I’m running out of power on my Bible, so I’d better make this a quick blog! Now, THAT isn’t something you hear every day!
Exodus 30 and God instructs Moses on how Aaron and his brothers should wash themselves before entering the Tabernacle. They should also be anointed with spiced oils. They need to make a special incense for use in front of the Ark of the Covenant. And the Israelites, every man over 20 years of age, should pay half a shekel for the upkeep of the Tabernacle.
God tells Moses in Exodus 31 that he has given Bezalel and Oholiab great wisdom and ability so that they will be able to construct all the things he has said. And finally, he tells Moses that they must keep the Sabbath as a Holy day and do no work that day. Then he writes his commandments on two stone tablets. Which didn’t even need charging up – they came fully powered!
Matthew 26 continues its account of the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. (26:55) ” ‘Am I some dangerous revolutionary?…'” This powerful statement is enough for them to realise that they didn’t need to send in the troops. Jesus knows what will happen next.
He is taken to the home of the high priest. When Jesus refuses to defend himself, he becomes enraged, (26:63) “I demand in the name of the living God – tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
He replies, (26:64) “You have said it.” Jesus never said he was the Messiah, the others said that of him. But it’s too late now and the prophesy is unfolding. His disciples have deserted him and the crowd begin to turn on him.
Psalm 32 is an absolute song of joy for the pure of heart! Rejoice in the Lord and be glad!
And more joy in Proverbs 8. Verse 32 has Wisdom calling on her children to “listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.”
So what thought pulls all these readings together? What line jumps out more than the others? Well, despite the events in Matthew, the theme for me is JOY!!
David Hartley 