Justin Houtz

Exodus 40, Acts 1

DateVersionReading Plan
March 31, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 40

Observation

The LORD told Moses that he was to erect the tabernacle on the first day of the month (Exod. 40:1). He then instructed Moses on how the tabernacle was to be erected along with the arrangement of its components. The tabernacle and everything in it along with Aaron and his sons were to be anointed with the anointing oil (Exod. 40:9-14). Moses did all that was commanded of him in the way it was commanded, erecting the tabernacle and everything in it in the month of the second year on the first day of the month (Exod. 40:17).

Once completed, the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle and Moses was no longer able to enter (Exod. 40:35). “On this occasion, it was inappropriate for Moses to enter the tabernacle as the rightful owner took possession of His dwelling. The presence of Yahweh filling the entire tabernacle indicated His exclusive ownership.” (FSB). Throughout their wilderness journeys, when the cloud was taken up, the Israelites would set out. But as the cloud remained, so too did the people. The cloud was on the tabernacle as cloud by day and fire was in it by night, in sight of all the Israelites throughout all their journeys (Exod. 40:38).

Application

With the completion of the tabernacle and the arrangement of its components, the LORD filled it with His glory. While the work required to create all of the elements of the tabernacle was certainly remarkable, infinitely more was that the LORD gave the people the means by which He could be with them. When you consider the wickedness of the people—despondency, grumbling and worshiping idols—you appreciate all the more the superabundant faithfulness of the LORD. With what gratitude should we express worship and obedience to our God who is steadfast and longsuffering, ever with us to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Acts 1

Observation

Luke recounts the earthly ministry of Jesus to the recipient of the letter, Theophilus, that the apostles were not to depart Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father (the coming of the Holy Spirit) (Acts 1:4). Luke then spoke of the discourse that took place between the apostles and Jesus in which they asked whether He would restore the kingdom of Israel at that time (Acts 1:6). Jesus told them that it was not for them to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority but that they were to be His witnesses to Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:7-8). After saying these things, Jesus was lifted up and taken out of their sight (Acts 1:9). While the men were gazing into heaven, two men with white robes stood by them, asked them why they were standing there looking into heaven. The two told the men that Jesus would return in the same way they saw Him go into heaven (Acts 1:11).

The eleven apostles then returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet and went into the the upper room where they were staying (Acts 1:12). They devoted themselves to prayer along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus and His brothers (Acts 1:14). Peter addressed the brothers (a company of 120 in all), recounting how the Scriptures had to be fulfilled regarding Jesus’ betrayal (Acts 1:15-16). Judas was numbered among them, had acquired a field as reward for his wickedness and had fallen headlong and all his bowels gushed out (Acts 1:18). Peter said that one of the men who had been with them during all the time of the Lord Jesus until He was taken up must become a witness with them (Acts 1:22). This man was to take apostolic ministry in the place of Judas who had gone to his own place. Two men were proposed and, after they prayed, they cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias who was then numbered among the eleven apostles (Acts 1:24-26)

Application

With the ascension of Jesus and arrival of the Holy Spirit began the ministerial work of sharing the gospel with the nations. It is heartening to acknowledge how the same Holy Spirit that empowered the apostles at the beginning of the church continues to work in and through His ambassadors today. The apostles lived in a unique time, eyewitnesses to Jesus’ earthly ministry and also beginning to carry the commission of the saints, but the work for us is the same. It is the glorious task of heralding the good news that the Messiah has come and that all who put their faith in Him will not perish but have eternal life. By God’s grace, we both receive the precious gift of salvation in Christ and are given ability to answer the Lord’s calling to be the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful even when I am not. How great is Your faithfulness, O Lord, that You will never to leave me nor forsake me. How wonderful it is to speak of Your abounding grace. Lord, keep my heart from diminishing in the joy of proclaiming Your great Name!

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