There is an old saying that goes, “the devil is in the details.” However, after a thorough reading of the last chapters of Exodus, I would submit to you that God is in the details!
Now granted, the reading of details is not the most gripping of narratives. And truthfully, those details make for tedious reading after the roller coaster ride of the first part of Exodus. Would you not agree that those opening chapters kept us glued to our seats? Were you not horrified by the plagues of locusts and frogs, amazed by the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, thrilled to discover the sweet water that flowed from rocks in the wilderness and the manna from heaven? Not to mention the thundering presence of God on the mountain top as Moses received the Ten Commandments.
But then, after an action packed beginning, we come to a screeching halt. Detail after detail confronts us. Law after law, not only for the community but for altars, slaves, and property just to name of few. And then you get the incredibly detailed descriptions of the tables, lampstands, even curtains for the tabernacle. OK, can you say boring?
But, the funny thing is, as I was reading those wearisome words about the number of cubits for the length of the altar and the colors of the yarn required for the ephod and the breastplate and the curtains for the tabernacle, I became fascinated with the intricate work that was being described. What would the ark have looked like? What about the garments of the priesthood? In case you too were intrigued, I googled the web in search of images and found some that I've posted, one is the priestly vestments the other is the ark of the covenant. Of course, everyone has an idea of what these might have looked like, but this is one artists concept of what is described in the Book of Exodus!
Now granted, the reading of details is not the most gripping of narratives. And truthfully, those details make for tedious reading after the roller coaster ride of the first part of Exodus. Would you not agree that those opening chapters kept us glued to our seats? Were you not horrified by the plagues of locusts and frogs, amazed by the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, thrilled to discover the sweet water that flowed from rocks in the wilderness and the manna from heaven? Not to mention the thundering presence of God on the mountain top as Moses received the Ten Commandments.
But then, after an action packed beginning, we come to a screeching halt. Detail after detail confronts us. Law after law, not only for the community but for altars, slaves, and property just to name of few. And then you get the incredibly detailed descriptions of the tables, lampstands, even curtains for the tabernacle. OK, can you say boring?
But, the funny thing is, as I was reading those wearisome words about the number of cubits for the length of the altar and the colors of the yarn required for the ephod and the breastplate and the curtains for the tabernacle, I became fascinated with the intricate work that was being described. What would the ark have looked like? What about the garments of the priesthood? In case you too were intrigued, I googled the web in search of images and found some that I've posted, one is the priestly vestments the other is the ark of the covenant. Of course, everyone has an idea of what these might have looked like, but this is one artists concept of what is described in the Book of Exodus!
The other really fun thing that happened in the midst of the reading is that I discovered in Exodus 30 God gave Moses the formula for making the anointing oil for the ordination of priests: liquid myrrh, cinnamon, aromatic cane and cassia. “Sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer.” Just so you know, I was the perfumer in “Old Bethlehem” this weekend. And, as a result of my reading, I became quite the knowledgeable perfumer and spun a wonderful tale of how this formula had been passed down from generation to generation in my family. In case anyone asks you, it’s true…I have the finest anointing oil in all Judea! Be sure to stop by my shop next time you’re in “Old Bethlehem”!Keep reading, you’ll never know what you might discover!
inJoy,
Suzy
3 comments:
My family and I loved going to “A Night at Old Bethlehem” it was a lot of fun. When we were done my step-son wanted to go through it again. It was a fun night.
I'm so glad - it was a great time wasn't it? It was truly a God moment for me to be reading about the holy annointing oil and incense just hours before I was to be the "perfumer" in Old Bethlehem.
I liked the goats.
They reminded me of how God provided the scapegoat for Isreal during the Exodus. Oh, and speaking from experience, it speaks to how far Christ and His family of faith bring us in our own Exodus, to the point that we start looking a little more like sheep, finaly fit for service and sacrifice.
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