Daily Bible Devotionals

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 2. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Now the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle of meeting, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: “When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of the livestock—of the herd and of the flock.’” Leviticus 1:1-2 (NKJV)

The oldest name for the book of Leviticus is: “The Law of the Priests.”  Today, it is known in Judaism as the book of “Vayikra.”  In modern Judaism, the names of the books of the Bible are taken from their opening Hebrew words. Vayikra means: “and He called” (commanded).

The fundamental concepts of the book are pretty straightforward. Half of the book deals with sacrifice and the laws that safeguard the priestly character of Israel, and the other half with Holiness and the sanctification (setting apart) of human life unto the Lord.

In ancient times, every Jewish boy began his study of Scripture in Leviticus. The idea put forth by the rabbis was, “Because children are ‘pure’ and the sacrifices are pure, let those who are pure come and occupy themselves with pure things.” (midrash)

Now, we all know nobody is born “pure,” for we are all born into sin through Adam. It may take a few months to realize it, but all babies are born sinners who need atonement. Otherwise, why else would we need a book about how to sacrifice and atone for sin properly? Why else would it be so important for this particular book to be the first one taught to children?  

But there is One who knew no sin, original or otherwise. (2 Corinthians 5:21). And He, the Word made flesh (John 1:140, also would have been taught from the Torah as a young boy. Interestingly, the One who would grow up, and Himself be the sacrifice for all sin, would have been taught “how to sacrifice” as His first Biblical lesson.  

Chapters 1-7 define the laws of sacrifice for the individual, the congregation, and the priests. Chapters 8-10 describe the inauguration of worship in the completed Tabernacle. Chapters 11-17 deal with the laws of clean and unclean, purity, and purification, culminating in the institution of the Day of Atonement. (It also explains why you can’t order a cheeseburger or shrimp and lobster at most restaurants in Israel!) Chapters 18-26 legislate marriage, personal and social ethics (Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself), the Sacred Festivals, and land tenure. It concludes with a solemn exhortation on the connection between religion and national welfare, a subject that is probably on every believer’s mind at this season of American history!!

If you have never read Leviticus, you probably have an “Oy vey!” (Woe is me!) attitude about the endeavor. Stick with it because Leviticus is quite dynamic, and it is so easy that even a Jewish child could grasp it! Are you smarter than a Jewish 5th grader?

“Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him. The Tabernacle was set up in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month. Moses set up the Tabernacle: he laid its bases, positioned its planks, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. Then he spread the tent over the Tabernacle and put the covering of the tent on top of it, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Exodus 40:16-19 (HCSB)

In most Christian circles, “tent-making” is synonymous with “not charging a fee for preaching the gospel.” This saying is because the apostle Paul chose to support himself by making tents. (Acts 18:2)  He didn’t want anyone to accuse him of preaching for profit.

“In everything I kept myself from being a burden to you. . . But what I am doing I will also continue to do, so that I may eliminate the opportunity from those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting.” 2 Corinthians 11:7-12 (NASB)

We also know that Paul was a highly trained and qualified Bible teacher.

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today.” Acts 22:3 (NASB)

“I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees….” Acts 23:6 (NASB)

Of all occupations to support his ministry, why would Paul choose “tent-making”? For that matter, why would God call a “tentmaker” to expand His Church, preaching salvation to the Gentiles, alongside his ministry to the Jewish community? I don’t believe Paul’s occupation was an arbitrary coincidence. It seems similar to how God chose shepherds (Joseph, Moses, and David) to “shepherd” the children of Israel. Could it be that God also chose a tentmaker to “canvas” the known civilized world of the early church era with the Gospel’s influence, establishing churches as one drives tent pegs deep into the ground so that they would act as foundational supports of the greater Church-at-Large, hoisted in later generations?

A map of Paul’s missionary journeys shows how Paul was planting congregations, radiating in a circle from Jerusalem up into Eastern Europe and back to Jerusalem. By design or default, Paul laid out churches in a similar way as Moses laid out the tent panels of the Tabernacle and tied them together to form a single unit. Today, millions of congregations have been built by missionary “tent makers” throughout the generations. These churches are furthering Paul’s foundational teaching of the Gospel and fit together as a single unit, forming the greater Church-at-large, stretching out the “Tabernacle” of Messiah to the most remote parts of the earth…just as the Lord commanded.

“The Israelites had done everything the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected all the work they had accomplished. They had done just as the Lord commanded. Then Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42-43

My wife and I built our first house in Franklin, Tennessee. You learn a lot when you build a house. Fortunately, we had a good experience. When the work was completed, we walked through and inspected everything. Then, we said, “Well done!” and wrote the builder a final check.

