After the Wedding

Daily Reading: Exodus 40

Scripture Focus: Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. (Exodus 40.9)

Devotional Thought: I love to meet with engaged couples as they prepare to get married. There is something fresh and exciting about their love. I also love to officiate at their weddings, two people becoming one. It is a holy thing. And, after the wedding, then the marriage begins, two people living as one. That is even holier! You see, without the marriage, the wedding would be mere pomp and circumstance.

In Exodus 40, Moses and the Israelites consecrated and began using the tabernacle. It was the 'wedding.'

Moses was instructed to anoint the tabernacle- and all of the things to be used in the worship of God - with a holy anointing oil. That anointing oil was so sacred, that it was not to be used for anything else. It was not even to be duplicated! When the oil was applied to the place and instruments of worship, they became holy - consecrated to God. Wouldn't it have been senseless for the Israelites not to use the finely constructed and wholly consecrated materials for their intended purpose? It would be silly to drag that stuff through the wilderness without using it!

You and I have been set apart - purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus and sealed with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It would be silly to drag our holy selves through life without being used for our intended purpose - bringing glory to God and light to the world! It would be like going to the wedding but skipping the marriage. Where's the fun in that?

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the holy anointing of Jesus and the infilling of the Spirit. Help me to live today in that fresh and exciting relationship with you. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. 3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. 4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty! 5 Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore. (Psalms 93:1-5)