of articles on their own would not make much sense, however as a whole meaning the tent of the meeting and it apparatus and most of all the ark of the covenant provided a centre point where the people of God could have fellowship with Him. According to the author of this chapter God also builds us bit by bit combining all our personality traits, talents, strengths and weaknesses in order to make a unique product that is ourselves, that in union with others we make one majestic whole that is the body of Christ on earth.


In order to view an image of the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat please click on the following link;-

TThe making of the ark of the covenant exhibit 1

The ark of the covenant part exhibit 2


10. He also made the table of acacia wood, two cubits long, one cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. 11. He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold around it. 12. He made around it a rim a hand breadth wide, and made a molding of gold around the rim. 13. He cast for it four rings of gold, and fastened the rings on the four corners at its four legs. 14. The rings that held the poles used for carrying the table were close to the rim. 15. He made the poles of acacia wood to carry the table and overlaid them with gold.

(Exodus chapter 37 verses 10 to 15)

And just as the poles bear the weight of the table in our lives God also bears our pain during our moments of hardship. He is always there for us, always ready to give us a helping hand during the hard times of our lives, as many of us may have experienced at some time or another. During such moments God intervened by a miracle or a radical change in events which helped us to overcome that difficulty.


16. And he made the vessels of pure gold that were to be on the table, its plates and dishes for incense and its bowls and flagon with which to pour drink offerings.

(Exodus chapter 37 verse 16)


In order to have an idea of what the table of the presence and the mentioned apparatus looked like please click on the following link:-

Table of the presence and apparatus


On reflecting anything that would come in contact with God, or be used in the service of God was to be made of pure gold. One would question the frequent use of gold as a raw material in such cases. The reason is that gold shares a particular attribute of God, in the sense that it is pure and not a combination of other minerals. Therefore in this respect people such as acolytes who serve on the altar along with the celebrant, and even those who read the Word of God during mass are all like these golden apparatus. They are of great value in the eyes of God.


17. He also made the lampstand of pure gold. The base and the shaft of the lampstand were made of hammered work; its cups, its calyxes, and its petals were made of one piece with it.

(Exodus chapter 37 verse 17)

Just as the wood was covered with gold God always, envelop us with his unconditional love, compassion and care which have been stepping stones in our lives. Further more on reflecting our spiritual development is also like the base of the lampstand. At the beginning of our relationship with God and maybe even a state of conversion from a previous lifestyle that was not according to the ways and will of God, the basic values, faith and morals are also to be hammered into our minds and souls before we can grow and venture up to the topmost branches of the shaft and become a beautiful calyx with golden petals. Although the calyx is beautiful its strength still depends on the work or hammering that was invested while being at the base, and also on the strength of the shaft that is connected to the base which is God. The period of our formation helps us to become one with God the base in this analogy and strengthen our hold to him as an individual and as a community which forms part of the shaft. Anybody who decides not to be part of that shaft is decreasing the same strength of the shaft and it will have a negative effect on the whole structure but God the base will always remain firm and solid.

18. There were six branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it: 19. three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with calyx and petals, on one branch, and three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with calyx and petals, on the other branch-so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.

(Exodus chapter 37 verses 18 to 19)


On reflecting the six branches coming out of the lampstand can be compared to all the offshoots coming out of the Roman Catholic Church and even that of other churches and religions which all find their centre in the shaft that is firmly hammered in the base that is God. Even though there are many religions we have God as our father, therefore we need not find our differences that make us stand out from each other, but find those elements that help to bind us together as one body and as the sons and daughters of one Father.


20. On the lampstand itself there were four cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its calyxes and petals. 21. There was a calyx of one piece with it under the first pair of branches, a calyx of one piece with it under the next pair of branches, and a calyx of one piece with it under the last pair of branches.

(Exodus chapter 37 verses 20 to 21)


The four cups shaped like blossoms can be compared to faith hope charity and love which are the foundation stones of our faith in God. The calyxes can be compared with God who is our source of energy that gives life to the whole organism.

22. Their calyxes and their branches were of one piece with it, the whole of it one hammered piece of pure gold.

(Exodus chapter 37 verse 22)


In the lampstand there was unity between the calyxes and their branches that were all connected with the main shaft. In the same way we are all to be connected among ourselves and find our strength in God.


23. He made its seven lamps and its snuffers and its trays of pure gold. 24. He made it and all its utensils of a talent of pure gold.

(Exodus chapter 37 verse 24)


All the instruments mentioned had an important role in the life of Israel even the suffers had their role. If you or I feel that our role is insignificant we are to keep in mind that even a simple snuffer that were to be used in the service of God was to be made of gold and not of a simple and common ordinary material.


In order to view the lampstand and its utensils please click on the following link:-


The lampstand and its utensils


25. He made the altar of incense of acacia wood, one cubit long, and one cubit wide; it was square, and was two cubits high; its horns were of one piece with it. 26. He overlaid it with pure gold, its top, and its sides all around, and its horns; and he made for it a molding of gold all around, 27 and made two golden rings for it under its molding , on two opposite sides of it, to hold the poles with which to carry it. 28. And he made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.


