# 16 2025 Dev. Isa.15:5. “Accountable to God!” Read all of chapter fifteen first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.15:5 “My heart cries out  over Moab;her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath Shelishiyah.”

Isaiah 15 is a prophecy against Moab that continues in Ch. 16. There is no escaping God’s justice. That continues to this day, God, not man executes justice in this world. 

Vs.1-5 “Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night!” Two main cities in Moab are destroyed, unexpectedly it seems, by God’s design. These five verses are a lament pointing out what is about to happen. The Moabites were close relatives of the Israelites, Lot, the ancestor of the Moabites, is Abraham’s nephew. But the Moabite women led some of the men of Israel astray, at their sacrifices to their god Baal, that included sexual activity. 

Vs.6-9 “The waters of Nimrim are dried up and the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone and nothing green is left.” This is a simile of complete destruction of the land and the people; “The waters of Dimon”,  a word play on the city Dibon, “are full of blood”. Dibon is near the river Arnon.  God brought the Babylonians on this whole area including Judah. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin, the other ten tribes in Samaria were taken away by the Assyrians. Those tribes are lost in terms of identification. Judah was punished as well but by the grace of God, were allowed to come back to the land after 70 years. We know why we are celebrating that this week. Jesus was born, lived and died for the sins of the whole world. We turn to the New Test. 1 Jn.2:1-2 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Thanks be to God, have a blessed Easter!

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# 15 2025 Dev. Ex.28:1. “Prophets, Priests and Kings!” Read all of chapter twenty eight first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Ex28:1 “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests.”

Ex.28 Moses is up on the mountain with God, for two more chapters, he is given the detailed instructions concerning the Tabernacle, and Vestments. This chapter is about the Priestly Garments.

Vs.1-5 Here we have a description of the priestly garments: “These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.” Even today many denominations, especially  the Catholics, have elaborate vestments. As in Moses’ time that means to be set aside, called by God, ordained by the proper authorities, and reflects the glory of Christ, in as far humans are able to do so. Vestments are external but God looks into the heart. Is your priest, your minister, your pastor, your leader reflecting Christ by his/her actions and words? Are You?

Vs.6-14 “The Ephod” an apron worn by priests particularly the High Priest.“Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened…Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other.”  They are a memorial before God and a reminder that the High Priest represents all of Israel before God. Today Christ represents all Christians before God as our Savior and Intercessor, Christ, the last and eternal High Priest.

Vs15-30 “The Breastpiece” “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.  It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double.  Then mount four rows of precious stones on it…There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes…Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord.  Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord.” The Thummim and Urim are a mystery. Are they stones, are they something that God gave directly to Moses? They stand for “lights” and “perfections” they were used to determine God’s will. How it was used is unknown and it was used very little as we find in Scripture. They are mentioned six times in Scripture, one time used, 1 Samuel 14:41 “Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared.” It appears that lots were used. Today some denominations  pick elders and deacons by lot and we see this as a function of the Holy Spirit to indicate God’s will. 

Vs.31-41 “Other Priestly Garments” Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth…The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.” Some equate the pomegranates as the sweetness of the gospels and the bells as the sweet sound of the gospel to those who deserve to die. “Make a plate  of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.” Affix it to the Arron’s turban, “ It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord.” What makes our gifts / works acceptable to God today? They are given in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Vs.42-43 “Make linen undergarments… Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die.” Not following the rules of worship and of service to God reflects the state of the heart and can potentially cause our death. We mean the second death. Today, Jesus is our High Priest and has designated us as all as Prophets, Priests and Kings, by the power of His Spirit. Praise be to God!

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# 14 2025 Dev. Isa.14:3-4. “Our God Gives Relief!” Read all of chapter fourteen first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.14:3-4 “On the day the Lord gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you, you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon:”

Isaiah 14 The chapter starts with an assurance of God’s care for His people Israel. After that Isaiah continues his prophecy against Babylon. The chapter ends with a prophecy against the Philistines.

Vs.1-2 “The Lord will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israeland will settle them in their own land.” God does punish His people for their arrogance, for their oppression of the poor, and for their complicity with false gods. But “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Ps 103:8. Today Israel is back in their home land, the significance of that is not fully understood, because Christ, an Israeli, and the Son of God is the head of the church, the church is the body of Christ  and is  now the new Israel, Christians Jews and Christian Gentiles together. Praise the Lord!