I call it “beginner’s luck” because almost every other home contracting experience has been nightmarish. All I can say is no matter how much a contractor begs, don’t pay them until ALL the work is done. Remember the old saying, “If you want a friend to leave you alone, give him a loan?” Sadly, the same could be said of some building contractors. Give them their money up-front, and you may never see them again!

It is safe to say that Moses was God’s “general contractor.” He was given a job and the task to bring it in on time, on budget, and with a zero-tolerance for shoddy craftsmanship.

I am amazed at how our culture is losing its work ethic. That is, we would rather play first and work later. That attitude has led to our generation being the most indebted generation in history. During the Great Depression, people may have been flat broke, but they were not as “in debt” as we are today. Consider these statistics.

* There are roughly 1.2 billion credit cards in use in the U.S.

* More than 1.5 million people file for bankruptcy every year.

* The average per-household consumer debt in the U.S. is $16,720.

Just as the Egyptians sold themselves into slavery in the days of Joseph (Genesis 47:19), so has our nation has sold itself into bondage to credit companies. In effect, we have rejected the Lord’s provision, considering it inadequate, choosing instead to indenture ourselves so we can obtain the objects of our idolatry.

Let’s take today’s passage as a challenge to 1) Ask the Lord where He wants us to labor in his Kingdom, 2) Work as unto the Lord, 3) Rest in His blessing & provision, 4) Seek His mercy in releasing us from the bonds of debt we have sold ourselves into. Do the work He has chosen and equipped you to complete. Then, seek His blessing. Not the other way around.

“He made the bronze basin and its stand from the bronze mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” Exodus 38:8 (HCSB)

There is a notion among certain groups that Christianity discriminates against women in ministry. However, just because the Lord has chosen men to serve in certain ministry roles doesn’t mean He has judged that women cannot minister. By no means should His character be brought on trial just because we cannot fathom His wisdom!

In addition, there is no language anywhere in Scripture indicating that women are inferior in any way intellectually or spiritually to men. “Roles of service in the congregation” is simply one of those cases in life where God has made a judgment, and we are called to honor it, regardless of feelings or cultural/social customs.

A few chapters ago, it was pointed out that women played an important role in constructing the Tabernacle.

“Every skilled woman spun yarn with her hands and brought it: blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. And all the women whose hearts were moved spun the goat hair by their skill.” Exodus 35:25-26 (HCSB)

In addition, women contributed what must have been the bulk of the gold and fine metals. I say this because it was mostly jewelry that was melted down to make the tabernacle articles.  

“Both men and women came; all who had willing hearts brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry – everyone who waved a presentation offering of gold to the Lord….” Exodus 35:22 (HCSB)

An interesting thing about the women (who served at the Tent of Meeting’s entrance) donating mirrors is the profound message it sends:  The closer a woman gets to the Lord, the less concerned she is with her outer appearance.

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.”  Proverbs 31:30-31 (HCSB)

While the Lord has prescribed specific roles for people in His Kingdom, try not to concentrate on someone else’s role. Focus instead on the fact that the God of all creation has designed a role specifically for YOU. Now, go put your whole self into fulfilling that role!

“Bezalel made the ark….” Exodus 37:1

“Bezalel made the mercy seat….”  Exodus 37:6

“He made the two cherubim….”  Exodus 37:7

“He constructed the table….”  Exodus 37:10

“Then he made the lampstand….”  Exodus 37:17

“Bezalel made the altar of incense….”  Exodus 37:25 (ALL HCSB)

As in many cases for Biblical names, Bezalel’s name matches his character/calling.  Although there are four possibilities of interpretation, the commonly held meaning of “Bezalel” is “In the shadow of God.”  This is then explained as “In the protection of God.”

This explanation coincides marvelously with the name of Bezalel’s colleague Oholiab.  His name means “Father’s shrine/temple.”

When you put the two together, you get “The protection of God in our Father’s temple.”  Pretty cool…as long as you are near the temple!

The Bible can be summed up as the story of man’s desire to separate from God and God’s deliberate strides to commune with mankind.  Each God-stride established a more permanent presence with His people.  Beginning with the Tabernacle, God commissioned a portable house of presence.  Wherever He led, Israel was to follow.  God stopped, and they set up the tent.  If you wanted to dwell with God, you had to literally follow Him around.

The temple was a more permanent house for God’s presence, laid in a foundation.  A problem arose when God’s people turned their hearts from Him.  As a result, God drove Israel from His temple.  The temple may have been a permanent structure, but men could be separated from it…through exile or ceremonial uncleanness.