(Exodus chapter 37 verses 25 to 28)


Our altar on which we offer incense can be our prayer corner or environment that is if we have such a place or it can even be our workplace, our office, or classroom, or even the company where we render domestic services or even our homes, but the most efficient place is our hearts. From this place we offer You oh God all our prayers that flow up to you like burning incense.


In order to have an idea of what the altar of incense looked like please click on the following link;-


The altar of incense


According to the author of this chapter Mr. D. Ajit Pawar, Gold is something that is not readily and easily available even today therefore this makes, it a very expensive metal, nonetheless God has provided us with all the material that was needed in order to make the ark. According to the author of this chapter it is also same with our lives, God provides us with the exact things we need and if we submit our problem to God sooner or later we surely will get a solution or an answer to our prayers.


29. He made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 29)


The fragrant anointing oil is still common today and is used on many occasions in the sacramental life of the Roman Catholic Church.


According to the author of this chapter Mr. D. Ajit Pawar all of God's work is holy therefore whenever we are being of service to others we are taking part in this holy service and are completing the work that God had begun while on earth in the person of Jesus Christ.


The author of this chapter chose to end this chapter with the following prayer;-

 Thank You God for allowing me to contribute your in my life, even though my contribution is small. Thank you for taking care of us all and providing us with our basic necessary things. Thank You God for everything.

Exodus Chapter 36

EXODUS

 CHAPTER 

36

1. Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful one to whom the LORD has given skill and understanding to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.

(Exodus chapter 36 verse 1)


From the very beginning of this chapter the issue that is outstanding is that of obedience to the will of God. As humans Oh God this is one of the most challenging issues to overcome, because this goes directly against the drives of human nature, which is broken to the point of being strongly inclined to disobedience. This is why God gave us His commandments, and this also explains that we are subject to the obedience of rules everywhere we are even in our families. If it was not for this structure or system that upholds social order our lives would end up in total chaos. Therefore when tempted to break the law by maybe parking on a yellow line, or making a false declaration on the income tax form we are to keep in mind that this means that we are going against the spiritual and even social norms that support order in our lives. When breaking laws we end up in a state of sin which is also a sate of disorder.


2. Moses then called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful one to whom heart was stirred to come to do the work; 3. and they received from Moses all the freewill offerings that the Israelites had brought for doing work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, 4. so that all the artisans who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary, each from the task being performed, 5. and said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 2 to 5)


When a project is initiated according to the blessing and will of God, without our knowing resources start flowing in like the waves of the sea that flow to the sand banks that is there destination. A typical example is the time when our daughter Maria was born. At that time I was recovering from a long stretch of unemployment. Our resources were thin. In relation to necessities for the baby we were far under stocked. I was in a crisis. When I talked the issue over with a friend of mine who lived in a home for the elderly she told me, that if God wanted us to have this baby, He will also provide us with all that was needed in order to bring it up according to His will.


God provided me with many benefactors who supported me during this moment of crisis, and provided us with all that was needed, so much that at a point we ended up with more than enough clothes toys and other essentials such as car seats among many other things. Now our daughter is going to be seven years old in February and God is still providing us with essentials by means of the same benefactor who even donated us a dress for Maria to dress for her first holy communion. God's bounty has no limits. Even though now I am employed He still keeps on caring for our needs. God does so so that we can be of help to others and share of His providence with others who were in our situation or maybe in even a more morbid situation. So when in a moment of great need raise your voice to God and He will sure to help. However it is very important, loving and respectful to God that we thank Him for His infinite providence.


6. So Moses gave command and word was proclaimed throughout the camp: "No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing: 7. for what they had already brought was more than enough to do all the work.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 6 to 7)


Oh Holy Father by means of verses 6 to 7 You give us a very important lesson in the management and even the mismanagement in the resources that You provide us. This is that of not putting to waste of any resources that you give us. Resources in our case has a wide meaning and is not limited only to material goods. If God has given me alot of time of time to use, I am to use it for the good of others, prayer time and in order to cater for my needs and that of the family. A healthy balance is to be found in the resources invested in work, leisure, pray, time and play time. Any time that is excessively invested in either one creates an imbalance that leads to a state of sin and disorder.


8. All those with skill among the workers made the tabernacle with ten curtains; they were made of fine twisted linen, and blue, purple, and crimson yarns, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. 9. The length of each curtain was twenty eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains were of the same size.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 8 to 9)

In order to view the construction of the tabernacle and the ten curtains please click on the following link:-

The tabernacle and the curtains


10. He joined five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he joined to one another. 11. He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain of the first set; likewise he made them on the edge of the outermost curtain of the second set: 12. he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was in the second set: the loops were opposite one another. 13. And he made fifty clasps of gold, and joined the curtains one to the other with clasps: so the tabernacle was one whole.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 10 to 13)


As referred to in the previous video clip by means of the provided link the tabernacle and its tent covering were to be constructed and take the form described in verses 10 to 13. The tent was to be one whole. God also wants His Church to be one whole held together with the clasps of the Holy Spirit that keeps us all bound together as one unit, a construction held together with bonds of love.


