Leviticus Chapter 2

LEVITICUS 

CHAPTER

 2

1. When anyone presents a grain offering to the LORD, the offering shall be of choice flour.

(Leviticus chapter 2 verse 1)

oh God my father may all that I do be done for you, even if I do it for others. When I have you in mind as my primary reason for doing something which means that what I do I do for You and not to merit the praise of others, the value of that action or offering becomes more special because it is being done for someone who is special and not for its own sake. Therefore this means that the offering is also to be special and of superior quality. The offering may vary in type and form, such as our daily praying time, or maybe a visit to somebody who is in hospital who would be very happy to see us and share the long dragging hours with us.



2. and bring it to Aaron's sons the priests. After taking from it a handful of the choice flour and oil, with all its frankincense, the priest shall turn this token portion into smoke on the altar, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD. 3. And what is left of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons, a most holy part of the offerings by fire to the LORD 


(Leviticus chapter 2 verse 2 to 3)



According to Mr.Devain Pawar the author of this chapter, grains are basic food stuffs that are essential for our well being..As in the case of God we cannot live without You and Your love oh Father. I thank You for turning our inferior produce into a sacrificial that is to your liking. According to verse 3, the remaining portion of the sacrifice was to be consumed by Aaron and his sons. In your case oh God you were offered and consumed as one whole sacrifice, however even though you were offered as a whole we benefited our salvation as a consequence of your offering. You are so generous and loving oh God that You offered Yourself as the sacrificial offering. Moreover in your generosity You also considered the well being of both the person making the offering that is the atonement of ones sins, and also the physical well being of Aaron and his sons who were to share from the sacrifice of the altar. This is also my case. I dwell on the Word of God. He gives me His message and then I share it with all readers on line by means of this blog. He who lives by God will benefit from God and His Word. Thanks You God for being so close in all circumstances of life.



4. When you present a grain offering baked in the oven, it shall be of choice flour; unleavened cakes mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers with oil.


(Leviticus chapter 2 verse 4)



On reflecting oh God I wondered with reference to the wafer in verse 4 of the second chapter of the book of Leviticus if the wafer could stand for Your presence in the Eucharist which also has the shape of a wafer. You instructed Your people to offer unleavened bread the same form of bread that they baked before leaving Egypt the land of slavery. Oh God you wish me to offer You my pain and anguish and in return You offer me Your comfort. a comfort that the world can never offer me. However the offering is to be baked in the oven to improve the finished product. Throughout my life I also had to endure moments of tribulation when the heat was so intense that I also felt I am in an oven. Right now I feel as if I am in an oven. I am working on a case study and am experiencing alot of stress because at times I feel I cannot meet the demands of my superiors. However You are my consolation and refuge. Help me to place my entire trust and hope in You.



 5. If your offering is grain prepared on a griddle, it shall be of choice flour mixed with oil, unleavened; 6. break it in pieces, and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.


(Leviticus chapter 2 verses 5 to 6)




Thanks for making me a product that is still in process my God. As in the case of the grain offering I am in the process of being prepared before I can be totally be offered to You in your presence in heaven. During the rest of my life on earth i am broken and exposed to fires of tribulation on my griddle of life, however I am given flavour and odour by the blessing and anointing coming from your oil oh God. Thanks for making me your offering. May I always keep saying yes to all your requests so that as an offering I will be complete.



7. If your offering is grain prepared in a pan, it shall be made of choice flour in oil. 8. You shall bring to the LORD the grain offering that is prepared in any of these ways; and when it is presented to the priest, he shall take it to the altar. 



(Leviticus chapter 2 verses 7 to 8 )



Just as all grains are different and are processed in different ways, as humans oh God You also process us each in a different way, according to Your personal plan tailored by You the Master Creator. As in the case of the processed grains, it is the exposition to fire in the process of being cooked that brings, out the beautiful delicious flavour that makes it so good to eat. As humans it is the same. The tribulations and trials of our lives puts us through the test, and after we have been exposed to such situations on taking it from Your hands oh God our taste becomes enriched, as Christians we become stronger in faith. Only then at the end of our life on earth oh Jesus You will present us as in the case of the High priest to God the father as an offering in which He finds pleasure.




9. The priest shall remove from the grain offering its token portion and turn this into smoke on the altar, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD. 10. And what is left of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings by fire to the LORD.


