Author: John Tillman

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 32 Listen: (5:47) Read: Luke 14 Listen: (4:36)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Read: Exodus 33 Listen: (3:49) Read: Luke 15 Listen: (4:19)
Read: Exodus 34 Listen: (5:48) Read: Luke 16 Listen: (4:27)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 32.1-6

32 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” 2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods,  Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

Image Credit: Moses Indignant at the Golden Calf, painting by William Blake, 1799–1800

Reflection: Golden Calves

By John Tillman

The Golden Calf, Goliath, and the Good Samaritan are biblical stories that are fully integrated into our cultural vernacular.

These phrases embody cultural messages with metaphorical power. Sometimes these messages are not entirely biblically accurate or miss the point of the biblical narratives from which they are appropriated.

In the case of the Golden Calf, the cultural and biblical meanings are similar. Merriam-Webster defines “Golden Calf” as a noun, meaning “an object of materialistic or unworthy worship.” In our culture, this worship is not necessarily religious in nature.

In 1912, political cartoonist Joseph Keppler’s drawing of the Statue of Liberty replaced by a Golden Calf critiqued politicians for pursuing wealth and materialism. It wasn’t the first time Keppler used the image. In 1880, Keppler depicted former president Grant as the Golden Calf with Republicans clamoring for him to seek a third term.

The Golden Calf lesson applies to worship, politics, wealth, power, traditions, leaders, and other areas. Anytime a person or group betrays their principles or bows down to something or someone not worthy of admiration, the Golden Calf image appears and is applicable. (Exodus 32.24) It’s extraordinarily difficult to not think of the Golden Calf when some people or their followers literally build or share images of them as a golden statue…

Golden Calves are useful to the powerful. Centuries after Sinai’s Golden Calf, following Israel’s rebellion against Judah, Jeroboam made Golden Calves to prevent worshipers traveling to Judah. (1 Kings 12.26-28) Jeroboam’s politically-motivated calf idols repeated the cycle of replacing God with “worship.”

The worship was real. The object was false. There are still politically-motivated and religiously-motivated Golden Calves in our world.

Sometimes, like Moses, we must speak out to confront the calf worshippers. We also must examine ourselves to see if we are repeating the sins of Aaron or the people.

Like Aaron, are we caving to the crowd? Are we blessing or tolerating idolatry that enriches or empowers us? Are we lying (just a little) to avoid responsibility?

Like the people, have we given up on God or godliness? Are we impatient with the intangible? Are we replacing the spiritual with the political? Are we willing to worship a comfortable lie? Are we pressuring leaders to give us the god we want in place of the God of the Bible?

Watch out for Golden Calves in every part of your life. When (not if) you find them, grind them to dust.

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading

Jesus taught the people, saying: “Now sentence is being passed on this world; now the prince of the world is to be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all people to myself.” — John 12.31-32

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Lasting Revivals and Normal Idols

The idols of a culture don’t always dress up in flamboyant costumes. They often hide in normality and ubiquity.

Lasting Revivals and Normal Idols

Read more: Slavery to Maturity

There will be false prophets and deceptions. We pressure our leaders to make Golden Idols and they, like Aaron, do so.

Slavery to Maturity

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 31 Listen: (2:32) Read: Luke 13 Listen: (5:02)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 31.1-6, 12-13

1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:

12 Then the Lord said to Moses, 13 “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.

Reflection: Work-Sabbath Balance

By John Tillman

The work on the Tabernacle was important.

The Tabernacle was a masterwork of design, architecture, construction, and artistry of all kinds. The chief artisan, Bezalel, is the first person described in the Bible as being “filled with the Spirit of God.” God specially gifted all the skilled workers and artists to create the Tabernacle.

The work was not frivolous decor. It was a foundational statement about God’s holiness. The designs were not simple whimsy. They were weighty with glory. The artistry was not optional beauty. It opened eyes to heavenly realities.

When God is the architect, every hammer strike is holy. Every cut of the chisel shapes theological reality. Every stitch of embroidery binds together heaven and earth. Yet despite the work’s importance, God reminded the people not to forsake the Sabbath.

The importance of work must not overshadow the holiness of rest. The more “important” we think our work is, the more likely we are to forget or forsake the principles of “sabbath.” Are we too lax about observing Sabbath? Are we too lazy about holy rest?

I’m writing this devotional on a Saturday, the traditional day of Sabbath. Later, I have some other work planned. Do you mow your lawn on Saturday or Sunday? Do you catch up on work or take an extra shift on the weekends? Should we all be dragged out and stoned?

Jesus taught that Sabbath is for humans, not God. He did not follow the rigid rules of Sabbath but did model getting away from “work” to rest and pray. Jesus understands the pressure of work encroaching on rest. At least once, Jesus attempted to withdraw with his disciples to rest, but “work” (over 5,000 people) followed him into the wilderness. (Matthew 14.13-21; Luke 9.10-12)

There are two errors to avoid. Don’t fool yourself that your “work” is important enough to forsake rest. Don’t fool yourself that “rest” means doing nothing.