14. He also made curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle: he made eleven curtains. 15. The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains were of the same size. 16. He joined five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves. 17. He made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain of the one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the other connecting curtain. 18. He made fifty clasps of bronze to join the tent together so that it might be one whole. 19. And he made for the tent a covering of tanned ram's skins and an outer covering of fine leather.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 14 to 19)


The structure given to us by the biblical writer in verses 14 to 19 can be associated with the structure of the Catholic Church and its offshoots. The centre of the tent meaning the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat is the dwelling place of God in the world, which may be the Vatican or our hearts. The outer courts are the offshoots of the Roman Catholic Church meaning other churches and religions, while the tent that acts as a complete covering is the same Holy Spirit of God which governs and controls the whole body of Christ.


20. Then he made the upright frames for the tabernacle of acacia wood. 21. Ten cubits was the length of a frame, and a cubit and a half the width of each frame. 22. Each frame had two pegs for fitting together; he did this for all the frames of the tabernacle. 23. The frames for the tabernacle he made in this way: twenty frames from the south side; 24. and he made forty bases of silver under the twenty frames, two bases under the first frame for its two pegs, and two bases under the next frame for its two pegs.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 20 to 24)


The upright frames can be associated with the ten major commandments that we consider to be the framework of our faith. The other frames are all the moral values and sacraments that uphold the life of the Church.  

In order to view the detailed explanation of the mentioned structure given  to us in verses 20 to 38 please click on the following link, which although is explained in Spanish,the exhibits are clear enough to explain what is written in verses 20 to 38 of chapter 36 of the book of Exodus.

The framework of the tent


25. For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty frames 26. and their forty bases of silver, two bases under the first frame and two bases under the next frame. 27. For the rear of the tabernacle westward he made six frames. 28. He made two frames for corners of the tabernacle in the rear. 29. They were separate beneath, but joined at the top, at the first ring; he made two of them in this way, for the two corners. 30. There were eight frames with their bases of silver; sixteen bases, under every frame two bases.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 25 to 30)


As in the above mentioned description the Roman Catholic Church is open from all angles, welcoming its sons and daughters from all denominations to be reunited into the body of Christ Jesus. The doors are always open. Two huge enormous arms and a great big loving pumping heart awaits those who decide to turn back and reunite with God. As in the case of the prodigal son, the decision is always ours to make.


31. He made bars of acacia wood, five for the frames of the one side of the tabernacle, 32. and five bars for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the tabernacle at the rear westward. 33. He made the middle bar to pass through from end to end halfway up the frames. 34. And he overlaid the frames with gold, and made rings of gold for them to hold the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 31 to 34)


As in the case of the tabernacle and its protective tent, the Roman Catholic Church as in the case of other churches also has a structure. The bar that passes through the middle which supports the whole framework is the Holy Spirit of God, which has been promised to keep on supporting the Church till the end of time, with the promise that although the forces of evil will place stress on the structure as is the case of the present times, the middle bar will keep on supporting the whole structure forever. He is the cornerstone of our lives the 'Rock of our Salvation'.

Let us now stop and give worship to God the Rock of our salvation by clicking on the following link:-

Jesus our Rock


35. He made the curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and fine twisted linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.

(Exodus chapter 36 verse 35)


As in the case of our cross which marks the presence of God, the Cherubim was inscribed in the yarns in order to reflect that the presence of God was present in that place. May our hearts be tabernacles in which God is welcome to make His presence felt in a welcoming way forever as His dwelling place.


36. For it he made four pillars of acacia and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold, and he cast for them four bases of silver. 37. He also made a screen for the entrance to the tent of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and fine twisted linen, embroidered with needle work; 38. and its five pillars with their hooks. He overlaid their capitals and their bases with gold, but their bases were of bronze.

(Exodus chapter 36 verses 36 to 38)


The pillars mentioned in verses 36 to 38 are made to have been made of gold. This can be compared to the evangelists Matthew, Mark and John and even Peter and Paul who were also pillars that God used to support, defend and uphold the Christian faith.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-


Oh God loving and merciful father I would like to thank You for not leaving us orphans before leaving this earth. Thanks for the structure that You left us, that is Your Church. Thanks for Your Word that is light that guides us in our ways. Thanks for calling the apostles, and even the popes of our times and even those of previous times who laid the foundations in Your name and according to Your Holy Will. Thanks for Your protection especially during these times of tribulation and trials, from all sides both internally and externally in Your Church. Thanks for Your promise to be with the Roman Catholic Church till the end of time. Thanks for calling disciples even from other churches to be leaders and pastors because they are also instruments in Your hands and have hooks to bring many people to You. Thanks for the New Year 2015 in which this chapter will be published.

Thanks my God and my Father 

Exodus Chapter 35

EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

35

1. Moses assembled all the congregation of the Israelites and said to them: These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do:

(Exodus chapter 35 verse 1)

When Moses was speaking to the Israelites he was doing so in the name of God. Moses was the medium or tool or voice, by which God wanted to pass on His message to His people. In the New Testament that same authority and teaching role was given to Peter and eventually the Roman Catholic Church. When the Roman Catholic Church or the pope makes a declaration with reference to our spiritual life it is the voice of God that is proclaiming that message and not simply the person himself. This is the case when we go to mass, to listen to the Word of God and receive the body and blood of God, although the oral transmission is that of the priest, it is the Holy Spirit of God that inspired them to proclaim God's Word.

2. Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy sabbath of solemn rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.

