Alright ya'll, I'm gonna be honest with you - again. Today's scripture is also really, really dense, but I looked ahead and it seems like is slowing down and going back to a narrative style so don't give up when you've hit the mud. Spin those tires, push on through, and stay committed. Even in the dense parts of scripture, you can find the voice of God - it just takes more intention and patience to hear it.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this reveal to me about God?
What does this reveal to me about humanity?
What does this reveal to me about myself?
- My Thoughts -
So, I know I just complained about the density of this scripture both yesterday and today, but the more I meditate on it I appreciate it even if it is not something I would actively choose to read again. I appreciate it because God goes into incredible detail what would need to be done in order to do it right rather than giving generic instructions and punishing us later for getting it wrong. It reminds me of a TV show that McKinsie and I religiously watch called The Great British Baking Show where one of the assignments the contestants get is called a technical where they must follow an extremely vague recipe provided by the judges and then be judged on how well they executed the judge's vision. Such instructions are things like "make a dough, add flavor and bake - be sure it's perfect." I don't know about you, but when I'm following a recipe or instructions or directions, I want someone to be as thorough as possible to make sure the experience is a pleasurable outcome. God wants us to get it right because God wants us to be happy.
However, I do struggle a little bit with why God would want such ornate stuff such as golds, and sapphire, and elaborate curtains, and all that jazz. It does seem in stark contrast to Jesus who comes in such simplicity and condemns the pharisee's for their fancy robes while ignoring the plight of the poor. Therefore, is it possible then that God changes over the course of time? Or is it possible that once God got down to earth and lived among humans and saw the struggles of humans that His heart was opened to us even more than it already was? What kind of message can that teach us to in our own culture where we often seek a homogenized community and people that reinforce our own beliefs? That's what I want to sit with and meditate on this afternoon.
Prayer:
God, thank you for your attention to detail. The careful details you put into creation all around me that make life sustainable and beautiful for me. Thank you for the careful detail you put into my body that allows me to do the amazing things I've been able to accomplish in my life. Thank you for your attention to detail in your instructions to worship you and to live a happy life. I will seek to do just that today. In your name I pray, Amen.
Devotional prepared by Nicholas W. Gliha, associate pastor of Chagrin Falls UMC on October 6th 2020