Pacing To God’s Rhythm
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Exodus 35, 36 and Psalm 75 (NIV)
(Goh Khean Chye, DISCIPLE Chairperson)
READ:
Exodus 35 and 36 describe the process by which Moses mobilized the Israelites to build the Tabernacle. The Israelites responded with generosity, giving their material possessions, their skills, and their time. As one body, they followed God’s instructions for the Tabernacle.
3 parts of Exodus 35 & 36 stood out for me:
It is interesting that the instructions started with a reminder to keep the Sabbath.
Exodus 35 Verse 2 “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord.”
Followed by a call to give:
Exodus 35 Verse 5 “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver, and bronze;”
Exodus 35 Verse 10 “All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded:”
And the people responded.
Exodus 35 Verse 29 “All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.”
Exodus 36 Verse 1 “So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.”
OBSERVE:
These passages remind me to obey and to give generously when the Lord calls. For what we have is from the Lord, just as what the Israelites possessed was from by the Lord when they left Egypt that Passover night. (Read Exodus 12:35-36)
More importantly, we are to set aside time for Sabbath even when doing the Lord’s work.
APPLY:
The first 4 months of 2023 have been hectic with long days and late nights. Much of my time was spent chasing work, study, and ministry deadlines.
Very often I allowed work, ministry, and studies to encroach onto the practice of Sabbath and time meant for family, friends and loved ones.
Yes, I have checked my work and ministry deadlines but is this really what the Lord wants?
DO:
To make sure I protect the Sabbath and take the time of rest with the Lord.
In my weekly DISCIPLE class, to cater for time for participants to pray and care for each other rather than trying to finish the lesson plan.
To pace myself for upcoming work, study, and ministry projects so that I have time to focus on family, friends and loved ones.
PRAY:
Father Lord, give me the faith and patience to trust in you daily. Help me protect the Sabbath and follow your daily rhythm of providing time for work, family, and rest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
