Today’s reading: Exod 39:1–40:38, John 6:52–71, Song 5:5–9

Today’s theme: Finish the work

Today we see an important theme, we must set our hearts to finish whatever work the Lord has given us to do with the sustaining power that Jesus provides.

Exodus 39:1–40:38

Finish the work

Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished, and the people of Israel did according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses; so they did. Exodus 39:32 (ESV)

It is great to read that the work was finished in accordance with God’s instructions. We should avoid procrastination and have a mind to finish the mission / work.

Reward for finishing

And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the LORD had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them. Exodus 39:43 (ESV)

Moses blessed the people for completing the work. God rewards us too when we complete the tasks He has for us to do. What work do you have to do?

God with us

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34–35 (ESV)

Moses had asked God to go with him and the people, this was God’s answer. He asked them to build a temporary house so that He could dwell among them.

The cloud was a physical manifestation of God’s presence. This had a lot of meaning to a people travelling through a hot desert where clouds and shade were welcomed.

God’s presence has moved from the great Mount Sinai, to the tent of meeting and now finally to the tabernacle. This all points forward to God dwelling in us as His house through His Holy Spirit.

John 6:52–71

Sustained by Jesus

As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. John 6:57 (ESV)

If we feed on Jesus, we will have eternal life, sustained by Him. Our appetite should be for Jesus.

Stand with Jesus

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68–69 (ESV)

Our response should be the same, despite being ridiculed and mocked for our faith in Jesus we must stand with and for Jesus with complete resolution.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Work & Vocation