(Leviticus chapter 2 verses 9 to 10)



On appearing before You my God I will appear as a whole offering, however before I am ready and worthy of being in Your presence I will experience a period of transformation in purgatory where I will repent in relation to those acts and circumstances that were and still are not to your liking during my time on earth. As in the case of the grain offering these negative elements of me as an offering will be removed so that I will be a choice offering in Your sight.



11. No grain offering that you bring to the LORD shall be made with leaven, for you must not turn any leaven or honey into smoke as an offering by fire to the LORD.


(Leviticus chapter 2 verse 11)



On reflecting it seems that You oh God did not want negative and positive attributes to be offered in one offering, as in the case of adding sweet with sour in a food. God, however accepts as as we are with our good and bad characteristics. You appreciate us as we are with what we are even though our 'Curriculum Vitae may include events that are not of pleasure to You. Thanks for appreciating us as a whole. However on the other hand it seems that You want us to give You praise for all the good that You give us such as skills and faith and not to speak negatively of ourselves in a way that discredits the good that You have given us. We are to be positive people and not negative ones, even though at times we are tested by trials and tribulations.



12. You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of choice products, but they shall not be offered on the altar for a pleasing odor. 13. You shall not omit from your grain offerings the salt of the covenant with your God; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.


(Leviticus chapter 2 verses 12 to 13)



According to the book of Leviticus we are still to thank God for the positive qualities that he has given us however but in a special way and not in the way that we usually offer thanksgiving to Him. There is the usual thank You oh God and there is thanksgiving accompanied by prayers fasting and evening saying the rosary and celebrating the mass with many others. Our thanks to You oh God can mean donating a gift to somebody with whom we are in conflict! This would be much more appreciated than a gift to somebody whom we love. Above all You are telling us that You and Your presence are to be placed in every offering that we offer to you. If God is not in our lives and in our offerings we are like a fruit that has gone bad or expired. The salt in food gives it that special flavour, without it food has a different taste which is not always delicious or good to eat. It is the same with You oh God my father. If you are not present in me and my actions and choices or if you are not active in my life, I may appear to be a happy and God fearing person but in truth I have something important that is missing in my life and that someone is You. In such cases my life would not be worth living because it would be like a yacht with a missing rudder, it floats there at the mercy of the wind and current having no particular destination.



14. If you bring a grain offering of first fruits to the LORD, you shall bring as the grain offering of your first fruits coarse new grain from fresh ears, parched with fire. 15. You shall add oil to it and lay frankincense on it; it is a grain offering. 16. And the priest shall turn a token portion of it into smoke-some of the coarse grain and oil with all its frankincense; it is an offering by fire to the LORD.



(Leviticus chapter 2 verses 14 to 16)

According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter we are to give God the  first place in our life. Therefore our offering to You oh God is to be nothing but the best, because you are always there for us whenever we need you or not. You are a caring and loving father, therefore we are to be grateful to you and thank you every day of our lives. 

In light of verses 14 to 16 I would like to invite you to share with me this following prayer and song, please click on the following link:-

We are an offering

Mr. Pawar chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:

                                                                                               

God please help us in our life especially when we feel defeated. I pray that you help those who are still haunted by their past and are still conditioned by it. Please help them as you have helped us in our life.

Thank You for everything.

Leviticus Chapter 1

LEVITICUS

 CHAPTER

 1

1. The LORD summoned Moses and spoke to him from the tent of the meeting, saying: 2. Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When any of you bring an offering of livestock to the LORD, you shall bring your offering from the herd or from the flock.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verses 1 to 2)

On reflecting it appears that now that God had a dwelling place among His people He communicated regularly with them. This shows us oh father that it is your pleasure to communicate with us. Moreover the more time we invest in our relationship with You the more You make it grow. 

In order to thank You oh Father as humans we are to offer gifts. However these gifts were to be from our own livestock meaning something that is really ours and not something of somebody else as in the analogy of the herds that was common livestock. Today God is asking an offering from us. This could be an intimate life with Him or even a vocation. Let us not be over cautious with You oh God and offer You the best of our lives and not the mediocre remains of our day in order to offer our offerings such as our prayer time among other offerings to You.

