How can we apply the principle of reverence from Exodus 40:5 in daily life? Revisiting Exodus 40:5 “Place the gold altar of incense before the ark of the testimony and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.” What the Verse Teaches About Reverence - God specifies where each item belongs, underscoring His right to order worship as He desires. - The gold altar’s placement “before the ark” signals that even incense—the symbol of prayer—approaches Him only on His terms. - The curtain reminds Israel that access to His presence is not casual but consecrated (cf. Leviticus 16:2). Reverence Then and Now - Sacred space: The tabernacle was set apart; today, believers’ bodies and gatherings are called “temples” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). - Ordered worship: God’s instructions for placement mirror New-Covenant calls to “do everything…decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). - Holy awe: “God is greatly feared in the council of the holy ones” (Psalm 89:7). His character has not changed. Practical Ways to Cultivate Daily Reverence • Time with God first – Begin the day acknowledging His lordship before other tasks (Psalm 5:3). • Guard the gateway of media and speech – Refuse content that mocks holiness (Ephesians 5:4). – Season words with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Honor gathered worship – Arrive prepared—heart examined, Bible in hand, distractions silenced (Hebrews 10:25). – Participate wholeheartedly in singing, listening, giving (Colossians 3:16). • Treat your body as sacred space – Pursue purity in habits, relationships, and dress (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). – Use health, strength, and talents for service, not self-indulgence (Romans 12:1). • Organize your environment – Keep a designated, uncluttered spot for Bible study and prayer, echoing the ordered tabernacle layout. – Display Scripture verses at home or work to remind you that every space belongs to Him (Deuteronomy 6:9). • Practice mindful giving – Offer finances, time, and gifts deliberately, not haphazardly (2 Corinthians 9:7). – View generosity as incense rising to God (Philippians 4:18). Heart Posture Behind the Practices - Gratitude fuels reverence: “Let us be grateful… and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28–29). - Humility keeps reverence alive: “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). - Love perfects reverence: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Living Set Apart in a Casual World - Cultural informality need not erode holy fear; rather, believers model joyful respect. - Small daily choices—speech, schedule, stewardship—create a life that, like the gold altar set before the ark, continually points to God’s supreme worth. |
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