Title: Prizing His Presence/ Topic: Reverence

Today’s Reading: Exodus 39; Exodus 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

Scripture: Exodus 39:30,31
30 They made the plate, the sacred diadem, out of pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. 31 Then they fastened a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Observation: This entire chapter goes into great detail about all the priestly garments and the furnishings of the tabernacle. Everything was ornate and costly. On the diadem was a phrase that summed up what the priest and the people were supposed to remember about the purpose of all of this. It was all “HOLY TO THE LORD”.

Application: I think in our present day of emphasis on comfort and a “come as you are” casualness when we meet together with our fellow believers and with God, we can lose the sense of awe and reverence that was engendered by the grandness of the tabernacle worship. The rich surroundings and the designer clothing of the priest must have inspired the idea that meeting with God was a very special event and that God's presence was to be prized. I truly believe God is fine with us “coming as we are”, but we must never lose a reverence for His Presence in our midst. We may come dressed in casual clothing but we must never be casual about the purpose of our gathering together.

Prayer: Father, I never want to take your Presence for granted. I also want to treasure the brothers and sisters you have given me in the Body of Christ. The Church you have created and purchased with your own blood is an awesome thing. May I demonstrate proper reverence always when I am together with them. And be with us by the power of your Spirit every time we meet together. May we honor you in all we do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.