Vs.3-23 “On the day the Lord gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you,  you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon:” What follows is a long description of what is in store for the King of Babylon and his kingdom. “The Lord has broken the rod…all the lands are at peace…” Nature rejoices, the trees, ‘Now that you have been laid low, no one comes to cut us down.’” All those kings who have come and gone before you; “they will all respond… ‘you also have become weak… All your pomp has been brought down to the grave…How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!” The King fancied himself to be the light of day, the sun being  himself and his rule.  But he was unusually cruel and he was exceedingly arrogant, his strength is his downfall. “Let the offspring of the wicked never be mentioned again.”

Vs.24-27 “Surely, as I have planned… I will crush the Assyrians in my land…” God was in control then and He is in control now. “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

Vs.28-32 This prophecy is dated. “This prophecy came in the year King Ahaz died, 716/715, before Christ. “Wail, you gate! Howl, you city! Melt away, all you Philistines!… The poorest of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety.”  The chapter ends positively; “The Lord has established Zion and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.” Today, in our time, “God  is our refuge and our strength.” Praise Him!

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# 13 2025 Dev. Ex.27:1. “A living Sacrifice!” Read all of chapter  twenty seven first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Vs.1 “Build an Alter…” How does this passage connect to today?

Ex.27 Moses is up the mountain with God, the next three chapters are the detailed instructions concerning the Tabernacle. This chapter is about the altar and the courtyard around the tabernacle.

Vs.1-8 “Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze.” It is a big alter, designed to take on full size animals. The sacrifices, designated by God, pointed to one person, the only Holy person, Jesus Christ, He is the final and only one time sacrifice for all the people of the world. For our context today we turn to the New Testament Rm.12 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Amen!

Vs.9-15 “Make a courtyard for the tabernacle…” It was to be made of  large curtains, make up the size of 100 cubits by 50 cubits = 11,250 square feet.  it was orientated  to the East. 

It was for privacy, for separation from the world around it, not isolation there is access. It was designed to be packed up and carried if God instructed them to move. The concept is that God would be with them wherever and whenever they moved from place to place.

Vs.16-19“For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer.”  The curtain around the court yard was made of finely twisted linen, no color is given, I assume it to be white, the color of righteousness. But the entrance is multicolored. There were to be three curtains, the main entrance, the entrance to the tabernacle, and the entrance to the Holy of Holies.

That was then, what does this mean for today? When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain, of 4in. thick, ripped in half, opening up the way to God. Jesus is the way after that event. Jn.14: Jesus answered, “I  am the way and truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That makes sense, Jesus is the entrance: His righteousness and His glory, the color of the entrances of the tabernacle reflect that, as well as His love and His grace. Most people believe that Jesus was in the cloud that guided Israel in the desert. The church today is not a building, we need a building because of weather, even for safety, given our culture today, but the church is the Body of Christ, Christ’s presence in the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. Living out Jesus’ will in our lives, is the responsibility of being a true Christian.

Vs.20-21  “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning…Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning”  So donating oil was the responsibility of the people, of the denomination. Today we work in our churches and donate what is needed to support the church, support our families, responsibly work our professions not because we are trying to be saved, no, we do all of it  out of our thankfulness  to Christ for saving us and ordaining us to serve Him which is the church. Praise be to God. 

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# 12 2025 Dev. Isa.13:3. Held to Account! Read all of chapter thirteen first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.13:3 “I have commanded those I prepared for battle; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath—those who rejoice in my triumph. “

Isa.13 After the wonderful prophecy of the Kingdom of God in chapter 11 and 12, Isaiah prophesied the fall of Babylon in ch. 13 and 14.

Vs.1-5 An introduction to; “A prophecy against Babylon…I (God) have commanded those I prepared for battle…to carry out my wrath… a great multitude… The Lord Almighty is mustering an army for war.”

Vs.6-16 What follows is a description of what will result from their persecution and captivity of God’s people. “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty…to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.” Creation will be upended, the great lights  “will be darkened…I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins.” This prophecy is equated with the final Day of the Lord, the end of time. This army will be ruthless, there will be no mercy, not to children or to women. 

