As we read the last two chapters of Exodus we realised that the above phrase occurs no less than 18 times! The chapters detail the erection of the tabernacle and the placement of its contents. Nothing is left to Moses’ initiative, the all-knowing God directs every detail, including the items the priests are to wear, “their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations” (40:15).

Tragically two of Aaron’s sons were to fail to do “as the LORD commanded” (Leviticus 10:1), and they lost their lives as a result. Paul wrote in Hebrews 10:1, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”. Food for thought as we serve Him and His Son. How essential that we know His word and it becomes part of our thinking and doing.

Today’s reading has two lessons. Firstly we must be faithful to what is written, and second, that God is involved in every detail of the way in which He is to be served and worshipped. In Corinthians Paul spells this out. “I speak as to sensible people, judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:15,16). Beware lest we observe this in the wrong way, Paul warns, “Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy?” (verse 22).

Verse 26 is interesting, especially when viewed from another perspective; “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof”. It led us to reflect on the unending discoveries of human science over the last 100+ years. Human knowledge of the smallest things, things unseen by the naked eye has grown remarkably.

The atheist has to keep saying that everything that exists happened purely by chance – an endless series of accidents. But, as we have seen in the Tabernacle, God is involved down to the smallest detail! Finally, meditate on what wonders the Creator has in store for us in the coming ages. Let us live for Him and His Son today, so that we will be with Him in the future.