Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him. (Ex. 40:16)
Five times I had asked him to put on his shoes. My reservoir of patience was quickly running dry. After a deep breath, I got down to eye level with my son, one more time pleading with him to get his shoes on and get in the car. His shoulders slumped with defeat as he looked at me and said, “But Mom, I got distracted!”
I’d love to say that distraction is a kid issue, a problem that diminishes with adulthood. But like my son, how often do we start out to do the right thing, only to lose focus or fervor along the way?
I think that’s why I am so impressed with Moses. Not only did he go to great lengths to prepare God’s tabernacle, but he also did it “just as the Lord commanded him.” He took great care to follow God’s instructions. In fact, that phrase was repeated seven times throughout this passage, emphasizing how Moses obeyed in all the details. From the placement of the tent posts to filling the basin intended for ceremonial washing, he was not distracted.
We are all prone to getting off course, which is why God eventually sent his Son Jesus. But Moses’ example shows us that in God, when we listen to him and we take his words seriously, obedience is indeed possible.
Obedience begins with listening, so take time to hear his voice.
Sarah E. Westfall resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her husband Ben and their four boys. She really wants a nap.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
