S – Then all the artisans who were doing all the work for the sanctuary came one by one from the work they were doing ⁵ and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than is needed for the construction of the work the Lord commanded to be done.” 

Exodus 36:4–5 CSB

O – The people gave more materials than were needed to do work the Lord instructed.  What a great problem!  

A – Everybody is doing their part.  God has a vision for his sanctuary.  Moses gives the vision to the people.  The skilled artist do their part while supported by resources from the people.  It is amazing to see the unity of vision, action and support in this story.

R – Lord, each of us play a part in your story.  Help us to have the sensitivity to know which part and when we should do it.  Help us to be generous with our time, talent and treasure because they all flow back to you.

S – As Moses descended from Mount Sinai—with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain—he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord.

Exodus 34:29 CSB

O – Being in God’s presence, Moses was different and other people noticed it.  People knew he had been with God.

A – I want people to know that I have spent time with God.  In my countenance, words and actions.  If my relationship is growing, I should reflect Jesus in my interactions.

R – Lord, I love my times with you throughout the day.  In the good and the challenging, you are there.  I want to reflect our relationship in a way that people can see that I have been with you. Let your glory shine through me today.

S – The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend, then Moses would return to the camp. His assistant, the young man Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the inside of the tent.

Exodus 33:11 CSB

O – Moses had a relationship with God that allowed for direct communication.  The challenge was that he was the conduit for communication from God to the people.  They didn’t enjoy a direct relationship and had to trust in Moses.  Moses shared what God said and expected obedience.  A difficult tension.

A – Grateful for the cross that allows us to have a direct relationship with God.  There is no middle entity other than what Christ did on the cross.  This is the relationship we enjoy as a Christian.

R – Lord, thank you for the cross.  Thank you that I can speak and listen to you any time I want to spend time with you.  Thank you for your Word which gives me instruction for living.  Thank you for your presence in my day through your Holy Spirit.  I invite you into every part of my day today.

S – “Tell the Israelites: You must observe my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the Lord who consecrates you. ¹⁴ Observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you

Exodus 31:13–14 CSB

O – Commentary:  The Sabbath was understood to be the unique sign of the covenant (31:13, 16, 17; see also 20:8–11; Isa 58:13–14; Jer 17:21–27; Neh 13:15–22). The Sabbath is also said to figure significantly in the achievement of God’s underlying purpose of making his people holy, that is, set apart for his exclusive use and sharing his character (31:13, 14, 15). Resting from their own work (31:15, 17) was also a practical way of demonstrating genuine dependence on God to meet their needs (see 20:8–11 and notes).

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – We need to obey God’s word and grow in His character.  Obeying sabbath was part of that for the Israelites and should be part of our walk with God as well.  The principle of it is to rest ourselves, remember God and replenish our provision.

R – Lord, thank you for calling me to rest in such a busy time.  To pull away from the daily tasks is essential for my longevity.  Help me to rest my mind and body, spend time with you and do the things that refuel me for another week.  You care for my overall health and sabbath is one of the ways you provide for it.

S – You are to instruct all the skilled artisans,^, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make Aaron’s garments for consecrating him to serve me as priest.

Exodus 28:3 CSB

O – God gives people different gifts.  The artists chosen for the task of creating Aaron’s garments were given a special dispensation of wisdom and consecration in using their gifts.

A – God gives gifts to all of us and gives us special dispensation to use them wisely.  It is our choice to invite God into our use and display of these gifts.

R – Lord, thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me.  I invite you into their use and application today.  Help me to remain humble when I see good things happen through me gifts.  Help me to keep growing when they are challenged.  Either way, I give you all the glory for the results.

S – In the tent of meeting outside the curtain that is in front of the testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamp from evening until morning before the Lord. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites throughout their generations. 

Exodus 27:21 CSB

O – Commentary: 

The tabernacle having no windows, the lamps required to be lighted during the day…Although the priests were obliged from necessity to light them by day, they might have let them go out at night had it not been for this express ordinance.

  Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

A – God elevates the simple task of keeping the lamps lit.  After all the specific instructions, it isn’t surprising that He gives specific instructions on keeping the Tabernacle lit. 

R – Lord, you know every detail of my life.  I surrender it to you.  Examine me and give me direction on areas that need improvement.  I know you desire the best for me according to your will.  Help me to obey your words today.

S – Be careful to make them according to the pattern you have been shown on the mountain. 

Exodus 25:40 CSB

O – After all the instructions in how to construct the items for the tabernacle, this is the last line. God gives intricate details for each item that will be in the tabernacle. Why would he need this statement?  Because he knew the human heart – it would want to deviate from the instructions.  To make it better, to do it my own way, to make it more practical, etc – it is hard to follow instruction.

A – We need to know God’s words and follow God’s words.  We need to resolve the battle of God’s instructions vs my desire.  God didn’t create us to be robots yet He does want us to obey Him.

R – Lord, thank you for relationship with you where you allow us to intersect with you.  You allow us to pray and converse with you and also listen to your words.  When you give me instruction, give me the strength and courage to do what you say.  Help me to stay true to those directions and not stray.

S – You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. ²³ If you do mistreat them, they will no doubt cry to me, and I will certainly hear their cry.

Exodus 22:22–23 CSB

O – Commentary:  The widow, the orphan, and the foreigner were in a helpless and economically disadvantaged position. God, by his protective stance toward these persons, demonstrated that he does not value people on the basis of their power or wealth, the standards accepted by most humans. Instead, God values people because they share his image (Gen 1:27).

 New Living Translation Study Bible

God protects the widows and orphans.  This theme is found throughout the Bible.  The theme that God values everyone the same is also seen throughout the Bible.

A – We need to see all people as God sees them.  We quickly “value” people from the first moment we interact with them with our senses.  We make snap judgments and it can determine how we interact with them.  

R – Lord, you know who we will interact with today.  Help us to see them through “your eyes.”   Each person is your creation and is made in your image.  Let us find the good that makes us one instead of the differences that bring distance.  In doing so, let us capture your heart for others and not our own desires.

S – Whoever strikes his father or his mother must be put to death…

“Whoever curses his father or his mother must be put to death

 Ex 21:15, 17 CSB

O – Commentary:  Because of the importance of the home its sanctity was guarded, parents protected, and children controlled; disrespectfulness was to be dealt with in the same way as murder.

“Exodus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – From the Ten Commandments to Ephesians, the Bible holds the principle of honoring your parents.  Whether physically or verbally, our actions should esteem their position in our lives.  As a parent, I want to model the Christian life that is worthy of such honor.

R – Lord, I am grateful for my children.  They truly are a gift from you.  Help me to live in a way that helps them in their own walk with you.  Let them see me love you first, their mom second and them in a way that brings your word to life.

S – Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.

Exodus 20:7 CSB

O – Commentary: In Hebrew, one’s name connotes nature and character (see note on 3:13–22). To make the name of God empty (NLT, misuse) is to do anything that makes him appear insignificant or worthless. One way to do this is to invoke his name in an oath we do not mean to keep. But there are other, even more significant ways to bring shame on God’s name (see Num 20:12; Amos 2:7; cp. Matt 6:9).

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Strong statement – “Do anything that makes him appear insignificant or worthless.”  When we flippantly use God’s name swearing or as a matter of speech we do not show honor.  Just as I desire to have a good name (reputation) and character, we must honor and protect His with our speech.  He is worthy of praise and honor ascribed to Him.

R – Lord, your name is Holy.  Your name reveals your character as the one true God, healer, provider, banner over me and peace…and so much more.  Let me reverence you with my words today but also my thoughts and actions.  Where you wouldn’t let the people of Israel come close to you, you allow us in all of our imperfections to draw near to your holiness.  I am grateful.