Day 25, or January the 25th. Follow the Maker's
instructions and timetable. Our thoughts today
are rooted in Exodus, chapter 21, verse 1. These
are the laws you are to set before them. First,
the big picture of this passage surrounding the
verse. The first half of Exodus, with its straightforward
storyline, is quite different to the second half,
which is full of detailed regulations and instructions.
There are lots of detail about how to build a
tabernacle, which will be the portable place
of worship for the children of Israel, until
the temple is built many years later. Moses expands
the Ten Commandments into more detailed regulations
that form a foundation for Judaism. The first
subject covered is an early form of human rights
law, which includes both personal and social
responsibilities. It seems to confirm that there
is nothing new under the sun. In the midst of
all these rules, little do the Israelites suspect
at this time that the short journey will take
them forty years, as they take a detour through
the wilderness, following their refusal to obey
what God says. Finally, the covenant between
God and his people is confirmed, as Moses and
the other leaders gather before God at Mount
Sinai. And now our action step for today. As
the children of Israel anticipate entering the
promised land, God makes it very clear that it
will take time and effort and patient trust in
God's timing. I will drive them out a little
at a time, until your population has increased
enough to take possession of the land, God tells
them in chapter 23, verse 30. In a world of instant
this and instant that, we often find ourselves
expecting an instant God. If something takes
a few seconds, we immediately wonder what the
hold -up is. Patience is a virtue, that is certainly
true, and I would love to have lots of patience.
But I need it now. I am sure there are things
in your life today that, if you were in charge,
would be solved before your next meal. However,
you're not in charge, so trust God who is. Synchronize
your timetable with His, or expect even more
frustration ahead.