Absolutes

“And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make: the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle; the table and its utensils; the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories; the incense altar; the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils; the washbasin with its stand; the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.” [Exodus 31.6-11]

There are absolutes when it comes to God.

God gave specific instructions for the tabernacle and its service. There instructions were not up for discussion and certainly not up for personal preference.

I think we should consider this instead of deciding we will factor modern culture, etc. into our service and devotion to God.

Of course we do not live in the era of Tabernacle/Temple worship as Jesus clearly 'turned that page.' But does that mean that God no longer requires absolute response to absolute commands (ie. the commands Jesus highlighted)? I don't think so.

I believe we are fast approaching the days when partial devotion to God simply will not sustain us. In other words, just going to church, with little or no application of God's Word to our lives and subsequent works of faith, is not going to suffice. By this I mean, it will not sustain us in the chaos of end times (that is consequently blossoming all around us right now like mushrooms after a rain).

I am encouraged to focus on what Jesus told His followers to do without modification for preference. What does that look like? In a word, Jesus.

We do not look like Jesus today simply because we have allowed preference, modern culture, and personal interpretation of the Bible to so alter us that the image of Christ is heavily camouflaged if not erased altogether. Attempts to right this wrong are immediately labeled fanatical or out of touch.

Will there be change in our lives? Will it be according to God's Word?

Father, I am convicted about this discussion today. Please keep this conviction coming and may I be found repentant to pliable to Your will and ways in everything.