The Obedience of the People

At the end of chapter 35, Moses has come down from the mountain and last week we looked at the instance where Moses saw the glory of the Lord and the people could see a difference in Him. The following five chapters then mimic the instruction that Moses was given in the chapters that followed Exodus 20. The only difference between chapters 25 through 31 and chapters 35 through 39 is that the first instance was a command while the second half is the fulfillment of these commands.

For instance, Exodus 25:1-7 calls for the offering of various materials while Exodus 35:4-9 and 21-29 contains the fulfillment of that commandment. 25:10-22 is the instruction for the ark and 37:1-9 is the fulfillment of that command. The table and lampstand instructions are in verse 23 through the end of chapter 25 and are fulfilled in chapter 37:10-24. This actually extends all the way through the end of chapter 31. I would encourage you some time to read through the two chapters and compare and contrast between the two.

With all of these repetitions, we have to wonder why the Lord directed Moses to include this information a second time in the Pentateuch. One of the reasons I believe is that the people of God are in need of a reminder regarding second chances. Our first point this morning is that

A Second Chance is an Opportunity to Obey

The bible is full of stories regarding second chances. Jonah is given a second chance even though he takes it begrudgingly. Moses was a murderer and the Lord still used Him. King David had second chances. Even Peter, after denying the Lord three times, was given a second chance. The God of the bible is the God of second chances!

One significant reason why these chapters are included is to signify to the people of God that would read these things years later that our God is in the business of not only delivering people but also in providing redemptive opportunities. What is wonderful about this particular situation is that the people are still able to complete the things that they were commanded to do. This is not always how things work out in life. There are times in life where God commands us to do something, we fail Him, and the opportunity that was initially presented goes away. However, what I do need to point out is that the Lord will always give another chance for you and I to obey Him.

I don’t want a show of hands but anyone who is here that has believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for over a year or so understands the concept that our God gives second chances. For some, it might be in answering the call to tell someone about the truth of the gospel like Jonah. In other situations, it might be a second opportunity to care for our families or treat our coworkers well. We can testify that the Lord has given second chances to each of us!

At this point, I need to offer the reminder that the opportunity is for obedience, which we will get to more in just a moment. The people of God failed to obey His commands when they broke the covenant and constructed the golden calf but the Lord gave them a second chance.

One significant difference that is found between these two sections is one phrase that is found seven times in chapter 39. This one phrase, which is “as the Lord had commanded Moses”, leads to our next point.

Obedience is expected from the people of God

There is nothing more frustrating than diving into a situation where I am not made aware of what the expectations are for me. This is not the case when the people of God are concerned. The Lord expects us to obey His commandments.

There are seven instances here in chapter 39 that remind us that the Lord does not make commands without any sort of expectation. Instead, the expectation when the Lord makes commands is for you and I to obey what it is that He has instructed for us to do. I am afraid that we spend so much time having discussions on whether or not something is morally right in the eyes for us to do when we should be asking if we have been obedient to the Lord in the little things. I worry about this for myself. You should worry about this for yourself first. Are you obedient to the things that the Lord has commanded of you from His word? What about the Lord’s will? Have you traveled the path of obedience or are you avoiding what the Lord has in store for you?

It is my prayer that we will be reminded that God’s expectation for you and I is that we would obey His commandments. Finally,

The obedience of God’s people is observed

The final verse of chapter 39 gives us a fantastic reminder. Moses observes all of the work of the people. Not only are we told that the people completed the work but we are also told that they did it in the way that the Lord had commanded them to. This is important for us to keep in mind. When it comes to the things of God, it is vital that we do what He has commanded in the way that He has commanded it. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that the Lord’s ways are far better than ours.

Isaiah 55:8–9 ESV

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

It is helpful at this point, when we read that Moses blessed the people, to remember the closeness that Moses had with the Lord. When we remember the role of Moses as leader of the people of God and is close with the Lord, I am understanding this blessing from Moses as being a blessing of the Lord.

When we think about second chances, there are a few different ways to respond. First, I want us to consider the second chances that might be in front of us at this moment.

Now, once we have considered the other opportunities and second chances that we’ve been given in the past, we ought to praise the Lord for them.

Finally, we ought to ask the Lord to guide us toward obedience each and every time.