Justin Houtz

Exodus 37, John 16, Proverbs 13, Ephesians 6

DateVersionReading Plan
@March 26, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

Exodus 37

Exodus 37:9 (ESV) 9 The cherubim spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat were the faces of the cherubim.

On the top of the ark made by Bezalel were two cherubim which faced each other with wings spread out, overshadowing the mercy seat. The space above the mercy seat between the cherubim was where the Lord made Himself present. In looking at artistic renditions and recreations of the ark, the position of the cherubim toward the mercy seat with wings spread toward each other conveys a posture of profound reverence and worship.

John 16

John 16:21–22 (ESV) 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Jesus provides a wonderful illustration with the woman in labor and no longer remembering the anguish once the baby is born. We live a broken world with many struggles, but there will come a day where it will be forgotten. The sorrows of this life will seem as nothing when we see the Lord in all His glory and rejoice as we spend forever in His presence.

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13:13 (ESV) 13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

The “word” here, according to the Faithlife Study Bible, can refer to the law but in Proverbs typically refers to wisdom teaching in general. Particularly interesting about this proverb is that the contrast is between despising the word and revering the commandment. I tend to think in terms of disobedience and obedience, but “despise” and “revere” reflect more of a heart-level disposition. By a work of the Spirit, our hearts a piqued in reverence for God and His Word, propelling our desire for obedience.

Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6:13 (ESV) 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

We are called to take upon ourselves the whole armor of God. Every piece of the armor has a purpose and is essential in withstanding the evil day. It is with this armor that we are able to stand firm, both to battle and defend against every agent set in opposition to God and His kingdom.

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