3. If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you shall offer a male without blemish; you shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting for acceptance in your behalf before the LORD.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verse 3)


When the offering was brought to the sons of Aaron to be offered as a burnt offering the creature is checked for any form of deformity and is treated accordingly thus if the sacrificial offering is defective it will be refused as a worthy offering. However God does not deal with us in the same way and with the same criteria that we deal with each other.God is in control of all situations in life, and even if a baby is born with a form of impairment God still loves that baby because it is His creation and any parent is proud of His creation even if others call it 'disabled, impaired, deformed' or by other label which are always in the pipeline in relation to this issue so much that it is difficult to remain updated for a new label is created almost every year. God's main priority is that of seeing us happy even though at times He permits us to endure tough situations that make our life a living sacrifice that we can offer to Him.

4. You shall lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be acceptable in your behalf as atonement for you.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verse 4)


According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter the act of atonement is to compensate for the negative action that we would have done as in when we go to confess our sins that may have negative consequences on both our selves and those of our inner and outer circles. The person making the offering would place his hand, on the head of the burnt offering thus transferring his sins on to the creature who would be offered on his behalf. The issue of offering and beheading is being abused by the fact that humans were not intended to be beheaded to atone for the sins of others or to compensate for other people who were previously killed long time ago.

What is really encouraging oh God is that by means of the sacrament of confession You give us the opportunity to admit our sins in an honest way, admit that we were tempted by sin to do this and that negative action and express feelings of sorrow that we have done such a thing with the intention of never doing it again by means of the help of God, because as humans we are always prone to sin again and again. Therefore a negative act is not compensated for by another negative act as in the killing of a person or group of people to compensate for a negative act previously done by another group with whom we share differences and biases.

5. The bull shall be slaughtered before the LORD and Aaron's sons the priests shall offer the blood, dashing the blood against all sides of the altar that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verse 5)

According to the author of this chapter with whom I agree, today many people are slaughtering people in name of their supreme being or any other deity stating it as being according to the will of that source that they are carrying out these macabre acts of murder or manslaughter. In truth we all know that the God in whom we believe has given to humanity the power to live a happy life and not the authority to decide who lives and who is worthy to be slaughtered in a cage or with a knife. God wants us to live a happy life were we can always consider Him as our number one priority and above all thank him for the important loving and caring role that He has been playing in our life as the  Master Creator. 

On going back  to the text and reflecting You also were offered as a living sacrifice on which you offered your body and blood which was also dashed and scattered on everywhere you passed from especially on the cross which was your sacrificial altar in order to obtain our atonement.


6. The burnt offering shall be flayed and cut up into its parts. 7. The sons of the priest Aaron shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire. 8. Aaron's sons the priests shall arrange the parts, with the head and the suet, on the wood that is on the fire on the altar; 9. but its entrails and its legs shall be washed with water. Then the priest shall turn the whole into smoke on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verses 6 to 9)


According to Mr. Pawar the author of this chapter as humans we all are different pieces of a puzzle in this wonderful and complex world. On the other hand God is the one who is able to solve the puzzle of our selves by joining the pieces of ourselves thus making us whole persons and washes away our sins  by means of the sacrament of reconciliation and thus making us happy again as whole persons and this also is of pleasure to God.


When comparing the procedure fashioned for the the creature to be offered as a burnt offering to Jesus, the offering of all offerings we can draw the following comparisons. As in the case of the offering of the creature referred to in Leviticus chapter 1 verses 6 to 9, the body of Jesus was butchered by the soldiers. His body was ripped apart by the spear of the soldier during the time of the passion. On the other hand according to the mentioned procedure the sons of Aaron the priest will arrange the wood on which the sacrificial animal would be placed, while Jesus was forced to carry the wood on which he was to be offered for our salvation. As in the case of the offering Jesus was an offering of love that pleased God in whom He found His pleasure in His loving Son.


10. If your gift for a burnt offering is from the flock, from the sheep or goats, your offering shall be a male without blemish. It shall be slaughtered on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron's sons the priests shall dash its blood against all sides of the altar. 12. It shall be cut up into its parts, with its head and its suet, and the priest shall arrange them on the wood that is on the fire on the altar; 13. But the entrails and the legs shall be washed with water. Then the priest shall offer the whole and turn it into smoke on the altar; it is a burnt offering, an offering by fire pleasing odor to the LORD.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verses 10 to 13)


On reading these verses for the first time I thought that they were a repetition of verses 6 to 9, however on analysing Leviticus chapter 1 verses 6 to 9, and comparing it to Leviticus chapter 1 verses 10 to 13 the following conclusion can be reached.