Sabbath is our Tabernacle. It is a special space and time to show and experience God’s glory. Make Sabbath beautiful, not boring. Make Sabbath a blessing in your life, not a guilt-ridden requirement or a stress-inducing limit. When God is the architect of your life, every task, even rest, is holy.

The Sabbath is a good day to save life, a good day to heal, a good day to bless. (Mark 2.27; Luke 6.9) “Clock in” with Jesus for both work and rest. Do good on the Sabbath.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for my hope has been in you. — Psalm 25.20

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Enter While You Can

Many reject repentance which requires losing face, power, or position. This is why leaders (and pastors) caught in scandals often refuse to step down or stay out of power.

Enter While You Can

Read more: Suffering and Sin

We feel less responsible for problems in the world when we believe only the lazy are poor…

Suffering and Sin

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 29 Listen: (6:23) Read: Luke 11 Listen: (7:33)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 29.44-46

44 “So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46 They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

Reflection: Concentric Consecration

By John Tillman

Consecration means being “set apart for” or “devoted to” a sacred purpose.

God gives Moses long and complicated instructions “to consecrate” priests and spaces. But ultimately, the Lord says, “I will consecrate…”. Consecration is God’s doing for God’s business. Concentric circles of consecration existed in the Israelite community.

All Abraham’s children, and especially Israel’s gathered tribes were a consecrated community of holy people. Within that community, Levi was a consecrated tribe of holy workers. Within that tribe, Aaron’s was a consecrated family of priests. Within that family Aaron was the consecrated High Priest.

The Israelite camp and Tabernacle revealed a similar concentricity.

The center was the mercy seat, where God offered atonement. The mercy seat was above the Ark of the Covenant which held reminders of Israel’s history and law. The Ark was in the Holy of Holies, where one chosen priest ministered before the Lord. The Holy of Holies was in the courtyard where the Altar of God received the people’s sacrifices. The Altar was within the Tabernacle where God’s people directed their prayers. The Tabernacle was the center of the camp, with tribes arranged on all sides. The nation of Israel was a testimony of Yahweh’s power and blessings offered to all people.

The sacred purpose of Israel’s consecrated spaces and people was blessing. From the innermost ring of concentric circles of consecration, God’s presence, power, love, light, wisdom and mercy flowed outward. The priesthood blessed Tabernacle worship, worship leaders blessed the people, and the people were to bless the nations. (Genesis 12.3; 18.18; 22.18; 26.4; 28.14)

If you follow Jesus, you are consecrated by God for his purpose. Jesus is greater than Moses, Aaron, the Tabernacle, and Temple. (Hebrews 3.3-6; Matthew 12.6) Jesus consecrates those who come to him into his priesthood. (Hebrews 4.14; 1 Peter 2.9-10; Revelation 5.10)

You have a place in the concentric circles of consecration. Your purpose is to carry the blessings of Christ’s gospel, proclaiming his atonement and the wisdom of his teaching to the outermost ring.

Consecration ceremonies are reminders. Remember the cost of your consecration. Be worthy of your calling. Remember the blood that was shed.

Concentric circles share the same shape and centerpoint. Is the shape of your life and teaching concentric, centered on, Jesus? Does your life demonstrate to the world the concentric shape of Jesus’ beauty, justice, and mercy?

Be re-consecrated. Realign with him. As he perfectly reflects God’s nature to us, may we reflect his nature to the world. (Colossians 1.15; John 14.6-9)

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

God is King of all the earth; sing praise with all your skill. God reigns over the nations; God sits upon his holy throne. — Psalm 47.7-8

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Portrait Shaped by Scripture

Lord, help us to remember that some have been wounded by scripture. Help our lives to be shaped by scripture into a beautiful artistic portrait of you.

Portrait Shaped by Scripture

Consider Supporting Our Work

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Supporting our Work

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 28 Listen: (5:54) Read: Luke 10 Listen: (5:40)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 28.2-4

2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash.

From John: With so much strife, derision, and contempt in our public discourse, we return today to this guided prayer from 2021 about the priestly garments of peace. Peace is not neutral or weak. Peace does not surrender but stands calmly in God’s truth, protecting the vulnerable, warning the sinful, and guiding the humble. Dress yourself in peace with this prayer.

Reflection: Garments of Peace — Guided Prayer

By John Tillman

In Ephesians, Paul gives a metaphor of spiritual armor for spiritual battles but in the Old Testament we get a literal God-ordained “anti-armor” which priests will wear. These are not garments for a spiritual war. Instead, they are garments for the spiritual work of making peace with God.