(Exodus chapter 35 verse 2)

According to verse two of the thirty-fifth chapter of the book of Exodus when God referred to the term rest, He did not mean a day lying in bed in the sun. God meant rest in Him which means a day or time of praise and worship to Him. A day where God is the only focus.

3. You shall kindle no fire in all your dwellings on the sabbath day.

(Exodus chapter 35 verse 3)

God's reason for having given His people such a commandment may have been that He is the only light in our lives, therefore there was to be no separate flames, in the sense that Israel's source of light was common that had its roots in God's presence in the Holy Place at the area of the Tabernacle where God's presence would rest on the mercy seat.


4. Moses said to all the congregation of the Israelites: This is the thing that the LORD has commanded: 5. Take from among you an offering to the LORD; let whoever is of a generous heart bring the LORD's offering: gold silver, and bronze; 6 blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and fine linen; goats' hair, 7. tanned ram's skins, and fine leather; acacia wood, 8. oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 9. and onyx stones and gems to be set in the ephod and the breastpiece .

(Exodus chapter 35 verses 4 to 9)


At times God asks us to make use of our resources for either His service or in either to be of service to others. He does not ask of us anything that is beyond our capacity. Along with the given task God also gives us the necessary skills in order to help carry out that particular task. God never expects any task of us, that is beyond our resources. On coming out of Egypt, His people had acquired such resources from the Egyptians, therefore He knew that He had not set for them an impossible task to fulfil while in the wilderness of Sinai.


10. All who are skillful among you shall come and make all that the LORD has commanded: the tabernacle, 11. its tent and its covering, its clasps and its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 12. the ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the curtains for the screen; 13. the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; 14. the lampstand also for the light, with its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; 15 and the altar of incense with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance, the entrance of the tabernacle; 16. the altar of burnt offerings, with its grating of bronze, its poles and all its utensils, the basin with its stand; 17. the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court; 18. the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court and their cords; 19. the finely worked vestments for ministering in the holy place, the holy vestments for the priest Aaron, and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests.

(Exodus chapter 35 verses 10 to 19)


God gave his people a big assignment to fulfil that required both strength and fine skills in order to build and furnish the utensils and tent of the meeting. During our times God does not give us such outstanding tasks to accomplish, however on reflecting He does give us tasks. The undertaking of the commitment of marriage, becoming a priest, being part of a charity organisation, evangelising among minority groups or even during public sessions are all assignments given to us by God. In the New Testament God told us to venture beyond our securities and throw our nets, because if we stay in the limits of our harbours which are protected zones our catch would not be that successful. We are to venture into circles or groups of people among whom we usually think twice of going to. God will surely be with us, because such groups of people are also His sons and daughters, however the greatest assignment that God has given us is with ourselves. If we let Him into ourselves, God is able to change us. On the other hand others will witness the change in us, and we become witnesses of God's intervention for others to follow leading to the silent salvation of many souls. Without our being aware there may be others who admire the presence of God in us and are trying to follow the same path by imitating us. Therefore we are to always set a good example in all we do, so that we will not be of a scandal or negative experience for others.



20. Then all the congregation of the Israelites withdrew from the presence of Moses. 21. An they came, everyone whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and brought the LORD'S offering to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the sacred vestments. So they came, both men and women: all who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and pendants, all sorts of gold objects, everyone bringing an offering of gold to the LORD. 23. And everyone who possessed blue or purple or crimson yarn or fine linen or goat's hair or tanned rams skins or fine leather brought them. 24. Everyone who could make an offering of silver or bronze brought it as the LORD's offering; and everyone who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work, brought it.

(Exodus chapter 35 verses 20 to 24)


When God makes a call on all believers we are expected to respond to His call by, offering all our skills and or resources. At times we receive calls for prayer by the pope and even simple please such as people needed to wash the church or participate in fund raising activities among others. God shows us that there is some need lacking by means of different people and or situations. It is our duty to respond with the best of our selves and our resources.


25. All the skillful women spun with their hands, and brought what they had spun in blue and purple and crimson yarns and fine linen: 26. all the women whose hearts moved them to use their skill spun the goats hair. 27. And the leaders brought onyx stones and gems to be set in the ephod and the breastpiece, 28. and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.

(Exodus chapter 35 verses 25 to 28)


In the world every body has a role to play. God gives us skills to share with others even for the good of the Church and other organizations. This is a good time to reflect on the skills that God has given us and thank Him for each and every one of them.


29. All the Israelite men and women whose hearts made them willing to bring anything for the work that the LORD had commanded by Moses to be done, brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD.

(Exodus chapter 35 verse 29)


God makes his call to all people, however only those who are free in their hearts and spirits are able to respond to God's will. At times we are bound by many blockages that hinder us from being ourselves and instruments in the hands of God.


30. Then Moses said to the Israelites: See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur of the tribe of Judah:

(Exodus chapter 35 verse 30)


God called Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur. He may also be calling you and your children or other members of you family in order to be of service to Him. God has a variety of calls, that differ according to other people's needs. The world may be in need of doctors, or psychologists, or even priests, or maybe even people to be married or maybe people called to be missionaries or instruments for evangelizing. It is our duty to respond by saying yes to God's call.


31. He has filled him with divine spirit, with skill, Intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, 32. to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 33 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. 34. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. 35. He has filled them with the skill to do every kind of work done by an artisan or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue purple, and crimson yarns, and in fine linen, or by a weaver-by any sort of artisan or skilled designer.