In Leviticus chapter 1 verse 5 it is written that if the offering is taken from the herd it was to be offered at the entrance of the tent of the meeting. However if the offering is from the 'flock meaning from the 'sheep or goats'  the offering was to be offered on the north side of the altar. Therefore it follows that different types of offerings were offered on different angles of the altar facing the tent of the meeting.


In order to help us understand the significance of the offerings that we are going to reflect on in the following chapters from the book of Leviticus please click on the following link:-


The significance of the sacrificial offerings

According to the author of this chapter Mr. Devain Pawar many people including ourselves may wonder why God states wants the animal to have no defect. It may be said that God is judging that offering, however on the other hand God wants to be the number one in our lives and therefore we are to treat God accordingly. On the other hand God knows human nature and is fully aware of both our strengths and of our weaknesses. God is also aware that although we aim to live a perfect life as humans at some point or another the sacrifice of our life is going to be stained by our sinful self. However above all God loves us, and is always ready to welcome us back to His loving arms. That is why He gave us all the opportunity to atone for our sins by means of the sacrament of reconciliation which reconciles us with God and then with those who have trespassed against us ,by means of the graces that this sacrament gives us.


14. If your offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, you shall choose your offerings from turtledoves or pigeons.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verse 14)


When reflecting on verse 14 of the first chapter of Leviticus we cannot stop and go back to our friend Noah in the book of Genesis, who chose to send the dove in order to confirm if the waters of the flood have returned back to their ascribed bearings on earth as according to the will of God. The dove in its nature is calm, and obedient to its master It is  generally considered to be a symbol of peace. The dove is sent on a task and unlike the ravenous raven returns back to its master. The Roman Catholic Church has held the symbol of the dove as representing the Holy Spirit of God, who also was sent by God the Father to fulfil the mission of our salvation and then return back to the Master by means of being offered on the cross as a sacrificial offering for our atonement and that of the world.

15. The priest shall bring it to the altar and wring of its head, and turn it into smoke on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out against the side of the altar. 16. He shall remove its crop with its contents and throw it at the east side of the altar, in place for ashes. 17. He shall tear it open by its wings without severing it. Then the priest shall turn it into smoke on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire; it is a burnt offering, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD.

(Leviticus chapter 1 verses 15 to 17)

When reflecting on verses 15 to 17 which bring us to the end of this chapter it can be observed that as in the case of the offering of the dove as a burnt offering your son Jesus was also laid down on the cross without having one bone broken. During hard times it is good to keep this in mind. Even though we may be processed as a sacrificial offering for the atonement of our sins, God will not permit us to endure harm more than we can bear. Moreover along with the tribulation God always gives us His graces as means of consolation.


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

God please give me the power, so that I can do my best in following your will. I also thank You for the opportunity that one day I will be reunited with You in my home in heaven. I would like to thank You for playing a major role in my daily life. Thank You for guiding me through each day of my life. I also pray for those victims of the atrocities that were committed in the name of 'god' and I also pray for our protection and well being . Bless us with your grace and thank you for giving us the chance to spread Your Holy Words and also for giving us the chance to start praying on the book of Leviticus.  

Thank You God

Exodus Chapter 40

EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

40

1. The LORD spoke to Moses: 2. On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of the meeting. 3. You shall put in it the ark of the covenant, and you shall screen the ark with the curtain.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 1 to 3)

According to the Author of this Chapter Mr. Devain Pawar, God gave Moses the mentioned instructions in order to hold the meeting with Him on a particular day of the month and year. God gives us a fresh start, a new beginning even though, at times we lose contact with God due to our sin. God gives us the opportunity to reunite with Him and start all over again by means of the sacrament of reconciliation. 

Moreover, even though the people had a free access to God by means of the tent of the meting, where the presence of God was always available, the people still had a barrier before them meaning that of the curtain. Our sinful selves can at times be the curtain that blocks our understanding of Your Word oh God, therefore when experiencing such a blockage we are to refer to you in a spirit of humility admit our weakness and ask for Your enlightenment.


Moreover as referred to by the author of this chapter You ordered that Your people obey your will. Laws are there to help us control our behaviour therefore we are to obey them. Without laws we would be no better than animals who simply act upon egoistic instinct in order to satisfy their needs wants and desires that at time clash with those of others and deprive them of their basic needs.  

