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God, the Snuggie, & the Bedazzler

As I'm reading through the less interesting parts of Exodus, I notice repetition. Back in chapter 28, God was giving Moses all the details about how to build the Tabernacle. He also appeared to have invented the Snuggie and the Bedazzler when describing how the priests were to be dressed. (If you're unaware of the technological breakthrough known as the Bedazzler, google it...you're missing out on some fine bling.)

If it wasn't enough to read God's description of just how long each curtain should be and how to overlay everything in gold, we get to read it again when the Israelites actually get around to doing it. They collect items and sew and build the Tabernacle and they bedazzle the priests. We read it word for word...twice. And I ask myself why we have to read it twice.

Then it hit me.

This story is about God. It would be easy to forget that and assume this story is about Moses and the Israelites wandering in the desert. In fact, it would even be easier for us, with the benefit of hindsight to ask why they would go to this much trouble when they're just going to build a temple. But consider this; that temple is not being built until Solomon reigns as king. They don't even know yet that they will ask for a king.

This Tabernacle has to last through the desert wanderings, the days of Joshua and the conquest, the period of the Judges, and Kings Saul and David. That's a lot of years. And during those many years, God deserved their worship. During those years, the Israelites needed to give their worship.

It's a lot of detail for us to read, but I believe it speaks to the importance of our worship to God. We will one day worship God in Heaven, but until then we should give great detail to how we worship Him now.
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Comments

Jo said…
Now there's an idea- bedazzled snuggies :) Great post about the centrality of God and the importance of worship!
July 17, 2010 at 1:21 AM
Anonymous said…
Nice observations, Rick. It's been a while since I've trudged through Exodus, but that book is just as full of wisdom as any other. I'm always amazed at what I pick up when I do go to the effort of reading my less favorite Bible books. Thanks for sharing.
July 17, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Rick Nier said…
Thanks guys. Actually, it felt like trudging until this hit me. Even so, I'm not sure how quickly I'll return to this book.
July 18, 2010 at 10:09 PM
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