(Exodus chapter 35 verses 31 to 35)


On reflecting on verses 31 to 35 God shows us that all of our skills and knowledge is not according to our own doing, but are gifts given to us by God for a particular purpose mainly that of being of help and or service to others.


Now is the time to thank God for all the skills that He has given us. It would be fruitful for us to stop and reflect on all the skills that God has given us, and thank Him for each and every one of them.


I would like to end this chapter by thanking God for all the love, care, friends, knowledge, skills that He has given us. They are all his blessings and without them I cannot imagine how our lives would be. I invite you to click on the following link and thank God with me by means of this song.

Thank You God

  

Exodus Chapter 34

EXODUS

 CHAPTER

 34

1. The LORD said to Moses, "Cut two tablets of stone like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets, which you broke.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 1)

On reflecting we can observe that during the first encounter on Mount Sinai God gave the tablets of stone to Moses, however after he broke them the, second time Moses met God, He told Moses to make the tablets himself. It seems that God's attitude with Moses was now that of an adult who was nurturing his loving son. The tasks given on sensing that the son had matured as a consequence of the experiences one endures now become more complex. There is no more spoon feeding. 

Oh father even though I have physically grown and am forty-three years old, on a spiritual level I am still a toddler who needs much care and support. On me I still have the label saying; 'please handle with care!"

2. Be ready in the morning to Mount Sinai and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 2)



As in the New Testament God is asking us to be ready because we do not know the day or the hour during which we will appear before Him. Moreover Oh God every day I thirst for Your presence and I am in waiting for it, therefore it is a great need for me to be ready. One way that really helps us be ready for such mountain top experiences with God is frequent confession of our sins, so that the state of our soul will not be endangered. When considering that although we strive to walk in the ways of God our father we are still sinners and prone to sin, therefore a bit of spring cleaning is always necessary in order to help keep our spiritual welfare in a healthy state. The Holy Spirit of God prompts us to help us fulfil this role as long as we are willing to share this noble aim.


3. No one shall come up with you, and do not let anyone be seen throughout all the mountain; and do not let flocks or herds graze in front of that mountain.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 3)



As much as there is the need for us to give praise and worship as a community, there is also the need for us to worship as individuals. Therefore this highlights the need for our having a healthy and constant prayer life. During such sacred moments God speaks to our hearts and even to our minds, by giving us insights, feelings and even ideas in relation to sensitive issues that are of concern both in the present and even in the days to come. While meditating on the Word of God I was inspired to open a new blog on the New Testament. Meanwhile I waited to see if this was God's will and did not take action, however yesterday which was the 6th of December one of the followers of this blog asked me whether I intend to open a blog on the New Testament which according to his opinion would be more relevant for our Spiritual Welfare than the Old Testament. I considered this comment as being God's confirmation during moments of prayer after such a long time of prayer and waiting on God and created a new blog on the New Testament. If it is according to the will of God I will alternate by reflecting on both 'Testaments' simultaneously and when a chapter is ready I will publish it.


4. So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the former ones; and he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tablets of stone.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 4)


Now that Moses had to cut and fashion the new  stone tablets he would appreciate more God's work who made and fashioned the original tablets which Moses had destroyed in a fit of anger and passion on seeing the state of disorder in which the people of God had degenerated to. Oh God my father when my daughter was born the fruit of both material and spirit, I was overjoyed. Moreover I became more aware of what joy you experienced on creating the world with all its beauty and wonder. Thank You for giving us this opportunity to create, even though we are creatures ourselves. 


5. The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name, "The LORD,"

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 5)



On reflecting a person's name reflects alot in relation to who that person is. In the case of God, the name LORD reflects both majesty, power and authority which merits both love, obedience and respect. There is no other name but the name of Jesus, may You always be praised and worshipped and never have your blessed be named subjected to ridicule and bad words. When considering how much the name of God is spoken of in vain, it is the right time to stop and give worship to God by means of the following song please click on the following link:-



Song No other name but the Name of Jesus



6. The LORD passed before him, and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7. keeping, steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty, but visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children to the third and the fourth generation."


(Exodus chapter 34 verses 6 to 7)



On reflecting verses 6 to 7 reflects the amazing loving and generous character of God. He is merciful abundant in steadfast love and faithfulness, however God is also just and merciful and therefore cannot help but chastise us in a loving and caring way for our injustices. At times oh heavenly father it is necessary for You to say 'No' instead of a 'Yes'. In such situations there is a always a valid reason for our own good. Thank You Oh God for having such beautiful qualities, may we all share in such qualities. You are a reliable model for us to follow. Whenever we may feel or doubt if we are living according to the will of God we can refer to verses 6 to 7 as our checklist.


8. And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped. 9. He said, "If now I have found favour in your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the LORD go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, pardon our iniquities and our sin, and take us for your inheritance."


(Exodus chapter 34 verses 8 to 9)



Oh loving father, my prayer is also that of Moses, and maybe the same as that of who is reading and praying over this chapter as I am doing. Please accept me as I am that is a sinner. Please be with me, even though my carnal self gets the better of me and I end up sinning again and again. Even though I do my best to overcome my sinful self it often gets the better of me. Please accept me as Your own even though I am but sin and flesh, please have mercy on me and my sinful nature.



