The Wise Listen

Exodus 37:1 Next Bezalel made the Ark of acacia wood

Bezalel not only made the Ark, but all the other utensils, curtains, furnishings, and coverings that were used to make the Tabernacle.  He was especially gifted by God to craft all these things (Ex 36:1) as well as to teach his skill to others (Ex 35:34).  In fact ten chapters of Exodus (25% of the book!) is devoted to the plans for the Tabernacle and the craftsmanship that Bezalel and others faithfully carried out.

The common quality of wise people is that they listen to others.  Why did God take the pains to ask Moses to write down ten chapters devoted to the plans and construction of the Tabernacle?  After all, so much of these ten chapters merely repeats itself.  Because it underscores that fact that Bezalel listened carefully to God and faithfully carried out his commands.  He stands in stark contrast to the rest of the Israelites (see story of Golden Calf, Ex. 32).  Though it took him approximately one year (Ex. 40:1), much of it probably mundane, Bezalel completed the task God gave him.

What tasks does God have in mind for me to complete?  Am I carrying them out with diligence, faithfulness, devotion, and joy?  Am I setting an example for others with my attitude, focus, perspective, and diligence?  Am I allowing others to learn and participate in my work, like Bezalel did? (Ex. 36:2, 35:34, 35:21)

The common quality of wise people is that they listen.  Am I listening to God and obeying?

String Theory

Isaiah 55:12

The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands.

In science class you learned that atoms are the building blocks of all matter and their nuclei are made up of protons and neutrons.  What you may or may not have learned is that protons and neutrons are made up of even smaller particles called quarks.  Recent scientific research by physicists have led to a theory that quarks (and other related elementary particles) are in fact tiny, vibrating loops of string.

Brian Greene in "The Elegant Universe" writes:

The universe - being composed of an enormous number of these vibrating strings - is akin to a cosmic symphony

With each scientific discovery more and more passages like the one above prove to be beyond just poetical, but in fact scientifically accurate.  The mountains literally are singing!  The trees are clapping! (Albeit on a subatomic level)

Epiphany of Early Disciples

John 14:16-17

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate (Counselor, Comforter, Encourager), who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth... 

You know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you... 

I am leaving you with a gift of peace of mind and heart.

Imagine the range of emotions the disciples must have felt around the first Easter.  Confusion and fear when Jesus talked of his death and betrayal.  Grief and sadness following his trial and crucifixion.  Then tremendous joy and surprise when they discovered he'd been resurrected.

And then of course Christ ascended and the disciples waited in the upper room for days praying for something they didn't quite understand - this counselor, the Holy Spirit that Christ spoke of.

And then finally on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on each one of them and I imagine that it suddenly would have all made sense - "Oh...THIS is what Jesus meant!  He intended to leave this world so that he could come and live inside EACH ONE OF US!"

What a joy, a privilege to have God himself living inside of each one of us everyday to guide us and lead us in all truth.