Today’s Reading:
Phil. 2:1-6 (Ex. 38:8)
"Bezalel made the bronze washbasin and its stand from the bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle." (Ex. 38:8 NLT)
In ancient Israel, glass mirror was unknown, but highly polished bronze which had adequate reflection was in use.
God gave Moses all the specification for building the Tabernacle, including the fittings and furniture. For this purpose, God endowed Bezalel, the son of Uri, son of Caleb, the artistic skills needed.
We were told that to build the washbasin and its stand, to meet the standard befitting the Tabernacle of God for that time; certain serving women donated their bronze mirrors, (which may have been precious to them) for the purpose. Little was known about the women whom we were told served at the entrance of the tabernacle. But it was only their act that was given prominence in the record of the building of the Tabernacle. The bronze mirrors then were made in Egypt and could not be easily replaced in the wilderness.
In the midst of persecution, Paul encouraged the church at Philippi to unite and live a humble life like Christ. This unity is the basis for our salvation. To be saved and to be in Christ is to have a personal, intimate relationship with him. It is from this relationship that the benefits and fruits, like encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion flows.
Paul's joy was tied to his concern for the unity of believers because of: a) our position in Christ, and the responsibilities of this relationship. b) our resources of comfort and encouragement was prompted by our love for Christ. c) our reward of fellowship within the body of Christ. d) opportunities for compassion. Paul is not calling for unity at the expense of commitment to truth, in that he made it clear that his joy would not be completed until believers at Philippi were like-minded (vv.1-2; 4:2).
Today, Paul is also addressing believers who have experienced Christ to live in harmony and love. We are to have intense care and deep sympathy for each other.
The women serving at the entrance of the Tabernacle gave up the bronze mirrors that were precious to them, for the beautification of the presence of Yahweh, God of Israel. We are not being asked to give up anything precious to us.
But for the love of Christ, we are to get rid of factionalism, rivalry and partisanship (Gal.5:20), pride that prompts people to push for their own way, vain conceit which motivates selfish ambition in humility. Christ is our ultimate example of selfless humility. A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self.
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Father, help me, empower me to think more of others than myself. Make me sensitive to the needs of others, in Jesus name.
Father create in me a pure heart, and renew a right, teachable and humble spirit within me, in Jesus name.
Father, whatever you have not positioned in my life, wipe them off, in Jesus name. You 2019, hear the word of the Lord, cooperate with my divine destiny, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything you have not planted in your church and revive your Pentecostal fire and power, in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for sustaining Nigeria with your power and fire. Give our leaders fresh hopes, vision, inspiration, revelation, knowledge and direction to move the nation to the next level. Let there be love, peace and harmony of purpose, in Jesus name. Amen.
Comments