"And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete."

John's purpose and intent for the writing of this letter was to encourage the readers to stay the course in their walk and relationship with the Lord. As throughout church history, fleshly pursuits, worldly influences and contrary teaching had sought to take the believer off track. John lays out his eyewitness account of the Lord beforehand, and then sets out his view of the desired results of the letters content. The fulness of joy he speaks about in verse 4, speaks of a joy inexpressible, that can only be found in a deep abiding relationship with Him, free from any other outward influences. This can be found in fellowship and communion with Him, in the word and in prayer, fellowship with likeminded believers.

Pastor Russell

"(God) in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world."

In just the right time, God in His infinite wisdom has sent His Son, His only begotten Son, to minister to a world lost and dying without hope. We do not have to look far at all to know we live in dark days, as we look up in anticipation of His return. His words of life and hope bring comfort, as we can choose to receive from Him, forgiveness of our sin and life eternal. Will you choose Life today?

Pastor Russell

"So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels."

From the beginning of worship for the children of Israel, the Lord desired to be the focal point in the midst of His people. This was not only to be the center of their attention, but more so to show His faithfulness. The cloud that covered by day would protect from the merciless heat of the day, as if coming under the shelter of His wings. Fire by night not only provided light in all the darkness, but a warmth and reassurance of hope, love and comfort for all. Much as today, the Lord still desires to be first in our lives as He shows Himself faithful to His beloved.

Pastor Russell

"And Moses examined all the work and behold, they had done it; just as the Lord had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them."

As all the work on the tabernacle was completed, all its furnishings and accoutrements done, now inspected by Moses he found the work completed. Twice mentioned is the phrase "this they had done" or "they had done it." The implication being they had done all that the Lord had called them to do. While the obvious work for Moses and Aaron and his sons would be ongoing, we might ask about all the others, the craftsmen and artisans, the laborers who were so busy at work, what about them? Would they take an earlier retirement or settle back into a life of ease or? Or would they be waiting or looking for or pursuing a new assignment?  I would dare say that as the Lord blessed them, He would continue to use them to the furtherance of His kingdom. For many of us today, as one assignment may conclude, let's be on the lookout for God's next assignment as He continues to work in and through us.

Pastor Russell

"And the stones were corresponding to the names of the sons of Israel; they were twelve, corresponding to their names, engraved with the engravings of a signet, each with its name for the twelve tribes."

Like the shoulder pieces that were on the priest's ephod, which also was engraved with the names of the children of Israel, meant to portray a picture of the Lord carrying His beloved through difficult times, the Lord desired to keep his people close to His heart. Though at times we may feel insignificant and unimportant, but realize this child of God, that He really cares! The prophet Isaiah paints a beautiful portrait of a shepherd gathering the lambs in his arms and carrying them in his bosom, that they would know his arms of loving protection, the warmth of his breast and the rhythmic beating of his heart that brings comfort and calm in all the chaos of life in this world today.

Pastor Russell

"And even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so the Son of Man must be lifted up; that whoever believes in Him have eternal life."

As we saw the brazen altar in Exodus and the bronze serpent in Numbers, these emblems of old, would stand for redemption and life, albeit temporal. Jesus came and likened that He would be lifted up on His cross, and bring eternal life for the one who believed. No more offerings and sacrifice that had to be repeated over and over, but once for all, He offered one sacrifice for sins for all times. As we believe in Him, we have eternal life.

Pastor Russell

"Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"

The writer asks, as if answering the question in the same sentence. Unlike Bezalel and all the artisans and craft workers who labored on the tabernacle, the completed work of Jesus on the cross now negated the need of a house made with hands. The word of God now declares that for all eternity He dwells in the temple of our hearts. No longer would a temple made with hands suffice, but only as God's treasure would come to us, filling us with His surpassing greatness, God in us, the hope of glory. This is the hope we have in Him.

Pastor Russell

"And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship."

God's word tells us of Bezelel, and all the Lord had endowed him with. First and foremost, we see the filling of the Spirit of God. So important is this one attribute is that we may surmise that without the filling of the Spirit, it would be impossible to get the work done for he or any other child of God. So dependent are we on the Spirit of truth, the Helper as He comes alongside to lead us and guide us into all truth, He speaks and discloses all what is to come, He is the Comforter or one who comes alongside to strengthen and help in time of need. He is the wisdom and strength we all so desperately need today.

Pastor Russell

"the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him."

Just prior, we recall that Moses had just spent forty days and forty nights on the mountaintop with the Lord. We, almost enviably, desire that same experience with the Lord. Sweet communion, fellowship, worship and adoration must have been punctuated with God's precepts and promises and loving instruction. So filled was Moses, that he radiated God's glory, glowing with the overflow of the Spirit. While we may not be able to commit to that long a period of time, our own quiet times become as precious times of refreshment and renewal, as we are filled to overflow in His glory, the fulness of His spiritual blessing for our lives.

Pastor Russell

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth."

In the previous several verses, Moses asked the Lord to show him His glory. The answer was a resounding no... but the Lord would do this. In a simple statement that He would make known to Moses His attributes, and forever we have in His word, written in stone if you would, the Lords undeniable attributes and qualities. Like John, declaring in his first letter, "God is love...", we find a simple but brilliantly painted picture of the Lord, on the canvas of His word. Not a glimpse of His back, or a veiled foreshadowing, but forever etched on the tablet of our hearts, a clear look at His glory. As the apostle would write in John 1:14, "we beheld His glory...."

Pastor Russell 

And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest."

In the previous verse, Moses prayed for the Lord's favor to be upon him, and also for a reminder that the people he led were God's people. Quite large was the task when you consider there was 600,000 men and their families, along with all the herds, the mixed multitudes and processions they brought along. Moses recognized that no matter what, he needed God's favor and presence for his life, also a key reminder that these were His people. A good thought for us all is that we truly need God's favor dealing with those around us, and that we know His lovingkindness for His people, whether pleasant or difficult.

Pastor Russell

Then Moses said, "Dedicate yourselves to the Lord- for every man has been against his son and against his brother- in order He may bestow a blessing upon you today."

The thought here may be one of dedication or perhaps rededication. We have seen much in this chapter' the out and out sin of the people, the lie of Aaron, and even the anger of Moses. God's desire for His people was for much more than a life of separation caused by sin. His desire for close fellowship and communion with the children of Israel would be facilitated by His great mercy, grace and forgiving nature, A call to dedication and repentance on behalf of the people would help facilitate an outpouring of spiritual blessings that the Lord had always desired. The thought for us today, a life dedicated in love and service to the Lord, helps maintain the fullness of spiritual blessings for the child of God.

Pastor Russell