Category Archives: Creative

Creative, Eternal, Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Truth

The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-5; 14)

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Who do you say Jesus is?

John 1:1-5 and 14 reveal the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. He is the Word, present before creation, the source of life and light, and the very essence of God who became flesh to dwell among us. These verses remind us that Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet—He is fully God and fully man, bringing grace and truth to a world in darkness.

Key Verse:
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14 (NASB)

Background Context:
The Gospel of John begins with a powerful declaration of Jesus’ divine nature. Unlike the other Gospels, which start with Jesus’ earthly lineage or ministry, John goes back to the very beginning—before creation itself. He emphasizes that Jesus, the Word, was with God and was God. This passage affirms both the deity and humanity of Christ, showing that He is the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 1:1-5 and 14

The Deity of Jesus Christ

      1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

—

      14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Reflection on John 1:1-5, 14

Jesus, the Eternal Word (John 1:1-3)

  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) These words echo Genesis 1:1, revealing that Jesus was not created but has always existed with the Father.
  • “All things came into being through Him” (John 1:3). Jesus is the Creator, not a created being. Everything in existence was made through Him. Do you acknowledge Jesus as both Creator and Savior in your life?

Jesus, the Life and Light of the World (John 1:4-5)

  • Jesus is the source of life (John 1:4). Just as physical life depends on light, our spiritual life is found in Him alone.
  • The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1:5). The world rejected Jesus, but darkness can never overcome His light. Are you allowing His light to guide your life?

Jesus, God in Human Flesh (John 1:14)

  • “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus stepped into our world, fully human yet fully divine. He didn’t just visit—He lived among us, experiencing life as we do.
  • “We saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The disciples saw firsthand the glory of Christ. His life displayed both the grace that brings salvation and the truth that sets us free. Are you living in the fullness of His grace and truth?

Summary Key Points

  • Jesus is eternal—He was with God before creation and is fully God.
  • All things were created through Him—He is the source of life.
  • He is the light that shines in the darkness, overcoming sin and death.
  • Jesus took on human flesh, revealing God’s glory to us.
  • He is full of grace and truth, offering both salvation and wisdom.

Application

  • Take time to reflect on Jesus’ divine nature—He is not just a historical figure, but God Himself.
  • Allow His light to guide your daily decisions, rejecting the darkness of sin.
  • Embrace both His grace and truth—receive His salvation and walk in obedience.
  • Share His light with others by living a life that reflects His love and truth.

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the eternal Word, to dwell among us. Help me to understand the depth of His divinity and the power of His light in my life. May I live in His grace and truth, sharing His love with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Creative, Justice / Judgment, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms

Declare His Glory: A Call to Worship and Proclaim God’s Majesty (Psalm 96)

How often do we take time to declare God’s glory to the world?

Psalm 96 reminds us that worship is more than personal devotion—it is a call to proclaim God’s greatness to the nations, inviting all creation to join in praise.

Key Verse: “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – Psalm 96:3 (NIV)

Background Context: Psalm 96 is a joyful and triumphant song of praise, inviting all of creation to worship God for His greatness, majesty, and sovereignty. The psalm emphasizes that God alone is worthy of worship and urges His people to declare His glory to the nations. This psalm is a call for all people, not just Israel, to recognize and worship the one true God. It reminds us that worship is not confined to the walls of the church but extends outward to the world, where we are called to proclaim God’s mighty acts to all.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 96

A Call to Worship the LORD the Righteous Judge.

1Sing to the LORD a new song;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

      2Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

      3Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

      4For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.

      5For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.

      6Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

      7Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

      8Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name;
Bring an offering and come into His courts.

      9Worship the LORD in holy attire;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.

      10Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.”

      11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;

      12Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy

      13Before the LORD, for He is coming,
For He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
And the peoples in His faithfulness.

Reflection on Psalm 96:

  • A Call to Sing a New Song: Psalm 96 opens with an invitation to “sing to the Lord a new song” (Psalm 96:1). This reflects the joy and excitement that comes from experiencing God’s presence and glory. Singing a “new song” suggests freshness and renewal in our worship—it’s a response to the ongoing and ever-present work of God in our lives. As we encounter God’s grace and power, our hearts are stirred to praise Him in new and meaningful ways. This is a reminder that our worship should be alive and dynamic, continually reflecting what God is doing in our lives.
  • Declare His Glory Among the Nations: One of the central themes of this psalm is the call to declare God’s glory to the nations (Psalm 96:3). Worship is not just about our personal relationship with God; it is also a witness to the world of His greatness and majesty. We are called to proclaim the “marvelous deeds” of God to everyone, so that others might come to know Him. This reminds us that evangelism and worship are intertwined—our praise is not only a response to who God is, but also a testimony to the world, inviting others to join in the worship of the true God.
  • God’s Supremacy Over All Gods: Psalm 96 highlights the supremacy of God over all other gods: “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:4). In the context of ancient Israel, many nations worshipped idols and false gods. The psalmist reminds us that the Lord alone is the Creator of the heavens, the only true God who is worthy of worship. While the “gods” of today may not be carved idols, we are still surrounded by competing allegiances and distractions. This psalm calls us to re-center our worship on God, recognizing that He alone is worthy of our praise, loyalty, and devotion.
  • Creation Joins in Praise: The psalmist invites all of creation to join in the worship of God (Psalm 96:11-13). The heavens, the earth, the sea, the fields, and the trees are all called to rejoice before the Lord. This beautiful imagery reminds us that God’s glory is reflected in all of creation, and all of creation is meant to worship Him. Nature itself testifies to God’s greatness, and we are invited to join in that chorus of praise. This broadens our understanding of worship—it’s not just a human activity but something that involves all of creation in recognition of the Creator.
  • The Lord Will Judge in Righteousness: The psalm closes with a declaration that the Lord is coming to judge the earth in righteousness and truth (Psalm 96:13). This brings hope and assurance, knowing that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but righteous and just. He will set all things right and establish His kingdom in truth. As we worship God, we also look forward to the day when He will return and make all things new. This is a reminder that our worship is both present and future-oriented—grounded in who God is today and in the hope of His coming kingdom.

