Feb. 7, 2021
The people of Israel make the priestly garments and bring the tabernacle and all its furnishings to Moses. The narrative emphasizes the fact that in all their work, “the people of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses.” (Exodus 39:32-43)
Once the tabernacle is erected, the author of Exodus continues the theme by commenting on Moses’s obedience. “According to all that the Lord commanded him.” (Exodus 40:16) At a time when the grief caused by the golden calf incident in Exodus 32 was still fresh, the people show their repentance. This repentance makes room for God’s presence to dwell among them.
The book of Exodus concludes with the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to Moses in the beginning. He has drawn his people out of Egypt so that they may know Him as the Lord their God.
Jesus begins the “Olivet Discourse” as he instructs his disciples on the Mount of Olives. This fifth major discourse in the Gospel of Matthew gives his disciples a prophetic overview of events in the near and distant future.
Jesus prophesies that the world will be marked by suffering and that his disciples will suffer for the sake of his name. Yet the gospel of the kingdom will spread throughout the world as a testimony to all nations.
Jesus then describes the “great tribulation” that will take place before the coming of the Son of Man. He quotes from Daniel 9:27 to illustrate the impending judgment on Jerusalem. Most biblical scholars interpret this prophecy from Jesus to refer to both the Roman destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 and a future abomination in the last days (Revelation 13:14).
Make it Personal
- The Israelites had a history of rebellion against God. Yet, when they saw God’s presence with them, they had courageous faith and confidence. How does your perspective change when you acknowledge God’s presence with you in the midst of hard circumstances?
- What are some troubling things happening in our world today? How can you shine the light of Jesus and offer hope to others through these situations?