Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 35:10-19.
“‘Let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the Lord has commanded: the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its hooks and its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; the ark and its poles, the mercy seat, and the curtain of the screen; the table and its poles, and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; the lampstand also for the light and its utensils and its lamps and the oil for the light; and the altar of incense and its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the doorway at the entrance of the tabernacle; the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand; the hangings of the court, its pillars and its sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court and their cords; the woven garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests.’” Exodus 35:10-19.
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I counted 20 references to “skillful” in the building of the tabernacle, its tents and its coverings, and its contents and related objects. http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=skillful&version=NASB&searchtype=all&startnumber=1
This repeated theme and emphasis made me think that such skill should not be limited to the building of the tabernacle and its related objects, but rather that our worship should also be skillfully done.
“Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Psalm 33:3.
“For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.” Psalm 47:7.
And yet, we see many songs played in churches that repeat some word or phrase. Even if that phrase is from the Bible, just repeating it many times louder and louder and more and more earnestly does not make it spiritual.
It would be bad enough if such lack of skill was limited to songs. But, we see such lack of skill in the handling of Scriptures.
Likewise, the use of Scripture does not necessarily by itself make a sermon or lesson sound doctrine.
Zeal is not enough in handling Scripture or songs. “For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.” Romans 10:2.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
Scripture keeps coming back to the importance of truth.
Jesus said both in Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7: ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’”
Jesus also stated in John 4:23-24: “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Jesus also stated in John 16:13: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; …”
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:1-4.
There are those who “did not receive the love of truth so as to be saved”. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-13.
But, there is hope!
“1 My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
3 For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
4 If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.” Proverbs 2:1-9.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 