4. You shall bring in the table, and arrange its setting; and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5. You shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the covenant, and set up the screen for the entrance of the tabernacle.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 4 to 5)


The lampstand that was fashioned by the hands of humanity was to be placed on a table and be set in the vicinity of the ark of the covenant along with the golden altar on which incense was to be offered as a burnt offering to You.


Oh father as in the case of the lampstand may we also receive our light from You. May You be our reference point and our main source of enlightenment. May our days be offered to You as an offering as in the case of the incense that was burnt on the golden altar in Your presence. May my prayers be like the fragrance of the incense that rises up and gives You pleasure.


6. You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, 7. and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8. You shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 6 to 8)


In order to have an overview of the mentioned setup according to the will of God, please click on the following link:-


Setup of the Tent of the Meeting


On reflecting God made everything according to a perfect order. The given setup had a precise purpose as does all that happens in our lives. As in the case of the tent of the meeting God also works in detail in our lives covering even those issues that we consider not of value or importance.

9. Then you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it shall become holy. 10. You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar shall be most holy. 11. You shall also anoint the basin with its stand and consecrate it.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 9 to 10)

Thanks oh God for teaching your people such practises which are still being applied to this very day. With reference to the consecration and anointing of the altar please click on the following link-

Anointing of an Altar

12. Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting, and shall wash them with water. 13. and put on Aaron the sacred vestments, and you shall anoint him and consecrate him, so that he may serve me as a priest. 14. You shall bring his sons and also put tunics on them, 15. and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests; and their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout all generations to come.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 12 to 15)


According to the author of this chapter, the symbolism of the anointing is that the person or object that was being anointed was being consecrated for a holy purpose that of being dedicated to God forever. A typical example is the rite of baptism where we were also consecrated to God.


16. Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

(Exodus chapter 40 verse 16)

According to the author of this chapter, we are all obliged to obey God because when He asks or commands us to do something it is not entirely for His benefit but for our own. He is always aware of what will be of benefit to us and what will be of harm. Therefore as a rule of thumb we are to enquire the will of God in every thing we do and say.

17. In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was set up. 18. Moses set up the tabernacle; he laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars; 19. and he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 17 to 19)

On reflecting anything that happens in this world, does so for a purpose, which we do not always understand, however even from the biggest disaster in the world, God can bring out positive actions. A typical example is when Your people were persecuted in Egypt which was followed by their liberation. In the New Testament your apostles were persecuted by the Jews of their time and consequently the Roman Catholic Church came into existences by means of the power of the Holy Spirit. During the present times many Christians are being persecuted by this terrorist group and even have had their heads cut off, however others became strong in faith and escaped the country.

20. He took the covenant and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark, and set the mercy seat above the ark; 21. and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the curtain for screening, and screened the ark of the covenant; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verse 20 to 21)


Moses obeyed the instructions that God had given him. When obeying You oh God You lead us on new ways that take us beyond our own ways that at times may lead us to live in a rut that is stuck to our old ways. God wants us to expand our horizons even on a spiritual level. If Moses the scared and timid stutterer had not said yes to You oh God, he would never had grown and helped others to grow in their relationship with You. Your people and even us would never have had the opportunity to learn how to give You worship by means of ways that are according to Your will.


22. He put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the curtain, 23. and set the bread in order on it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 22 to 23)


According to Mr.Pawar the author of this chapter according to the same known fact which says that bread fills our stomach and reduces our hunger, God is able to sustain our souls. During the breaking of bread or the 'Mass" or "Eucharist', God offers us food from two tables. The first table is that of the 'Word of God' which nourishes our soul and the next table is his body and blood which is consecrated on the altar and distributed for all present to consume which again nourishes both our souls and even our bodies

24. He put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle. 25. and set up the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 24 to 25)

Just as the lamp lightens the room allowing us to see clearly, God also enlighten us with His knowledge and allows us to have a clear perception of the world thus enabling us to differentiate between good and bad and make good choices. Your Word oh God is also like a lampstand because it guides us throughout the course of our life and has guidelines valid for almost every situation that we may encounter.

26. He put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the curtain, 27. and offered fragrant incense on it; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 26 to 27)

According to the author of this chapter Incense sticks, when burnt, always leave a pleasant smell, which makes us calm and happy. Moreover when God is with us, we are filled with everlasting joy and happiness. When we offer our prayers to You my God they float up to you like the sweet fragrance of the incense.