With the giving of the Holy Spirit, Jesus consecrated the bodies of His followers as worthy to receive His presence.  In essence, wherever the believer goes, they are under “the protection of God in our Father’s Temple.”

“I will never leave or forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”  1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)

Ultimately, all followers of the Messiah will permanently dwell with God in Heaven.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3 (NKJV)

“So Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person in whose heart the Lord had places wisdom, everyone whose heart moved him, to come to the work and to do it.” Exodus 36:2 (HCSB)

There are differing views on Judaism and its relation to art. We are well aware of modern Jewish visual artists, such as Chagall. One would be hard-pressed to examine film or television credits without noticing a strong Jewish creative presence. But what of ancient Judaism?

Often, the opinion is held that there is no significant visual art in Biblical Judaism and that the Jews lacked the aesthetic sense. This is mainly due to the influence of the Second Commandment, which prohibited idolatrous sculpture and other three-dimensional art.

Defenders of the Jewish artistic mindset could say that Judaism was determined to lift the God idea above the sensual and represent the Divine as Spirit only. It could also be said that art was not Israel’s calling. Whereas Greece’s legacy was Beauty, Israel’s mission was Righteousness.  

But when it came to building His tabernacle and temple, God didn’t call the Greeks. He enlisted, of all the nations at His disposal, the Hebrew artists.

It is reminiscent of what the Lord told Zerubbabel through the prophet Zechariah concerning rebuilding the temple.  

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit’ says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 (HCSB)

In addition, Zechariah tells Zerubbabel:  

“For who scorns the day of small things? These seven eyes of the Lord, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see a plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10 (HCSB)

What is the lesson? God has “equipped & called” YOU to work in His Kingdom. Tasks have been designed for you specifically. Furthermore, the Lord’s delight is when you respond with faith and enthusiasm. We must all work, but completion is not determined by our strength, might, or creativity. God’s guidance and favor towards His “faithful” ensures our success.

The highest artist is not the greatest master in self-expression but in self-control: The one who forsakes all & everything to follow the Lord.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Exodus 35. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the name of the Lord.  And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.’” Exodus 34:5-7 (NKJV)

In Western culture, the number “13” is considered unlucky, as superstitions go.  The Jewish mindset considers number 13 to be blessed.  Here’s why.  In Hebrew, there are no “numbers” per se, so every letter is ascribed a numerical value.  For instance, the letter “alef” (A) is also #1.  In the Shema (Deut 6:4), God is described as being “One.” The Hebrew name for “One” is “Echad.” The numerical value for “Echad” is 13.  

A bit mystic, I admit.  And people can go crazy trying to reckon numbers & words, looking for “codes” in the Bible.  I only mention it because God announces Himself to Moses in the thirteen spiritual ideas concerning His Divine Nature.  Ironically, perhaps, the One we know as “Echad” is announcing Himself by a list of “13”.

1.  The Lord, the Lord God -  Heb: Adonai, Adonai - Adonai denotes God in His mercy.  The repetition was traditionally considered to mean that God is merciful before a man sins and after he sins (Exodus 20-34).

2.  God - Heb: El - The almighty Lord of the universe, ruler of nature and mankind.

3.  Merciful -  Heb: rachun - God is full of affectionate sympathy for the sufferings and miseries of human frailty

4.  Gracious -  Heb: ve-channun - He assists and helps, consoling the afflicted and raising up the oppressed.

5.  Long Suffering - Heb: erech appayim - The Lord is not hastening to punish the sinner but offers him opportunities to repent.

6.  Abundant in goodness - Heb: rav chesed - He grants His gifts and blessings beyond what man deserves

7.  Truth -  Heb: ve-emet - He is eternally true to Himself

8.  Keeping mercy unto the thousandth generation -  Heb: notzer chesed la-alafim - He remembers the righteousness of the ancestors and reserves reward and recompense to the remotest descendants who will turn to Him.

9.  Forgiving iniquity -  Heb: noseh avon - He bears with the indulgence and failings of man, and by forgiveness, He restores them to purity

10.  Transgression - Heb: pesha - Evil deeds spring from malice and rebellion against God

11.  Sin - Heb: Chattaah - Shortcomings by refusal to heed or ignorance of God’s Word

12.  Will by no means clear the guilty -  Heb: venakkeh lo yenakkeh - Literally, “Acquitting the repentant but not the unrepentant.”

13.  Visiting…upon the children -  This relates only to the CONSEQUENCES and not the PUNISHMENT of a man’s sin upon his descendants.