The next order of business for Moses was to institute morning and evening sacrifices in the Tabernacle.
“Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old regularly each day.
“One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer in the evening” (Exodus 29.38-39).
The morning and evening sacrifices represented more than just physical offerings; they embodied spiritual values and principles that are central to God’s people.
Just as we have daily activities, such as eating and working, the act of a morning and an evening time of meeting with God reinforces the idea that a spiritual connection with God is a fundamental part of our daily routine.
The morning sacrifice begins the day and invites us to start our day by thanking God for the gift of life.
At the evening sacrifice, we can reflect on the day and give God thanks for the day’s experiences and challenges.
Sacrifices were always seen as a means of atonement and renewal. In the morning, we can start with a clean slate.
In the evening, we can ask God to forgive us for our shortcomings and renew our commitment to living according to God’s will.
There was definite intentionality and preparation in giving a morning and evening sacrifice.
Let’s think about our way of approaching God. Are we prepared when we come to meet with Him? Do we give him the sacrifice of our time and attention? Or, do we merely give God the “leftovers” of our lives?
The great British preacher, Charles Spurgeon, wrote a devotional book, “Morning and Evening.” He knew the value of meeting with God at least twice a day with worship, thanksgiving, repentance, and prayer. We do well to follow his example.
God With Us
The primary purpose of the Tabernacle was to have a place for God to meet with His people.
“I will dwell among the Israelites, and I will be their God.
“And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God” (Exodus 29.45-46).
The Tabernacle was not like our modern-day church where we come to sing, have fellowship with other people, and hear a sermon.
The Tabernacle had one function: it was the place on Earth where God met with His people. He said, “I will dwell with you and you will know that I am the Lord.”
Our morning and evening times of prayer can be set aside to experience God, who dwells with us.
Here are some benefits of having that time alone with God:
(1) Love and Devotion: Just as earthly relationships flourish through consistent interaction, our love for God is nurtured and deepened through regular times of meeting with Him through prayer and reading His Word.
(2) Spiritual Sustenance: Just as the physical body requires food and water, so the soul requires a meeting with God.
Times alone with the Lord will fill us with God’s grace, wisdom, and strength to navigate life’s challenges and to stay steadfast in our spiritual journey.
(3) Transformation: One of the most impactful books I have read is James Houston’s “The Transforming Friendship.”
When we live in a friendship relationship with God, He changes who we are. Morning and evening times of prayer develop that friendship and open the door for Him to mold our character into one like His.
(4) Guidance and Direction: The high priest’s clothing indicated that part of his role would be to find guidance for the people.
When we meet with the Lord morning and evening, we have a chance to experience His guidance, clarity, and direction. He will give us insight into how to navigate life’s questions and dilemmas.
(5) Deepening Humility: A genuine meeting with God will produce humility in our lives. We will see Him for who He is and who we are.
Humility allows us to receive God’s gifts of grace with gratitude, recognizing that all of our blessings come from Him.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 