As the Lord Commanded

Yesterday I completed reading through the book of Exodus. I try to read one chapter per day. In connection with that chapter I like to read the thoughts of one of my favourite commentators, G. Campbell Morgan. Mr. Morgan pointed out something in his comments on EXO 39 that arrested my attention. I would like capitalize on his observations by expanding them with my own.

EXO 38-39 record the act of constructing the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the clothing of the priests, who ministered in the tabernacle. EXO 40 records the actual setting up of the tabernacle and its consecration. Mr. Campbell based his comments on EXO 39:43.

Exodus 39:43 And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Pay careful attention to the words in bold print. All the work of the tabernacle and its furnishings had been done as the Lord commanded. Mr. Campbell went on to note that the phrase as the LORD commanded Moses is repeated seven times in EXO 39. It occurs in verses 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, & 31. Verse 32 also states the point.

Exodus 39:32 ¶Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

Then in chapter 40, the phrase as the Lord commanded Moses occurs seven more times in verses 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, & 32.

Remember that this is Holy Scripture. These words are being given by the inspiration of God. It is God Who is continually reminding us that Israel was carrying out His service as He had commanded. Therefore, we come to the avoidable conclusion that it is very important to God that we execute His service according to what He commands us.

When God originally commissioned Israel to make Him a tabernacle, He gave this instruction:

Exodus 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

Exodus 38-40 records the fact that Israel had done precisely what God originally commissioned them to do. There was nothing in that tabernacle of Israel’s own devising. Everything was done to satisfy God’s requirements. Nothing was done to please the people. And God was obviously pleased with what had been done because God filled the tabernacle with His glory (EXO 40:34).

Although we do not live under Moses’ law, the principle that was here observed is carried over in the New Testament. Note this principle in our Lord’s Great Commission to His apostles:

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

God’s service is to be kept according to His commandments as delivered unto us by His holy apostles. We are not at liberty to add or subtract anything according to our own tastes and preferences. And this brings us back to what I preached about last Sunday when I taught on why we do not observe religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. These were celebrations that predated the establishment of Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church simply adopted the traditions of those pagan celebrations, gave them Christian names and symbols, and incorporated them into the service of the church. This is not executing God’s service as the Lord commanded. God strictly forbids this and instead charges us in these words:

Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

To give someone a gift simply as an expression of respect or affection to that person is one thing. People do it all the time and there is no law of God against that. But to give someone a gift in order to celebrate the birth of the Son of God is something else entirely. This is an attempt to honour Christ according to one’s own taste and preference as opposed to honouring Christ as the Lord commanded. If one wishes to honour Christ, then why not be baptized in His name and added to His church? Why not go to His house and join with His saints in singing His praise, calling upon His name, and hearing His gospel? Why not sit with His saints at His table and remember Him according to His holy commandment by eating the bread and drinking the cup? Why not give to poor saints in need when there is a need and not just on a holiday? After all, these are the things which He commanded us to do to honour Him.

Remember this most important fact as stated in the following verse:

Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

If God’s way is perfect, then how can we possibly improve it? Why not serve God God’s way? After all, His way is perfect. When it comes to serving God, our mandate is simple and clear. Do it as the Lord commanded.