Vs.17-22 “See, I will stir up against them the Medes… the Babylonians will be overthrown, like Sodom and Gomorrah.” Whole nations are being held to account for their wickedness, for their ruthless violence and disregard for life. 

Does this prophecy have something to say to us today about what is happening in our world? The injustice, the destruction of property, the land grabbing, ruthless killing of innocent people including babies and the violation of women, the horrible atrocities perpetrated on the innocent.? God, hold them to account! Come quickly Lord Jesus, rescue your people and all those who suffer under wicked regimes! Amen and Amen   

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# 11 2025 Dev. Ex.26: What is Your Plan for Fellowship? Read all of chapter  twenty six first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Vs.30: “Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.”

Ex.26 Moses is up the mountain with God, the next five chapters are the detailed instructions concerning the Tabernacle, all the furniture and tools, also the attire of the priests. This chapter is about building the Tabernacle.

Vs.1-6 The Tabernacle is 45 ft. by 15 ft by 15ft  high, the Holy of Holies is a cube of 15 ft. This is how to put it together, “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker. Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.” All this beauty and this handiwork is covered up. What does this remind you of? What do you think is important?

Vs.7-14 “Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—Eleven all together. Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.” The covering is important in terms of weatherizing the Tabernacle, The other cover is black. What was of outmost importance was the beauty of the inside of the Tabernacle. That is what is important  for us what we have in our hearts; 1 Pt. 3:4 “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,…”

Vs.15-25 “Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide, with two projections set parallel to each other… and make forty silver bases to go under them.” The tabernacle was to be free standing and movable when necessary.  Whenever the Israelite were told to move the tabernacle would go with them, giving them the assurance of God’s Presence among them. We have that as well, the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and guides us, if we listen.

Vs.26-30  “Also make crossbars of acacia wood:.. Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.  Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.” They are given all the instructions, now set it up as you have been shown. That goes for us as well, we have been given the plan for salvation. Are we listening? It is easy to listen, but not do it, or believe it, as Jesus and the Spirit have laid out.

Vs.31-36 “Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim.” This separates the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. “For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer.”  This was to only allow the designated priest into those spaces.  Since the incarnation of Christ we have direct access to the Triune God, as long as we stay in fellowship with Christ Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Praise God!

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The Tabernacle. God now lives in our hearts and the Church,”where two or three are gathered together I will be.”

The Ark of the Covenant. By the power of the the Holy Spirit God is with us 24/7. Amen

The Table of Show Bread. God meets our needs daily.

The Lampstand, Manora. Jesus is the Light of the World, amen.

# 10 2025 Dev. Isa.12:1. A Song of Praise! Read all of chapter twelve first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.12:1 “In that day you will say: ‘I will praise  you, Lord.’”

Isa.12 The last chapter was a prophecy of the Kingdom of God, the promise of salvation for the faithful and a time of peace. “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lordas the waters cover the sea.” This chapter is a song of praise about that prophecy. 

Vs.1-3 “In that day” the Kingdom of God comes into full view, the New Heaven and the New Earth. The song is about the grace and the forgiveness of God in Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The song is completed in this one sentence; “The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” As Christians today this one sentence is our reality. Praise the Lord!

Vs.4-6 “In that day you will say:” That day is today with the incarnation of Christ, we are in the last days. What Isaiah says here is   nothing short of a great commission. “Proclaim his name…what he has done…his name is exalted… he has done glories things…let this be known to all the World. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”  That is the bottom line for us today; the Holy One is among us and now lives in us by the power of the Holy Spirit, thanks be to God. 

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# 09 2025 Dev. Ex.25:1-2 An Offering! Read all of chapter  twenty five first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Vs.25:1-2. “The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.”

Ex.25 Moses is up the mountain with God, the next six chapters is the detailed instruction concerning the Tabernacle, all the furniture and tools, also the attire of the priests. In this chapter; how  to build the Ark, The Table of Show bread and the Lampstand. 