10. He said: I hereby make a covenant. Before all your people I will perform marvels, such as have not been performed in all the earth or in any nation; and all the people among whom you live shall see the work of the LORD; for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.


(Exodus chapter 34 verse 10)



Indeed it was truly awesome oh God my father, how you helped your people to enter the land that You Yourself promised them. This meant wiping out four nations. Even today we are still witnessing how awesome You are. After all these years since the day of its very conception Your Church has faced many tribulations, both within and beyond. You protected it from the mighty force of Nazism who at all costs attempted to exterminate You chosen people. You are protecting Your Church from the onslaught of fundamentalists who are beheading people just because they are Roman Catholics and you are also protecting Your Church from the internal scourge of homosexuality that is like the Ebola virus that leaves death and a wave of negativity that is having negative consequences even among those who have had considered themselves up to no as being believers. Please protect Your Church oh father from this cursed malady.


11. Observe what I command you today. See, I will drive out before you the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites,

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 11)


Oh father You are always willing and able to help us in our problems, You have done great things during the course of our lives and You never stop working in the history of time. You are always active on our behalf. However all You ask of us is to listen to what You are telling us, by the events, trends, ideas, findings of science, teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and even other churches but most of all by referring to the Word of God as our major source of reference in a spirit of prayer and worship. We are not only to listen bu to obey and act according to Your Holy will.


12. Take care not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you are going, or it will become a snare among you.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 12)


Although the people of God would inhabit the lands of their enemies, they were not to adopt their ways and beliefs. The world is becoming a global village, the Internet is gradually eliminating the distance between places on the globe and values and beliefs that are alien to the Christian Catholic beliefs are being transmitted so much that they are being incorporated into constitutions and even legal system. Marriage between people of the same gender has been made legal, and so has divorce, in future only God knows what will become legalised.



13. You shall tear down their altars, break their pillars, and cut down their sacred poles.

(Exodus chapter 34)



There is absolutely nothing wrong in our being aware of people of other creeds slants and beliefs, however if we become acquainted with such people we may easily be tempted to adopt foreign and maybe even sinful ways which may have negative repercussions on both our spiritual, social and or psychological self. Therefore it is best not to become acquainted with sin but do our best to be estranged from it.


14. (for you shall worship no other god, because the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God).


(Exodus chapter 34 verse 14)



God is jealous for our love and worship. The ways of the world have a special way of attracting our attention and luring us away from Him, therefore as a loving father it is understood that He cares for the well being of His children.


15. You shall not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to their gods, someone among them will invite you and you will eat of the sacrifice. 16. And you will take wives from among their daughters for your sons, and their daughters who prostitute themselves to their gods will make your sons also prostitute themselves to their gods.

(Exodus chapter 34 verses 15 to 16)


God does not want us to associate with evil and negative ways. God is warning us even though He is aware that even if we promise not to do such a thing there is always the possibility that as humans we will put our foot in it and go against His will at some time or another. Thanks for loving us oh father even though we have a strong inclination to sinful and negative ways.



17. You shall not make cast idols. 18. You shall keep the festival of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib; for in the month of Abib you came out from Egypt.

(Exodus chapter 17 to 18)


Before permitting His people to proceed to the land that He had long since promised them, God revised the commandments that He had initially given to Moses starting with the feast that would remind them of one of the most important event in their lives, meaning that of their liberation from the bondage of Egypt.  It is nice to remember those intimate moments when we felt God intervening in full force, precious moments that made a whole lot of difference in our lives and maybe even having led to our conversion from a life without God to one that initiated our relationship with Him that has been lasting up to this very day.



19. All that first opens the womb is mine, all your male livestock, the firstborn of cow and sheep. 20. The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. No one shall appear before me empty handed.


(Exodus chapter 34 verses 19 to 20)


Even though God's people would be living in a foreign land they were still to offer their first born to God, who would still be the main priority and value in their life. Oh Lord God and father I pray that in all my decisions and priorities You will always be the primary point of reference. Any thing or decision that does not correspond with You and Your teachings is not acceptable to me. Moreover I would like to take this opportunity to dedicate both myself and my family to You. Please wash us and consecrate us with Your Holy blood forever.


21. Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in plowing time and in harvest time you shall rest.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 21)


God knows what is good both for our bodies and for our souls, among His commandments He gave us rules that concern both the well being of the soul and the body.


22. You shall observe the festival of weeks, the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the festival of ingathering at the turn of the year.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 22)


The festival of weeks had the intention of reminding the people of God of the covenant that took place at Mount Sinai, where God gave His commandments to His people. In the Christian world the festival of weeks is that of the celebration of Pentecost. In order to go deeper into the significance of the festival of weeks please click on the following link:-


The festival of weeks


23. Three times in the year all of your males shall appear before the LORD God, the God of Israel.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 23)


For three times the males of the people of God were to appear before Him. For one important time we are also going to appear before Him I pray that we be  ready when our time comes.


24. For I will cast out nations before you, and enlarge your borders; no one shall covet your land when you go up to appear before the LORD your God three times in the year.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 24)


Go promises to share of his providence He will bless all that He provides for us and we shall always share of this blessing as long as we stay in His ways.



