Exodus 26, Luke 23

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker

"Stirring up trouble."

(Exodus 26)

“Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.” – Exodus 26:33

With all the adornment and gold, the chosen instrument to separate the Holy of Holies from the rest of the tabernacle, was a curtain. Not very secure, mind you. I would imagine this would be a place of temptation for thieves. I would imagine the priests and Levites took much care in keeping watch over it.

It was once said of this veil that, “God would show his care of his church on earth, though it be weak and defenseless, and continually exposed. A curtain shall be (if God please to make it so) as strong a defense, as gates of brass and bars of iron.”

God will protect His church. I believe as the bride of Christ is being prepared for the wedding day, His hand will be shown as sovereign. I think the best thing we can do is keep watch and be faithful to the things He has called us to, and remember who’s bride it is.

(Luke 23)

What were the indictments on Jesus? "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here." Luke 23:5

One thing I’ve noticed is that the teaching of Jesus can certainly stir people up. At times, it can even stir up trouble. But the purity and intent of Jesus’ message is not at fault. The fault lies in how it’s received. There will be a clashing of culture, a clashing of nature, and a clashing of self. But the message is pure.

Think about the fruit of the Spirit that are offered (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). Think about the offering of Jesus when he said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

The people wanted a dominating king to ride in on a white stallion and dominate the world. Instead, Jesus rode in on a donkey, said he came to “serve not be served”, and still dominates the world. I love my Jesus.

Jesus, you have nothing to prove to me today. You don’t have to flaunt your power and your might. It is revealed through your love. God, you spoke and it was. Yet you allowed Jesus to take the cross. Thank you for offering Grace to us. Teach us to extend it to others.