Exodus 30:11-31:18; Matthew 26:47-68; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 8:27-32
He that Trusteth
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. – Psalms 32:10
Filled with the Spirit of God
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee. – Exodus 31:3-6
This is another scripture where the Spirit of God fills the people with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and ability. The scripture says to devise cunning works and do all kinds of crafts and “workmanship.”
Cunning – skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, craftiness; showing or made with ingenuity. Artfully subtle.
The Sabbath
Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. Exodus 31:13-16
God instituted observing the Sabbath as a sign between Himself and each child. It is a part of His never-ending covenant, and honor our part of that perpetual covenant.
Perpetual – continuing or enduring forever; everlasting
Covenant – a solemn agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something. In the Bible a covenant is the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture. The agreement between God and the ancient Israelites, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him.
All Forsook Him
Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. – Matthew 26:56b
Forsook – past tense of forsake.
Forsake – to quit or leave entirely; abandon; desert; to give up or renounce
Fled – past tense of flee
Flee – to run away; as from danger or pursuers; take flight; to move swiftly.
To me, these are a few of the most heartbreaking words in the Bible. I know the disciples were disappointed and ashamed of themselves. They may have questioned all they had done over the three years prior; everything they had learned. When circumstances disappoint, I often find myself fleeing or wanting to run. How much better would it be to be still, take a deep breath, and ask God for wisdom that we also read about today and are promised to receive?
I Am Wisdom (part 2)
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
Then I was by him, as one brought up with him:
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing always before him;
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth;
and my delights were with the sons of men.
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children:
for blessed are they that keep my ways.
– Proverbs 8:27-32
Father, I enter Your presence today filled with gratitude and a heart of joy that You are covering me and carrying me through this time in my life. It has been a time of much chaos personally and in our nation, but I know You are here, and You are ordering my steps. Thank You for helping me to keep my emotions in check. Thank You for granting me mercy when I have failed and made oversights. God, I ask You in these next days to help me to trust You more. To help me not to forsake You and flee when the going gets tough. I can’t remain faithful without You, so I ask You for faithfulness. Fill me with Your Spirit afresh today. I ask You for wisdom, knowledge, skill, and ability to handle what is assigned to me. Help me to let go of the dreams and “assignments” I have created, that are not Your plan. Oh God, I want to live pleasing to You. God, heal my husband. Touch his ears that he can hear again. Help the doctors to find out what is going on. Help up both to walk in Your will and Your ways. Help us to trust You alone so that Mercy may compass us about, Oh Lord. I ask this all in Jesus’ holy Name. Amen! Amen!
a lamp and a light 