28. He also put in place the screen for the entrance of the tabernacle. 29. He set the altar of burnt offering at the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Matthew chapter 40 verses 28 to 29)


In order to obey the will of God Moses placed a screen at the entrance of the tabernacle. This was a form of transparent barrier. At times without being aware we may also become transparent barriers to others. This is the case when the lives we live do not correspond with the will of God or the teaching of the Church. Instead of being a signpost for others to follow we become a barrier that hinders the spiritual progress of others instead of helping them.


 30. He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, 31. with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet. 32. When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar; they washed; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 30 to 32)


Oh God pure loving and caring, you made it a necessity for us to be clean before coming before you. As humans we are sinners and therefore we cannot be always spick and span, however in order to help us by means of Your Church You gave us the sacrament of reconciliation that helps us to clean away the dirt and reconcile back to You. Moreover as stated by the author of this chapter Mr.Devain Pawar:-

Our body is itself a temple of God in which His grace resides in us and it is therefore up to us that we are to keep our body holy or else we lose both God's grace and His presence in us.

33. He set up the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and put up the screen at the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

(Exodus chapter 40 verse 33)

Moses finally finished all that You oh God had asked of him to accomplish. At times we might complain when things do not go according to our agenda. However what we may have been planning may not have been totally according to the will of God. On the other hand after some time of doing the will of God we might feel tired and worn out, or even reach the level of burnout. Even so God is able to give us the much needed rest so that we may bring to its end the goal that He has assigned us to accomplish.

In order to view the setup of the tabernacle and the court please refer to the following link:-

Setup of the Tent of the Meeting

34. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 34 to 35)


As in the case of the tabernacle God always attempts to fill us with the presence of His glory. When we accept Him in our lives, you oh God can help us to accomplish both simple and even great accomplishments for the good of humanity. The presence of His grace in us helps us to lead a happier life on the other hand if we deny the presence of God we will always be lacking in some area or another in our lives.


36. Whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle the Israelites would set out on each stage of their journey; 37. but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day it was taken up. 38. For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, before the eyes of all the house of Israel at each stage of their journey.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 36 to 38)


According to the human author of this chapter, Mr. Devain Pawar who in as spirit of prayer has written this chapter, God is always with us, every step of the way throughout our journey on earth even though at times we may not always see Him. As in the case of the cloud and the fire You oh God always shows us the way and the decisions we need to make that are according to Your Holy Will.


Mr. Pawar chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:-


God thanks for being with us in our life. Thanks for permitting us to complete 40 chapters of the book of Exodus. Without doubt it was You who helped us in completing this work. May all who reflect on this book benefit from the graces of God as much as we have and may your lives be always enriched and enlightened with the presence of God. 


Thank you God for all that You have done for us.


I also would like to say a special thank You to You my God by inviting those who are reading this last chapter of the book of Exodus to click on the following link and join me in this prayer to God

Thanks giving prayer to God 


In order to move on to the Book of Leviticus please click on the following link:-

The Book of Leviticus Chapter 1

                                                                                                                    

Exodus Chapter 39

EXODUS

 CHAPTER 

39

1. Of the blue, purple, and crimson yarns they made finely worked vestments, for ministering in the holy place; they made the sacred vestments for Aaron as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 1)

According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter, Gods commandments are guidelines that help us live our lives in an honest way. Therefore the vestments made were done according to the will of God. With reference to the vestments please click on the following link-

Vestments of Aaron High Priest

2. He made the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 2)

Life is always full of twisted logic. No matter how much we try to understand, the reasons behind the events that take place in our lives, we cannot always gain a complete understanding. This is why it is best to rely on God and not on the world  because there is nobody on this earth who knows us even more than we know ourselves but You oh God. It is only You who can enlighten us on the best ways and choices that we are to take. You are aware of the perfect materials, solutions and or situations that are adequate in order to facilitate our situation as in the case of the 'Ephod' to which you assigned a perfect role to satisfy your will.

3. Gold leaf was hammered out and cut into threads to work into the blue, purple, and crimson yarns and into the fine twisted linen, in skilled design.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 3)

When we are in God's hands and living according to His will we are to be happy for we are in the possession and control of a skilled worker that is God who from the first day that we came into this world he has never stopped working both inside us and in our social, spiritual and psychological selves and environments in order to help us become the people he wants us to be and fulfil the roles that He has ascribed for us and for the world at large. So as the author of this chapter is sharing with us we are to just relax and be assured that whatever God is doing or has been permitting to happen in our lives has been going on for our own good and even that of others.

