Thought for the week ...

Seeing things through different eyes

20th June 2021

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Doreen, writing from a quiet place

The book of Exodus holds among its pages many stories and incidents which we are all familiar with. The following are a few observations and revelations which arose for me whilst reading it.

The character of Moses. How he changed through God’s perseverance, patience and provision. Starting life as an ordinary Hebrew baby, adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter; a murderer; a reluctant speaker, yet one whom God chose to use to carry out His plan for His people, a man who probably sang one of the first worship songs! Someone privileged to be in the close presence of God, to the man who oversaw the construction of the Tabernacle, the Ark, the Tent of Meeting and all the other articles that God ordered to be created under His very strict instructions.

I am encouraged that God chose, changed and recreated Moses in such a positive way so that he was able to carry out God’s will and He can do the same for you and me today.

I have also learnt that God allowed the Israelites to go through a very long period of waiting for freedom. Just when they thought Pharaoh would release them, God chose yet another plague to come along! Yet, isn’t that the same with us, just when we think we are making headway in our walk with God something else comes into our lives to test our faith, see how we respond and learn from Him. But, God did eventually grant them the freedom they so desired and He made that possible by the parting of the Red Sea. Exodus 14. I feel that we can identify with this too because after the trials God always ‘gets us through’ and we come out the other side stronger people.

The other encouragement I learnt whilst reading Exodus is how God used the gifts of so many talented people to build, construct and create everything He commanded in the buildings, the materials and the garments.

I found just reading all the specifications, dimensions etc was mind blowing, so much detail!!! Plus the responsibility that was on the workers to achieve these standards. What rich, vibrant, sumptuous colours were used; the precious metals and jewels would have outshone anything that Hatton Gardens could display in this present time; the oils and perfumes would have been so fragrant. I still find it difficult to imagine all this in my mind.

In Exodus 36-40 we see so many different people, embroiderers, weavers, designers, to name but a few were used and chosen for specific tasks in these magnificent creations. I was discussing this with somebody in church and she said it reminded her of the rebuilding of the walls in Nehemiah, everyone pitched in and helped. That prompted me to recall a comment made by a very special friend of mine. She has always thought God used ‘such a motley crew’ to complete the rebuilding of the wall!!! But, again, isn’t that like all of us in church? I can’t make cakes, I don’t know a lot about the history of the Jewish nation, nor can I stand up and preach. But that’s ok because God has graciously given me and all of you gifts for us to use in the way that He has planned for us and I find that so very comforting and encouraging.

Finally, in Exodus 35-36 we see how the people were willing to give to an offering towards the work that was going to be carried out. They all contributed in one way or another, giving what they had unselfishly. We read in Exodus 36 v6-7 that they had given abundantly, ‘because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work’.

Again I would challenge all of you to hold fast to this statement because time and time again we have been witnesses to this happening at The River in many ways. A need has arisen and it has been met through the sacrifice of people willing to give freely and cheerfully.

Maybe those of you reading this will take another look at this fascinating book and see different situations in a new light which will help and encourage you as much as it has done for me.