25. You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven, and the sacrifice of the festival of the passover shall not be left until the morning.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 25)


God also made a special emphasis in relation to the procedures of the sacrificial offerings as they were very important and significant.



26. The best of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring to the house of the LORD your God. You shall not boil a kid in it's mother's milk.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 26)



As in the case of Abel and Cain God wants us to offer Him the best of our produce, our abilities, our prayer time and not the bare remnants of our day. If we happen to be very very busy we can at least thank God for even the smallest and maybe insignificant thing that happens in our life even if it does not make sense, because if God permitted it to happen He has a reason to have done so.


 27. The LORD said to Moses: Write these words; in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 27)


Although it is not practical for us to write God's covenants on stone tablets, the Church has taught us these same commandments ever since we were of an age to attend catechism or other religious instruction, therefore by now they are engraved in our minds and hearts. They are an active part of our hearts. In order to make it easier legal systems have incorporated directly or indirectly the principles out lined in the commandments that God gave to Israel and to humanity at large. Thank You God for giving us such wise commandments that were updated in the New Testament by Your Son Jesus.


28. He was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 28)


One might wonder how ever could Moses cope on the mountain for fourty days without eating or drinking. However although Moses was technically famished, in reality he was more than fulfilled for his soul was replenished by Your Word Oh God. You preserved his body and his soul for fourty days so that he could continue to be an instrument in Your hands. In relation to these fourty days and their significance please click on the following link:-


Significance of fourty days on Mount Sinai


29. Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 29)


When Moses came down from the mountain the people realised that he had been in your presence, because his face reflected the fact that he had been exposed to Your presence. May we all be witnesses of You divine presence in our lives. May everyone realise by our deeds and words that we are people who have had a personal experience with You oh God. May this experience be like a positive label that all can see, may we be like signposts for all to be guided by, so that people who have lost their way on the pilgrimage of life may get back on track to their heavenly homes. Moreover may, we all be signposts for each other, for we are all travelling on a twisty and slippery road and without warning we can all at some point or other swerve of the road and need to towed back to a garage for repairs before being able to continue our race.


30. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 30)


The people saws a changed man or even thought that they were seeing a ghost. Something had changed in Moses. He was radiating the presence of God. On making an experiencing of You oh God, we are sure to experience radical or gradual changes in our behaviour or life style. We will begin to think, act and behave like You, so much that people will witness the difference from the person whom we were to the person whom we have become.


31. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 31)


One of the main features of people who have made an experience of God is that they are strongly motivated to share with others what God has shared with them. Moses wished to be a signpost for the people that would ultimately lead them to worship God in spirit and in truth. Therefore Moses did not want the people to be afraid of him.


32. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.

(Exodus chapter 34 verse 32)


When we experience growth in our spiritual life we start feeling a greater need to be with You oh father. In Your infinite wisdom You start sharing with us, knowledge and insights about our selves, our sins, the world and even knowledge of the future, particular knowledge and insights that are given to society in general.


33. When Moses had finished speaking with them he put a veil on his face; 34. but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35. the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again until he went in to speak with him.

(Exodus chapter 34 verses 33 to 35)


For some reason Moses attempted to hide the reflection of God from his being by wearing a veil to cover his face. On the contrary in the New Testament Jesus wants us to be a shining light in this World of darkness in order to be a living testimony of Him and His word. May we all be a light that is strong enough to penetrate the darkness of evil both in ourselves and in those making part of our inner and outer circles.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-


Oh God thanks for loving us as You do! As sinners we do not deserve to be loved by You with such immense and caring love. Grant oh Father that we open ourselves to You so that you can always write Your will on the tablets of our hearts, so that we will always walk in Your ways. May Your light always shine in us. May our lives become a living testimony of Your presence in us, so much that more and more souls are drawn to You and saved from the damnation of hell.

Thank you Jesus my one and only father!   

 



  

Exodus Chapter 33

EXODUS

 CHAPTER 

33

1. The LORD said to Moses, "Go, leave this place, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, and go to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, "To your descendants I will give it.'

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 1)

On reflecting my God it seems that although You love us so much even You may feel hurt by our indifference and most of all by our sinful acts. This is reflected by the fact that although You forgave your people You still did not acknowledge them as being your people and the fact that You were the God who delivered them out of Egypt. Thanks for loving me even though at times I turn against you in disobedience. What is most astonishing is that although I break my promises and commitment with You, You still remain loving, faithful and committed to me as a loving father.

2. I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 2)

As in verse 1 of the thirty-third chapter of the book of Exodus God wants us to move on from our place or situation of sin which is unhealthy for us and move in in our life in order to achieve the ultimate goal that is being reunited with God in heaven and with humanity on earth. In order to reach this aim You send us angels that guide us along the way. Some of these angels maybe friends, employees, teachers or even fathers who during confession make us aware of the consequences of our decisions which in turn leads to our changing of the course of our lives. Throughout my life God has sent me many of these angels, however the greatest means of direction and opener, was given to me through meditating on His Word.


3. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, or I would consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people."

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 3)


Verse 33 may explain alot of what is happening in the world today my God. Today we have become so stubborn and proud that we are driving You out of our lives in a polite way or even wilfully. We only turn our focus on You when we are up to our neck in trouble and even then we place we may even tend to place the blame the on You in order to compensate for our sins.


