Weekly Guide ：Week 9
March 25, 2018
Question
What were God’s instructions in building the Tabernacle?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
God instructed the Israelites to start building the Tabernacle.
-
God instructed the Israelites to first observe the Sabbath, to give willingly, and God would give the craftsmen the wisdom, knowledge, and skills.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - It was expensive to build the Tabernacle and yet, the Israelites had surplus from their offerings. God always provides. How should I view my services, my offerings, and my faith in God?
-
Fidelity - Building the Tabernacle required money, material, time, skills, and energy from everyone. They contributed willingly. Am I willingly contributing what I have to serve God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What are the things around the Tabernacle?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Things around the Tabernacle. The Ark, table, lampstand, altar of incense, alter of burnt offering, basin for washing, courtyard.
-
God elected different people to complete His works. Each person had different skill and responsibility. Moses was the leader and he passed down the instructions from God and commands all workers. Ithamar, son of Aaron, accounted the materials. Bezel and Oholiab were the craftsmen.
Meditation: My Story
-
Identity - God elected me, gave me a gift and responsibility to serve Him. Do I value my gift and responsibility and know that I am an important part of His work, a valued vessel?
-
Fidelity - God elected different people. Each has his/her own gift and responsibility. Moses was the leader among them passing down God’s instructions. Do I seek God’s leading, realize my calling, and value my identity as His vessel when I serve?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What was the last task in building the Tabernacle?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The last task and the completion of Tabernacle.
-
Everything used in and for Tabernacle were made by the craftsmen with their own designs. They were all made as the Lord commanded. “As the Lord commanded” appeared eight times in this chapter signifies the importance of His command.
Meditation: My Story
-
Community - The name of the twelve sons were on the priest’s garment. Each time the priest went into the Tabernacle, the twelve tribes went in with him. We are being called the Royal Priests in this age. Do I remember to bring with me the prayers of fellow Christians to God?
-
Fidelity - Obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). A service pleasing to God requires complete obedience. Do I focus on seeking His will and practice “as He commanded” when serving?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What happened after the completion of the Tabernacle?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Upon Tabernacle’s completion, God told Moses to set it up and He filled the Tabernacle.
-
The phrase “as the Lord commanded” appeared eight times again in this chapter. Everything had to be done according to His commands.
-
God designed the salvation plan. The stories in Exodus gives us a preview of His plan.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - The climax of building the Tabernacle was God filling the Tabernacle. His filling of the Tabernacle signifies His presence, leading, and protection. As a believer and receiver of Holy Spirit, do I often experience His presence, leading, and protection?
-
Fidelity - “And so Moses finished the work” (verse 33). Fidelity in serving includes “as the Lord commanded” as well as “finishing the work”. Do I follow through all the way and see to the completion when I serve?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Forward
-
The original Hebrew name for the Book of Leviticus was “And God Called.”
-
After man sinned in Genesis and brought out of Egypt in Exodus, God “called” upon His people to be holy when he lead them out from the bondage of sin.
-
In the Book of Leviticus, the word “unclean” appeared least 87 times, “sin offering” at least 45 times.
-
The contents of the book are all the words God commanded Moses.
-
The multitude of regulations and sacrifices all point to the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
Question
What kind of sacrifices did God command in the Tabernacle?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Leviticus 1-7 records the laws on offerings. God demanded five types of offerings. The first three are through fire that brings out aroma to God, the last two are to atone for sins.
-
Burnt offering points to how Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed for us and became the God pleasing aroma. Grain offering points to the pureness of Jesus Christ.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - Burnt offering and grain offering represent Jesus’ perfection and pureness. He sacrificed willingly for us and burnt for us so that we are seen as pleasing to the eyes of God. How do these two offerings help me understand better about Jesus and His Salvation?
-
Integrity - As the chosen people, burnt offering reminds us that we need to offer ourselves completely to God. What does that mean to me? What can I start doing today?
-
Integrity - Grain offering reminds us the need to be Godly and learn to be like Jesus. What do the finest flour mixed with pure olive oil, salt, incense, but without yeast, remind me of?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What are the other offerings?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The third offering involving fire.
-
Part of the Fellowship Offering was given to God, some to the priests, and the rest can be given to those made the offering (see Leviticus 7.)
-
Fellowship Offering is a thanksgiving offering and a peace offering (between man and God). It’s an offering to bring about relationship. It points to the blood of Jesus reconciles man with God.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - Imaging the joyful scenery of Fellowship Offering. How does this help me realize Jesus had reconciled my relationship with God? Fellowship Offering is also a thanksgiving offering. How does this help me recount and thank God for all the blessings I have received?
-
Community - “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Peacemaking is not just for the peace between men but men and God. Whom around me do I need to pray to bring them to God to have peace with Him?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What conflicts did Jesus have with the elders, the teachers of the laws, and the chief priests at the temple?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus cleansed the temple.
+ Jesus used the parable of the tenants to illustrate the loss of Israel's blessing.
+ Jesus used paying taxes to Caesar to explain the relationship between religion and political power.
