Dignity, Honor, and Holiness

DAY 26
10-15-09
EXODUS 26-27-28


Good Morning!

God is teaching Israel how to approach, live with, and honor the LORD. He is holy, so everything associated with him must be holy, consecrated, and even beautiful. Worshiping God and having a relationship with him is not supposed to be ordinary; it is special – holy! I am touched by the degree that God is going to specifically tell Israel what he wants in the tabernacle, the altar, and the priestly garments. God says to follow his instructions exactly. “See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” (Exodus 25:40)

Another thing I am thankful for is that God has grown his children up from the outward appearances of honoring him. He is now more concerned about the inner man. Outward beauty is replaced by inner beauty (1 Peter 3:3-4). The physical tabernacle is replaced by a more perfect spiritual one (Hebrews 9:11). Priestly garments are replaced by being “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

Does this mean that God is not concerned with outward appearances any longer? Of course not. Our lives, the way he approach him, and the way we honor him is still a concern for God. Worship is not a free for all, or a time when we do what we think is right. We still must be guided by the Word of God in worship matters because worship always matters to the holy God.

When you approach God, the “inner man” must be concerned about the “outer man”. Approach the God of the Universe with dignity, honor, and holiness. Worship is special. It is not supposed to be ordinary. Your physical life and your inner life (heart & attitude) work together so that the whole person can approach God in holiness. No garment or fancy building is going to make you holy. Only Jesus Christ can make you holy.

Barry

We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10