It is truly a tragedy oh God if You do not assist me and others throughout our daily lives, for what can we possibly do without You. Our lives would be chaos, a total disaster.com. You are our sense of hope, faith and love, the true and only way that leads to our salvation! May it never be oh Father that You turn Your face away from us because we cannot spend one second away from You.


4. When the people heard these harsh words, they mourned, and no one put on ornaments. 5. For the LORD had said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'You are a stiff-necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, and I will decide what to do to you.' 6. Therefore the Israelites stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.

(Exodus chapter 33 verses 4 to 6)


As a response to Your harsh words of condemnation Your people humbled themselves as a sign of feeling sorry for their negative attitude as in confession of their sinful self, may we all feel the weight of our sins and turn to You for forgiveness.


7. Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 7)


On reflecting on verse 7 it can be said that anybody who wishes to spend time with God would have to invest time in venturing outside the camp and go to the tent of the meeting. It would have been a purposeful venture in order to meet God. Today we have chapels where we can come to meet You oh father in silence, however we can also meet You in the chapels of our hearts if these chapels or places of worship happen to be very far away. God is omnipresent and is available at all times. He does not operate on office hours. The Holy Spirit of God is always available for us with which to communicate.

8. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise and stand, each of them, at the entrance of their tents and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. 9. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD would speak with Moses. 10. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise and bow down, all of them at the entrance of their tent.

(Exodus chapter 33 verses 8 to 10)


On reflecting this is a replica example of why we stand up during mass when the priest enters in a processional way on his way to the altar. He is a representative of God and therefore merits our respect. Therefore if the representative merits our respect how much more do you merit it oh holy father when we pass in front of the Eucharist or receive You in our hands during communion.


11. Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then he would return to the camp; but his young assistant, Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the tent.

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 11)


This is my greatest prayer oh God! I also would like to have this form of relationship with You. How I wish that we could speak together face to face like two friends. I would surely grow in my love for You and others and would be always sure to be walking according to Your ways, because I would be receiving direct feedback from You every single day of my life.


 12. Moses said to the LORD, "See, you have said to me,  'Bring up this people'; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ' I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' 13. Now If I have found favour in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people."

(Exodus chapter 33 verses 12 to 13)


In life we all have questions that try as we might we never or almost find never answers to them. When we seem to find an answer to one question like a pop up another one takes its place. We tend to use the scientific method or other means in order to answer the biggest issues of life, however the means and knowledge of this world is not enough to satisfy our quest for knowledge and answers, because only You oh father have all the answers and because all is happening according to Your perfect plan whether we like it or are aware of it or not. We are like a door bell we here alot of questions but do not have many answers. Only the knowledge given to us by means of the Holy Spirit of God is able to inflame our intellect with the much needed knowledge, however the greatest awareness and knowledge that is sufficient to us is, that which shows us how to always walk according to Your ways in obedience to Your holy will.


14. He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."15. And he said to him, "If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. 16. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth."

(Exodus chapter 33 verses 14 to 16)


As in the case of Moses I totally agree with him that life without the presence of God is not worth living at all. However on the other hand there is nothing that makes me proud than to be called a person who is trying to walk in the presence of God by means of the help of the Holy Spirit of God. The names Christian and Catholic give me both pleasure courage and satisfaction.


17. The LORD said to Moses, " I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 17)


Oh how wonderful it is oh heavenly father that You know us by our name, that means on a personal level. We could not have a better friend than You. Thanks for permitting us to form part of Your inner circles by means of the Holy Sacraments and a healthy life of prayer. Please never stop being our father and even a friend to us.


18. Moses said, "Show me your your glory, I pray."

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 18)


Although God had manifested himself to Moses both in glory and in power Moses kept on praying for more. Our souls will always be thirsty for Your presence Oh God! The more we experience You the more we crave for You and You presence. You are the only source that is able to replenish both our body and most of all our soul. I also pray that You give us more of Yourself.

In a spirit of praise and worship let us lift our souls in praise worship to You oh God. I invite you who are reading this chapter to click on the following link and join me in praise and worship by means of this song;

More of You my God


19. And he said, " I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, "The LORD", and I will be gracious, and will show mercy. 20. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one shall see me and live."

(Exodus chapter 33 verse 19 to 20)


Moses was asking for more than was allotted for him as a human. To experience God in all Your glory is such a powerful and wonderful gift that it is to be given by God and not only desired by us. If we are not yet ready to make such a profound experience of God this gift shall not be given to us, however when God considers us as being ready He will surely share Himself with us as He did with the apostles on the mountain of transfiguration in the New Testament. As based on my personal experience of God when I heard His voice in a vision or as many inferred as having been a dream I was on the verge of having a heart attack. I could not speak of anything but the dream and had to share it with all the persons with whom I was acquainted. The fire of the Holy Spirit of God was and still is alive and burning in my soul. It was a peak moment in my life that I will never forget.


21. And the LORD continued, "See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22. and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 23. then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen."

(Exodus chapter 33 verses 21 to 23)


Oh God of Gods even I desire You presence even if from a limited perspective as in the case of Moses, from the cleft of a rock. Nothing would be more satisfactory to my soul.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer. In order to follow I invite you to please click on the following link:

In Your presence Oh God