SOAP 02/05/2012; Exodus 39:43

Today's reading: Exodus 39,40; Psalms 15; Acts 12

S)"⁴³ And Moses examined all the work and behold, they had done it; just as the LORD had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them."

Exodus 39:43 (NASB)

O) The phrase "just as the LORD had commanded" appears 15 times between these last two chapters of Exodus. That phrase just resonated in my head after reading these and it seems obvious that it was important to drive that point home, when Moses was writing all of this down. Following exact instructions can be hard; it can be a lot harder than a lot of people realize. If there were ever instructions that are particularly important to follow exactly, they are the instructions from the LORD. Not only can we be blessed by the minister who is relaying the instruction of the LORD, but God will bless us Himself, because His instructions are good for us.

A) I'm pretty sure I failed that test in Middle School when they give you the quiz and at the top it tells you to read the entire thing before answering, and then the last question tells you not to write down any answers. I can be pretty impatient, especially when I feel like I already know the answer, or I already know what some one is trying to teach me. It is especially important with the things of God that I give every lesson its proper attention. I can feel very comfortable with some material, topic, or even an entire curriculum, but if it's worth hearing once, it's worth hearing again. I can't let impatience or arrogance lead to a failure to follow instruction.

P) Father, help me slow down and be patient. Humble me when I fail to humble myself, so that I am able to receive instruction or rebuke; I want to be teachable. Holy Spirit, give me the instruction of the LORD. Let me be obedient and do everything just as the LORD had commanded. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.