Pray this prayer over the garments described for the priests and ask God to make you a peacemaking priest of God.

Garments of Peace
Dress us, Lord, that we may serve.
Fit us for your work.

For our breastpiece, Lord, keep the burden of your mission close to our heart
Aaron’s heart felt the weight of the names of Jacob’s children
May our hearts be weighted with loving concern for our communities.
May our hearts beat with love for our brothers and sisters in the faith.
May our hearts break with compassion for the suffering and oppressed.
May our hearts love through actions aiding those around us.

For our ephod, Lord, mark us as yours, called and set apart for your work.
May it carry our breastplate of burden.
May it show the beauty of your grace.
May it glint with colors showing your love for all people.
For our robe, Lord, give us righteousness.
Remove our filthy rags. Wash and dress us in your robes.
Let the sound of your righteousness go before us,
The tinkling echoes of your mercy, as bells on Aaron’s hem.

For our woven tunic, Lord, make us one with you.
Weave your Spirit into our lives.
Seamlessly cover us with your dignity and honor.
Let us walk before you, with the golden threads of your life gilding the material of our lives.

For our turban, Lord, guard our minds.
May we have affixed on our foreheads and in our thoughts
The immutable truths that we are loved by you, holy to you, and will be used by you.
Let no thought or desire cause us to forget we carry your name and your love

For our sash, Lord, bind our vestments as one.|
Let us hold firmly to all your gifts:
The burden of our mission
The beauty of your calling
The joyful sound of your righteousness
The seamless covering of your Spirit
The firm security of your love for us.

Make us a holy priesthood, in garments of peace, not holding ourselves above others, but lifting them up and carrying them to you.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Love the Lord, all you who worship him; the Lord protects the faithful, but repays to the full those who act haughtily. — Psalm 31.23

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Priests of Life and Peace

God’s purpose is not to end the priesthood. Instead, through Christ’s sacrifice, he instituted a new priesthood for all who follow Jesus.

Priests of Life and Peace

Read more: At The Mercy Seat

Aaron and the priests met with God to confess and atone for their own sins and the sins of the people.

At The Mercy Seat

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 25 Listen: (4:20) Read: Luke 7 Listen: (7:14)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Read: Exodus 26 Listen: (4:18) Read: Luke 8 Listen: (8:09)
Read: Exodus 27 Listen: (2:52) Read: Luke 9 Listen: (8:05)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 25.19-22

19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.

Reflection: At The Mercy Seat

By John Tillman

The presence of the Lord went with Israel from the time they left Egypt. The pillar of cloud and fire was the visible sign of God’s presence.

In the instructions for the Ark of the Covenant, God defined a new physical representation of God’s presence. The Spirit of God would “rest” or sit above the mercy seat between the wings of the angels on the cover of the Ark.

The Ark was the centerpiece of the Tabernacle and the liturgy of worship that began in the wilderness journey. Before this time, followers of God sacrificed to him wherever they were, building altars and offering worship in place after place, even in foreign lands. The Tabernacle and the Ark represented a shift. God was still God out on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. But after the Ark and Tabernacle, God called all the people to worship under one roof, at one place, and in one specific way.

The Ark’s mercy seat was a throne for God’s presence. At the mercy seat, God’s people, represented by Moses, Aaron, and the prophets to follow, met with God. Moses met with God for guidance, wisdom, and to seek God’s will. Aaron and the priests met with God to confess and atone for their own sins and the sins of the people.

The access to the Ark was tightly controlled. Very few people ever directly entered God’s presence there. But today, every follower of Jesus has this level of access. Jesus made a new covenant that tore open the curtain hiding the mercy seat.

Instead of a gold-covered lid, Christ’s mercy seat is a blood-soaked hilltop. Instead of hovering between angels’ wings, Jesus hung between two thieves. Instead of us bringing blood to atone for our sin, the atoning work is finished in Jesus. Instead of a representative going to the mercy seat once a year, we can go directly to him at any time.

Through the Holy Spirit, go to Christ’s mercy seat today. Like Moses, speak to God face to face.

Make Jesus the centerpiece of your daily and weekly liturgy of worship. Find forgiveness and mercy. Find friendship and acceptance. Find guidance and wisdom. At Christ’s mercy seat, fulfill your priestly and prophetic role. Confess the sins of your nation, then speak to your community the commands and wisdom of Jesus.

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading

Then, speaking to all, he said, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.” — Luke 9.23

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Mercy Seat and Manger

The mercy seat and the manger represent God’s throne. In the gold-covered room, we glimpse his glory and worth. In the humble manger, he shows us ours.

Mercy Seat and Manger — Readers’ Choice

Read more: Bread and Oil

In the Tabernacle and the Temples, only priests could eat the bread or tend the lamps. But Jesus tore down the curtains and barriers.

Bread and Oil