+ Jesus predicted destruction of the temple and redemption belongs to those who endures.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** -Learning from Israel's loss of its blessing as depicted in the parable of the tenants, how should we value our own identity? Do I deserve the blessings and salvation from Jesus? Can I put thankfulness back into my heart?
+ **Fidelity** - The two small copper coins from the poor widow was more than what all others gave. Am I giving my all to serve God? What reservations do I have?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were the last events before Jesus' arrest?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus and disciples had Passover supper together.
+ Disciples disputed who would be the greatest. Jesus predicted Peter to disown Him three times.
+ Jesus was arrested at Gethsemane then put on trial before the council.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Jesus asked His disciples to pray so they wouldn't fall into temptation. Do I pray often for my own spiritual life? As my spiritual life is being molded, how do I avoid falling into temptation?
+ **Fidelity** - Peter was confident that he would not disown Jesus. Do I know the biggest weakness in my heart? How does the understanding of that weakness help me stay away from temptation?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Jesus crucified?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus was brought in front of Pilate for trial.
+ The crowds were willing to let go of Barabbas but wanted to crucify Jesus.
+ Jesus was buried in a grave which no one had yet been laid.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The curtain in the temple was torn in two when Jesus died. The separation between God and man was reconciled since. Do I understand my personal relationship with God and come to Him without fear?
+ **Fidelity** - Joseph went to Pilate asking for Jesus' body to burry in the grave dug out for himself. Am I being compassionate and serve fearlessly?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Jesus do after His resurrection?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two who were on the way to Emmaus.
+ Jesus appeared in Emmaus and Jerusalem.
+ Jesus commissioned the disciples and then was risen into heaven.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - After His resurrection, Jesus opened the disciples' minds so they could understand the scripture from Moses to everything written about Himself. Am I able to see Jesus and God's plan from the Old Testament? Pray and praise God for His omnipotence and thank Him for His eternal plan.
+ **Community** - The disciples did not believe the women who told them the fact that they saw an empty grave without Jesus. How do I treat my fellow Christian's testimonies? Can I accept them by the faith in our Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is Jesus?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
+ God sent John as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.
+ The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.
+ John testified concerning Him.
+ Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
+ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Jesus Christ for our salvation, the Word became flesh, dwells among us, full of grace and truth. Am I willing to follow Jesus' example, dwell in this world and be a disciple full of grace and truth?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did John the Baptist testify for Jesus?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ John said he was not the Messiah.
+ He was the voice of one calling in the wilderness: "Make straight the way for the Lord." In the words of Isaiah the prophet.
+ John called Jesus the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
+ John saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. He testified that this is God's Chosen One.
+ Two of John's disciples followed Jesus.
+ Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to follow Him.
+ Nathanael declared: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel."
+ In Cana, Jesus turned water into wine. This was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Nathanael declared Jesus is the Son of God. What do I do to testify for Jesus, the Son of God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What conflicts did Jesus have with the elders, the teachers of the laws, and the chief priests at the temple?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus cleansed the temple.
+ Jesus used the parable of the tenants to illustrate the loss of Israel's blessing.
+ Jesus used paying taxes to Caesar to explain the relationship between religion and political power.
+ Jesus predicted destruction of the temple and redemption belongs to those who endures.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** -Learning from Israel's loss of its blessing as depicted in the parable of the tenants, how should we value our own identity? Do I deserve the blessings and salvation from Jesus? Can I put thankfulness back into my heart?
+ **Fidelity** - The two small copper coins from the poor widow was more than what all others gave. Am I giving my all to serve God? What reservations do I have?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were the last events before Jesus' arrest?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus and disciples had Passover supper together.
+ Disciples disputed who would be the greatest. Jesus predicted Peter to disown Him three times.
+ Jesus was arrested at Gethsemane then put on trial before the council.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Jesus asked His disciples to pray so they wouldn't fall into temptation. Do I pray often for my own spiritual life? As my spiritual life is being molded, how do I avoid falling into temptation?
+ **Fidelity** - Peter was confident that he would not disown Jesus. Do I know the biggest weakness in my heart? How does the understanding of that weakness help me stay away from temptation?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Jesus crucified?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jesus was brought in front of Pilate for trial.
+ The crowds were willing to let go of Barabbas but wanted to crucify Jesus.
+ Jesus was buried in a grave which no one had yet been laid.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The curtain in the temple was torn in two when Jesus died. The separation between God and man was reconciled since. Do I understand my personal relationship with God and come to Him without fear?
+ **Fidelity** - Joseph went to Pilate asking for Jesus' body to burry in the grave dug out for himself. Am I being compassionate and serve fearlessly?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Jesus do after His resurrection?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two who were on the way to Emmaus.
+ Jesus appeared in Emmaus and Jerusalem.
+ Jesus commissioned the disciples and then was risen into heaven.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - After His resurrection, Jesus opened the disciples' minds so they could understand the scripture from Moses to everything written about Himself. Am I able to see Jesus and God's plan from the Old Testament? Pray and praise God for His omnipotence and thank Him for His eternal plan.
