Category: Bible (Page 9 of 356)

To say the Lord has an eye for detail makes for a massive understatement. God created the world and all that it contains. The intricacies of a leaf, or the makeup of the human eye point to exquisite levels of design.

So when God gave Moses instructions on constructing a temple, details should not surprise us. But I was impressed with how a craftsman fashioned a lampstand for this worship center:

He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it…three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch…the whole of it was a single piece of hammered work of pure gold.

I looked up the definition of calyx, which is the base of a flower that holds the petals. Almond blossoms were a symbol of hope, renewal and diligence (Aaron’s rod later sprouted almond blossoms as a sign of God’s favor). These blossoms were worked throughout the design of the lampstand.

God’s instructions are thoughtful and detailed. Using these blueprints, craftsmen formed each lampstand with hammer and heat. Beautiful pieces of art graced the temple and served in worship for years and years.

The Lord’s plans for us show similar consideration. The Scriptures that guide us are thoughtful and detailed. If we pay practice what they teach, our lives take on a new form. Heat and hammers are involved as well. With his eye for detail, the Lord hopes to fashion you and me into graceful people who serve others for years and years—if we allow Him to work his designs upon us.

Exodus 37:17-24

Photo of an almond blossom by Vera De

When hunting for a job or applying for graduate school, most places ask for a résumé, which is a fancy word for a list of your past jobs and accomplishments. No matter how average, every applicant burnishes their credentials, hoping to stand out from the crowd.

Paul shared his pedigree, or as they say in the academic world, his CV (curriculum vitae), in response to challenges to his authority. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

But Paul’s accomplishments fluttered away like autumn leaves when he met the Lord. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

Paul’s pride in his heritage, education and past exploits faded in light of his encounter with Jesus. In fact, these formed impediments—rubbish—as he moved forward in faith. He wrote, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The reality of his salvation, and the hope of salvation for those within his hearing, drove Paul like an Olympian straining for the finish line.

Not that I have an impressive list of accomplishments, but I wonder if I could set it aside as fully as Paul? Or maybe the better question is, do I experience Jesus in such a way that my achievements fade in comparison? Even the most powerful résumé grows dim in comparison to moving closer and closer to our amazing God.

Philippians 3

Photo by Resume Genius

I enjoy a number of things I do not comprehend. How the computer I type on really works, or how the intense heat of an oven transforms a slimy flour, yeast and water mixture into fresh baked bread. But I don’t need to understand in order to reap the benefits.

In the midst of a beautiful and theologically rich appeal, Paul prayed that followers of Jesus would experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.

God’s love for his people surpasses understanding. Still, Paul prayed in this paradoxical manner, seeking to measure the unmeasurable.

The original language suggests an ongoing experience with the love of Christ. His actions do not constitute a one-time glance of fondness, or a lifeline pulling us from hell. Rather, Christ’s love churns throughout the life of his followers. Animated through the Holy Spirit, revealed in the Scriptures and the world we inhabit, his love surrounds us.

Paul also prayed, may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

Despite Paul’s entreaty, I simply cannot understand how wide or how long or how high or how deep is God’s love. But I can wonder as wide as I can imagine, as long as my life lasts, as high as the heavens, and as deep as I dare, and realize I’m enjoying the edge of his love.

Bask in a hint of the unknowable, and appreciate God’s ever-expanding love for you and me.

Ephesians 3

Photo by Klemen Vrankar

I was told as a young parent chasing kids and falling into bed exhausted that the days are long but the years are short. As I grow older, I understand the awareness behind that observation.

Moses, when considering the brevity of life, asked the Lord to teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Our years fly away, and are marked with times of happiness, but also plenty of toil and trouble. Our heads are often worn out when they meet the pillow.

Moses goes on to pray, Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Hope for a meaningful life, and a worthwhile legacy, is found in the Lord. The Lord solidifies our lives and adds purpose to our day-to-day. Confidence in the future springs from Him.

Moses asked God to teach us. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I can ask God to teach me to number my days, and to find deeper purpose in them. True understanding begins here, and grows through my relationship with Him.

Psalm 90

Photo by Road Ahead