God told Moses to build a tabernacle so that he might dwell with them. Every element of the structure was designed with that in mind. Each one provides a way for God to be with his people and points to the better way that was to come through Jesus.
Hebrews
Fearing God: Two Hebrew Midwives Show Us What It Looks Like
Fearing God is one of those phrases we see a lot in scripture but aren't really sure what it means practically. So I took notice when I read that two women named in chapter one of the book of Exodus—Shiphrah and Puah—feared the Lord. They show us what it looks like and what happens when we do.
What Does It Mean to Be Faithful?
What is faithfulness? How does it differ from loyalty? Should one be loyal to an agency? A team? For how long? Under what circumstances? Is one unfaithful if they leave? Is seeking change wrong or simply another approach to life? What constitutes a long term commitment? Fifty years or five?
These Were All Commended for Their Faith
I recently lead a devotional on the topic of faith to a group of global workers. After defining faith, checking cross-references, and looking up the Greek meaning, I took them to the Hall of Faith chapter in the Bible and sent them off to reflect of one or more of the well-known characters in that passage. A few weeks later, a guest speaker added a dimension to faith I missed.
Rejoice with Habakkuk This Thanksgiving Even Though
My reading of the Biblical book of Hebrews came to a sudden halt. Where have I heard that before? These familiar verses resound in my head because they are from the prophet Habakkuk. His cry to the Lord 2700 years ago continues to resonate with familiarity.
Jesus is Better: Summaries from Hebrews
The author of the New Testament book of Hebrews presents many arguments to prove emphatically that Jesus is better. And because he is so superior to anything else, we are exhorted to stick with him to the end, despite suffering or persecution.
Better Provocation: Spurring One Another On
"Why don't you take over the women's Bible study? Come along with me to a village to share your testimony. I'm planning a retreat for the church planter's wives and you can share the messages." As a young and tentative cross-cultural worker, my teammate's many suggestions for serving sometimes irritated me. But she believed in me and continued to create opportunities for me—all the while cheering me on. She spurred me on as we are taught to do by the anonymous author of Hebrews.
In Search of Better Rest
I regularly speak about rest. The author of the New Testament letter of Hebrews also speaks about rest. But a thorough study of the text reveals that this is a different kind of rest than I typically speak of. Since Hebrews is all about presenting Jesus as superior to all else, I wonder if this rest is also better?
Pondered Treasures 