What can we learn about obedience from the instructions given in Exodus 26:12? Verse in Focus Exodus 26:12: “And the half curtain that is left over shall hang down at the back of the tabernacle.” Why This Detail Matters • God cared enough to tell Moses what to do with the “leftover” half-curtain. • Nothing was left to human guesswork; the pattern was complete from front to back. • Even the part no worshiper would regularly see—the rear of the tent—had to align with God’s directions. Key Truths About Obedience • Complete obedience extends to the smallest instruction; partial obedience is still disobedience (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22–23). • Hidden obedience counts just as much as public obedience—God “sees in secret” (Matthew 6:4). • Precision in following God’s Word reflects trust that His wisdom exceeds ours (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Obedience prevents waste; the extra fabric wasn’t discarded or repurposed at will—it served God’s design. • The command underscores stewardship: every resource God provides has an intentional place. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Genesis 6:22 — “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.” • Exodus 39:42-43 — Moses inspected the finished work and saw it was done “just as the LORD had commanded.” • Hebrews 8:5 — Moses was told, “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Living It Out Today • Read God’s Word attentively; the details are intentional, not filler. • Ask, “What specific step has God already shown me?”—then act on it fully. • Treat unseen moments (online activity, private thoughts, off-the-clock time) as places for curtain-behind obedience. • Steward “leftovers” (extra money, spare time, overlooked talents) according to God’s priorities, not personal whims. • Trust that thorough obedience—down to the last half-curtain—invites God’s presence and blessing (John 15:10-11). |
    |