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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 337

"You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name." Deuteronomy 10:20

Text: Exodus 35 : 1-3

THE GREAT AND CHALLENGING TASK OF SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION

There was much to attempt and to do! Moses knew that the underlying problem of Israel’s sinful inclinations was that of spiritual ignorance and immaturity. He knew well the dangers that accompanied the lack of knowledge of God. There was only one way to deal with this problem. He must mount a massive teaching program. Israel must be taught the commandments of God. No effort must be spared!

“Then Moses gathered all the congregation of the
children of Israel together, and said to them,
‘These are the words which the LORD has commanded you to do.”
EXODUS 35:1

And with these words, Moses once again embarked on the challenging task of instructing the children of Israel.

STARTING WITH THE BASICS

Where should Moses begin? He began slowly but with great deliberation. He went to basics- starting with the keeping of the Sabbath.

“Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day
shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD.
whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.
You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings
on the Sabbath day.”
EXODUS 35:2-3

1. “The seventh day shall be a holy day for you”

The children of Israel must learn how to plan their week and their work. They must begin by understanding that God has given to them the Sabbath as a “holy day”.

2. “A Sabbath of rest to the LORD”

This day must be regarded as belonging to the LORD! All mundane work must cease in order to give attention to worshipping God.

3. Express prohibitions

Just in case the children of Israel failed to comprehend the significance of this most basic of commands, express prohibitions were declared! Severe penalties were attached!

a) “You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings”
Even this small matter was included under the express prohibition “no work”!
b) “Whoever does any work shall be put to death”
Israel must know how seriously God took His laws! The nation must not put at risk this second chance to make good in the renewed covenantal relationship.