4. They made for the ephod shoulder-pieces, joined to it at its two edges. 

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 4)

As much as the ephod needed the shoulders of Aaron the priest on which to rest for support, we also are in need of each others support care and love during some time or other. However our greatest support can only come from You my God.  

5. The decorated band on it was of the same materials and workmanship of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns and of fine twisted linen; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 5)

According to God's colour schemes colours fit in together in order to make one master piece along with other materials such as gold and yarn. Whatever the colour of our skin or our personality we all have a place in the body of God on earth that is His Church. One day as is the will of God all races and all beliefs will become one race with all its diversity values and beliefs all based on the will of God.


6. The onyx stones were prepared, enclosed in settings of gold filigree and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel. 7. He set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 6)

God engraves His graces and good values in us, that help us in being 'good' people but it is up to us to always be aware of these values and accept obey and follow the path that they guide us in. However if we do not we risk living a life full of sin and guilt. God commanded that the stones be placed on the shoulder piece and that means weight and responsibility. On our shoulders we also bear the weight of those people whom we have hurt are are in the process of hurting in the future.There names are there to keep us aware that we are still sinners. 

8. He made the breastpiece, in skilled work, like the work of the ephod, of gold of blue, purple and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. 9. It was square; the breastpiece was made double, a span in length and a span in width when doubled.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 8 to 9)


 As much as humanity has the capacity to create great or simple things, let alone You oh God who is the master creator. You love us so much that You created us according to your very image on which You even decided to permit You son to take the same form of humanity.


10. They set in it four rows of stone. A row of carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald was the first row; 11. and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a moonstone, 12. and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13. and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper; they were enclosed in settings of gold filigree.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 10 to 13)


 Just as the chosen stones were different from each other all having a different significance thus representing the twelve tribes of Israel they can also be compared to the different phases or milestones of human development as in the case of birth, childhood, teenager hood. adult hood and even death, which has a strong impact on our life as is often viewed as negative. In respect to these milestones God is with us all the time. He is the one who by means of our parents sends our souls into the human body at the time of our birth. He helps us in growing up throughout our childhood and helps us to enjoy life during the time when we are teenagers he help us in realising the difference between good and bad and withstanding the related challenges. At the time of our adulthood he helps us, in discovering a form of lifestyle or work such as a trade or a profession or even help in finding a partner as in marriage and most of all He is there waiting for us at the time of our death to welcome us in heaven in order to be reunited with him forever.



14. There were twelve stones with names corresponding to the names of the sons of Israel; they were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 14)


As in the case of the Aaron the breastpiece held on it the stones signifying the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Moreover God has inscribed in His heart and mind our names and where about  and even all the circumstances both positive and not so positive that we may happen to be experiencing even during the present day. Therefore me and you are always a priority on His mind. God is present in all situations and is always helping us during our trials and tribulations even if we are not aware of His presence.  


15.They made on the breastpiece chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; 16. and they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece; 17. and they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece. 18. Two ends of the two cords they had attached to the two settings of filigree; in this way they attached it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 15 to 18)


According to the author of this chapter with whom I totally agree, God is always our primary source of strength. Therefore whenever we follow your will oh God, no matter how many difficulties we come across and no matter how much trials the devil tempts us with you oh God, will always be there to help us just as you did to Moses and his ancestors. When reflecting on the twisted chains of gold I cannot fail to remember that we are bound to You with chains of love that can never be broken accept by our sins.

In a spirit of prayer I invite you to join me in the following prayer and song called bind us together Lord.


Prayer bind us together LORD 


19. Then they made two rings of gold and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. 20.They made two rings of gold and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod at its joining above the decorated band of the ephod. 21. Theyy bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord so that it should lie on the decorated band of the ephod, and that the breastplate should not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 19 to 21)


In order for the breastplate to be secured to the ephod God took the necessary precautions, in order to prevent the breastplate from hindering the priest in his service to God. This is a very important issue because if we misunderstand what God is telling us or manipulate His 'Word' for our own purpose we could easily be driven astray by our own beliefs by creating personal beliefs and values that have nothing to do with the Word of God.

Moreover as humans we tend to view and experience life and at times its challenges, trials and tribulations, through a limited point of view. Therefore when we make a plan we tend to make a single plan which we find suitable without considering the eventuality that we may have not covered all the angles with the consequence that our plans may backfire and due to the fact that we had not made a contingency plan or included God in our plans. As the present and future has shown us many people whom we may have perceived as being successful and even role models have ended up committing suicide or even ended up on drugs and driven themselves to a life of abuse and or criminality. 

