Exodus

While studying the OT last year I really came to love the book of Exodus. It's so different from many of the other biblical books and I feel like it reveals so much of God's character. I've just started BSF recently and guess what book they're reading through. You guessed it...Exodus! I just wanted to briefly share a few things I've come across recently. (Of course to find more revelations of God's character I'd definitely recommend reading this book all the way through!)

1. During the actual exodus from Egypt and throughout the Israelites journey in the desert, God went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

"The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel...so neither went near the other all night long." Ex. 14: 19b-20

"In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from the tabernacle, they would set out; buit if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out- until the day it lifted." Ex. 40:37

God grants us protection and gives us direction in life for where to go, when to move and when to stay.

2. God gave Moses instructions on Mt. Sinai before the building of the tabernacle. It was going to be a laborious yet monumental task but before beginning ANY of the work God placed it on the heart of Moses to remind them of one specific command: to rest!

"For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord..." Ex. 35:2

He knew that they'd be swamped with a long list of to-dos, but He wanted to make sure they still knew the importance of setting aside time to rest. God cares about our well-being.

3. Before the building of the tabernacle God directed Moses to command the people to offer up whatever materials they were willing to contribute. The people brought so much they had to restrain the people from bringing more!

"All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work..." Ex. 35:29

"And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work." Ex 36:6b-7

God will give us willing hearts to do what He desires, yet we should not resist His urgings. And, God will provide what is needed.

4. Obviously there was much skill that was needed in order to carry out the detailed plans God had layed out for the tabernacle. He needed skilled workers to create things which had never been created before. So what does He do? Grant people the skills of course. ;)

"the Lord has chosen Bezalel...and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..." Ex. 35:30-31

If God calls us to do His work, He will gift us with the skills needed to complete it!

Of course there are MANY more characteristics/bits of encouragement to glean. If you've read through Exodus I'd love to hear what some of your favorites are. ;)