Vs.1-7 is basically an inventory of what will be needed for the tabernacle, the furniture  and the clothing for the priest. There are two important things; God wants to dwell with His people, foreshadowing Emanuel, God with us, in Christ Jesus. Secondly, The offering is a freewill overing, “from everyone whose heart prompts.” People give as the Holy Spirit moves and as God provides.

Vs.10-16 The Ark. Here is the detailed blue print for the ark, it will stand in the holy of holies. It will hold the tablets, the Ten Commandments. 

Vs.17-22 The ark will have a cover, a cover of atonement, the mercy seat.  There will be two cherubins one on each end of the cover. They “are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover.”  With the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the mercy seat is in our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God!

Vs,23-30 The Table. This is the show bread table, “Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.” The table is covered with gold, dishes of gold as well. The bread are twelve loves arranged in two rows, or two piles, each loaf represents a tribe in Israel. The loaves mean that God is with the Israelites, taking care of their daily needs. It also pointed to God’s presence in the daily lives of the Israelite. This table is in the Holy Place, a place reserved for the designated priests. The bread was replaced every week and only the priests could eat that bread. Bread has meaning today as well; Jesus said : “I’m the bread of life”, we pray for our daily bread and  breaking bread—Communion for every believer.

Vs.31-40 The Lampstand. It was to be made out of solid gold, it had seven branches. Seven, a holy and complete number. It is the only light in the Holy Place. It was to be very ornamental, almond branches, flowers and buds. The beauty of it and the function of the light-stand, for-shadows Jesus Christ, the one and only Light of the world.   The chapter ends with a warning; “See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 

God’s Word is still like that today, how must we worship? In Spirit and in truth! How should we pray?  In a quiet place, and not with many words, and in the name of Christ! How then must we live? Space does not allow but read the sermon on the mount. Mt. 5-6-7. Enjoy!

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# 08 2025 Dev. Isa.11:1The Fruit of Peace! Read all of chapter eleven first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Isa.11:1 “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

Isa.11 is a prophecy of the Kingdom of God. It starts as a tender shoot, weak like a baby, dependent, but it grows into a powerful Branch, a King, “the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him… wisdom… council… might …and knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

Vs.1-3 Isaiah is prophesying the coming of the Kingdom of God, that Kingdom has been there since eternity but God is going to bring  the Kingdom down to earth in a way we experience it. Starting with the call of Abraham, the nation of Israel and Jesus’ statement; “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:15). 

Vs.4-5 He will judge with righteousness and with justice. He will slay the wicked. He is righteousness and faithfulness, Jesus Christ, our savior.

Vs.6-9 Here Isaiah gives us a picture of the future of God’s Kingdom, one of peace and harmony. “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

Vs.10-11 In that day Jesus will draw “the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and His resting place will be glorious.” The Kingdom of God has always been but at this time the Kingdom of God will be universally acknowledged. 

12-16 God will gather the exiles of Israel and those exiled from the church, Christians from every land, from all over the earth. Israel and the church are  synonymous. Thanks be to God!

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# 07 2025 Dev. Ex.24:1. God’s Confirmation! Read all of chapter  twenty four first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Vs.1. “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel.

Ex.24 This chapter is the culmination of the previous three chapters, confirming for us God’s  covenant with His people. This covenant is for eternity and is a covenant for all Christians today, the new covenant of Jesus’ blood, also known as the Covenant of Grace.

Vs.1-8. “When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, ‘Everything the Lord has said we will do,’” confirming God’s covenant.  “Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said.” Moses built an alter and offered bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord. Moses poured half the blood of the offering on the alter and sprinkled the other half on the people. It reminds me of baptisms where the paster sprinkles the congregation and tells them to remember their baptisms. God’s covenant is not a contract, contracts can be broken and then cancelled. A covenant cannot be broken, it is always in effect, particularly on God’s side, but we sometimes ignore God’s grace to our detriment. That is what we see in the Isaiah passage devotional. 

Vs.9-11 “Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli,(a precious stone) as bright blue as the sky.11 But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.” This reminds me of Rev.3:30 “ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Vs.12-18 God calls Mosses up to the mountain in order to give him the  tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments. The mountain is covered  a cloud, the glory of the Lord  looked like a consuming fire. “And Moses stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” reflecting Jesus’ time of temptation in the desert at the beginning of His ministry. We thank God!

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