+ **Community** - The disciples did not believe the women who told them the fact that they saw an empty grave without Jesus. How do I treat my fellow Christian's testimonies? Can I accept them by the faith in our Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is Jesus?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
+ God sent John as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.
+ The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.
+ John testified concerning Him.
+ Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
+ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Jesus Christ for our salvation, the Word became flesh, dwells among us, full of grace and truth. Am I willing to follow Jesus' example, dwell in this world and be a disciple full of grace and truth?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did John the Baptist testify for Jesus?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ John said he was not the Messiah.
+ He was the voice of one calling in the wilderness: "Make straight the way for the Lord." In the words of Isaiah the prophet.
+ John called Jesus the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
+ John saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. He testified that this is God's Chosen One.
+ Two of John's disciples followed Jesus.
+ Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to follow Him.
+ Nathanael declared: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel."
+ In Cana, Jesus turned water into wine. This was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Nathanael declared Jesus is the Son of God. What do I do to testify for Jesus, the Son of God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were God's instructions in building the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God instructed the Israelites to start building the Tabernacle.
+ God instructed the Israelites to first observe the Sabbath, to give willingly, and God would give the craftsmen the wisdom, knowledge, and skills.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It was expensive to build the Tabernacle and yet, the Israelites had surplus from their offerings. God always provides. How should I view my services, my offerings, and my faith in God?
+ **Fidelity** - Building the Tabernacle required money, material, time, skills, and energy from everyone. They contributed willingly. Am I willingly contributing what I have to serve God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the things around the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Things around the Tabernacle: The Ark, table, lampstand, altar of incense, alter of burnt offering, basin for washing, courtyard.
+ God elected different people to complete His works. Each person had different skill and responsibility. Moses was the leader and he passed down the instructions from God and commands all workers. Ithamar, son of Aaron, accounted the materials. Bezel and Oholiab were the craftsmen.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - God elected me, gave me a gift and responsibility to serve Him. Do I value my gift and responsibility and know that I am an integral part of His work, a valued vessel?
+ **Fidelity** - God elected different people. Each has his/her own gift and responsibility. Moses was the leader among them, passing down God's instructions. Do I seek God's leading, realize my calling, and value my identity as His vessel when I serve?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the last task in building the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The last tasks and the completion of the Tabernacle.
+ Everything used in and for the Tabernacle were made by the craftsmen with their own designs. They were all made as the Lord commanded. The eight occurrences of the phrase "As the Lord commanded" in this chapter signifies the importance of His command.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - The name of the twelve sons were on the priest's garment. Each time the priest went into the Tabernacle, the twelve tribes went in with him. We are being called the Royal Priests in our time. Do I remember to bring with me the prayers of fellow Christians to God?
+ **Fidelity** - Obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). A service pleasing to God requires complete obedience. Do I focus on seeking His will and practice "as He commanded" when serving?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened after the completion of the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Upon Tabernacle's completion, God told Moses to set it up and He filled the Tabernacle.
+ The phrase "as the Lord commanded" appeared eight times again in this chapter. Everything had to be done according to His commands.
+ God designed the salvation plan. The stories in Exodus gives us a preview of His plan.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The climax of building the Tabernacle was God fulfilling the Tabernacle. God's fulfilling of the Tabernacle signifies His presence, leading, and protection. As a believer and receiver of Holy Spirit, do I often experience His presence, leading, and protection?
+ **Fidelity** - "And so Moses finished the work" (verse 33). Fidelity in serving includes "as the Lord commanded" as well as "finishing the work". Do I follow through all the way and see to the completion when I serve?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What kind of sacrifices did God command in the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Leviticus 1-7 records the laws on offerings. God demanded five types of offerings. The first three are through fire that brings out aroma to God, the last two are to atone for sins.
+ Burnt offering points to how Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed for us and became the God pleasing aroma. Grain offering points to the pureness of Jesus Christ.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Burnt offering and grain offering represent Jesus' perfection and pureness. He sacrificed willingly for us and burnt for us so that we are seen as pleasing to the eyes of God. How do these two offerings help me understand better about Jesus and His Salvation?
+ **Integrity** - As the chosen people, burnt offering reminds us that we need to offer ourselves completely to God. What does that mean to me? What can I start doing today?
+ **Integrity** - Grain offering reminds us the need to be Godly and learn to be like Jesus. What do the finest flour mixed with pure olive oil, salt, incense, but without yeast, remind me of?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the other offerings?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The third of the offerings involving fire.
+ Part of the Fellowship Offering was given to God, some to the priests, and the rest can be given to those made the offering (see Leviticus 7.)
+ Fellowship Offering is a thanksgiving offering and a peace offering (between man and God). It's an offering to bring about relationship. It points to the truth that the blood of Jesus reconciles man with God.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Imaging the joyful scenery of Fellowship Offering. How does this help me realize Jesus had reconciled my relationship with God? Fellowship Offering is also a thanksgiving offering. How does this help me recount and thank God for all the blessings I have received?
+ **Community** - In Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Peacemaking is not just for the peace between men but men and God. Whom around me do I need to pray to bring them to God to have peace with Him?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses