Dear Church Family,

I recently finished up the Book of Exodus in my quiet times. As I was reading the last two chapters, a phrase kept coming back again and again, “as the Lord had commanded Moses.” These chapters culminate the construction of the tabernacle and design of the priestly garments. In chapters 39 and 40 it says this phrase exactly and another four times it uses a variation of it. Moses made sure that everything was done exactly “as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Each step of the way, in every detail, Moses obeyed God’s command and His design.

It’s tempting to skip steps when they become tedious. It’s hard to obey when we think we have a better idea or design. It’s enticing to take shortcuts when we think we can save time or resources. Moses did none of this, but faithfully obeyed God’s commands exactly as he had received them. After preparing and setting everything up just as God commanded,

Exodus 40:34-35 (ESV)
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

So much of the Christian life is simply being faithful in obedience to the things God has clearly given us in His Word. Where have you been taking shortcuts? How have you skipped steps or chosen your “better” idea? Maybe you’ve simply ignored or disobeyed. Now is the time to confess and get back to building the right way: God’s way.