22. He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue yarn; 23. and the opening of the robe in the middle of it was like the opening in a coat of mail, with a binding around the opening so that it might not be torn.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 22 to 23)


According to the author of this chapter Mr.Devain Pawar God is patient. Moreover He takes His time when accomplishing works in our lives. God waits for the right opportunity where we leave Him an opening where He can intervene and correct the bugs in our plans, so that we can return back to His original plan that concerns the salvation of both our souls and that of others.

24. On the lower hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. 25. They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the lower hem of the robe all around, between the pomegranates; 26. a bell and a pomegranate all around on the lower hem of the robe for ministering as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 24 to 26)

When God gave instructions to Moses in relation to the making of the robe, He made a perfect plan for this item covering each and every detail from top to bottom. It had parts reflecting the beauty of God as in the chosen colours and it was even practical having bells to signify the presence of the priest who is a representative of God and His presence.

Oh God You do every thing for a reason even though I may not always be aware of Your intentions You are proactive for my own good. A times we may wonder and question why our lives have taken the present course, however we are to rest assured that God is in control and is aware of what we need, who we are, our strong points and even our weak points. Therefore we are to be grateful to Him for all the works He does in our life, whether we are aware of His intervention or not. Thanks Jesus for all the details you take care off especially those that I am not aware of. 


27. They also made the tunics, woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, 28. and the turban of fine linen, and the headdresses of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twisted linen, 29. and the sash of fine twisted linen, and of blue, purple and crimson yarns, embroidered with needlework; as the LORD had commanded Moses. 30. They made the rosette of the holy diadem of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, "Holy to the LORD." 31. They tied to it a blue cord, to fasten it on the turban above; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 27 to 31)

When we are born we are born as people without any personal sins only that of original sin, like the priests Aaron and his sons we are clothed in God's purity and grace. However in the course of time we accumulate the stain and dirt of our sins in us, however we still have in us the grace of the presence of God and a connection to Him in our spirit. Therefore God always gives us the opportunity and the capacity to turn back to Him. We are a living priesthood that has a beginning but never an end. God is the only source of our salvation. In the same way that the priest wore the sash and was connected to God, by means of our baptism and relationship with Him we are also connected to God like a baby who is still in the womb.

In order to view the garments and the sash of the priest please click on the following link.

The garments of the High Priest 

32. In this way all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished; the Israelites had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 32)

When a work is according to the will of God it cannot fail because it is based according to God's plan for our salvation and therefore the end is positive, however if a work does not have God's blessing or has a negative connotation associated with it there is a high chance that it will come to no good. 

33. Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its utensils, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 34. the covering of tanned rams' skins and the covering of fine leather, and the curtain for the screen; 35. the ark of the covenant with its poles and the mercy seat; 36. the table with all its utensils and the bread of the Presence; 37. the pure lampstand with its lamps set on it and all its utensils, and the oil for the light; 38. the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; 39. the bronze altar, and the grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand; 40. the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle for the tent of meeting; 41 the finely worked vestments for ministering in the holy place, the sacred vestments for the priest Aaron, and the vestments of his sons to serve as priests. 47. The Israelites had done all of the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 47. When Moses saw that they had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded, he blessed them.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 33 to 47)



All the things that God hard ordered Moses to make were ready. Now the people were united. They were bound together as one church. However in time due to differences in human ideology values and beliefs the formation of various different sects took place. However as held by the author of this chapter, sooner or later God will do something to reunite all these church back to as it were in the beginning as one flock with  God as our supreme shepherd.


However in the meantime as in the case of the chosen people of God we are required to accomplish what is required of us to be best of the skills that God has given us. One of the most basic abilities is that of love towards our selves, towards God and even towards others. In His sermon on the mountain in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew and even in other parts of the Word of God, He gives us instructions regarding how to live a life that is approved of by God and therefore in adherence to His Holy Will.  


The author of this chapter chose to end this chapter with the following reflection:-

God is like the inspector our life. He inspects our ways and plans in order to see if they are according to His Holy Will and personal plan for our salvation and that of the world that we make a part of. when God sees that we have wandered away from His path God gently and lovingly helps us to find our way back on our way according to His will.