Summary Key Points:

  • A New Song of Worship: Our worship should be fresh and alive, reflecting the ongoing work of God in our lives. Singing a “new song” symbolizes a renewed heart of praise.
  • Proclaim His Glory to the Nations: Worship is not just personal; it is a call to declare God’s glory and deeds to all people, inviting others to know and worship Him.
  • God Alone is Worthy of Worship: God’s supremacy over all other gods reminds us that He alone deserves our loyalty and devotion. Nothing in this world should take His place in our hearts.
  • Creation’s Role in Worship: All of creation is called to join in the worship of God, testifying to His greatness and majesty. Worship is not just a human response but a universal one.
  • The Promise of Righteous Judgment: We worship with hope, knowing that God will one day judge the world in righteousness and truth, setting all things right.

Application: Consider how your worship reflects the ongoing work of God in your life. Are you offering Him a “new song” that expresses your gratitude and joy? Reflect on how you can declare God’s glory to those around you—are you sharing His marvelous deeds with others, inviting them to know Him? Re-center your heart on God, recognizing that He alone is worthy of your worship and allegiance. Take time to appreciate the beauty of creation and join in its praise of the Creator. Finally, live in hope, knowing that God’s righteous judgment is coming and that He will set all things right.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of praise, declaring Your glory and marvelous deeds. Help us to sing a new song to You each day, reflecting Your ongoing work in our lives. Give us the boldness to proclaim Your greatness to the world, so that others may come to know and worship You. We acknowledge that You alone are worthy of our devotion and praise. May all of creation testify to Your majesty, and may we live with the hope of Your coming kingdom, where You will judge in righteousness and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Creative, Interceding for Others, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Symbolic Acts and Divine Judgment (Ezekiel 4)

Have you ever marveled at how God uses symbolic acts to communicate profound truths?

In Ezekiel 4, we witness the powerful imagery and symbolism employed by the prophet Ezekiel to convey God’s impending judgment upon Jerusalem.

Through these symbolic acts, God speaks with unmistakable clarity, inviting us to ponder the depths of His divine wisdom.

Reconnect:
Ezekiel 4 delves deeper into the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel, as he receives explicit instructions from God to enact symbolic acts representing the siege and devastation that will befall Jerusalem due to its disobedience and idolatry.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 4

Siege of Jerusalem Predicted

      1“Now you son of man, get yourself a brick, place it before you and inscribe a city on it, Jerusalem. 2“Then lay siege against it, build a siege wall, raise up a ramp, pitch camps and place battering rams against it all around. 3“Then get yourself an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between you and the city, and set your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This is a sign to the house of Israel.

      4“As for you, lie down on your left side and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; you shall bear their iniquity for the number of days that you lie on it. 5“For I have assigned you a number of days corresponding to the years of their iniquity, three hundred and ninety days; thus you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. 6“When you have completed these, you shall lie down a second time, but on your right side and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah; I have assigned it to you for forty days, a day for each year. 7“Then you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared and prophesy against it. 8“Now behold, I will put ropes on you so that you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have completed the days of your siege.

Defiled Bread

9“But as for you, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, put them in one vessel and make them into bread for yourself; you shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days. 10“Your food which you eat shall be twenty shekels a day by weight; you shall eat it from time to time. 11“The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time. 12“You shall eat it as a barley cake, having baked it in their sight over human dung.” 13Then the LORD said, “Thus will the sons of Israel eat their bread unclean among the nations where I will banish them.” 14But I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I have never been defiled; for from my youth until now I have never eaten what died of itself or was torn by beasts, nor has any unclean meat ever entered my mouth.” 15Then He said to me, “See, I will give you cow’s dung in place of human dung over which you will prepare your bread.” 16Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, behold, I am going to break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread by weight and with anxiety, and drink water by measure and in horror, 17because bread and water will be scarce; and they will be appalled with one another and waste away in their iniquity.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Symbolic Siege:
    God commands Ezekiel to enact a vivid portrayal of Jerusalem under siege, serving as a poignant metaphor for the impending judgment upon the city due to its transgressions against God.
  • The Lengthy Siege:
    Ezekiel is instructed to bear the iniquity of Israel and Judah through symbolic actions, emphasizing the severity and duration of their disobedience and the consequences thereof.
  • The Symbolic Provisions:
    Through specific dietary restrictions and cooking methods, Ezekiel symbolizes the scarcity and deprivation that will accompany the siege of Jerusalem, vividly portraying the suffering and judgment to come.
  • Ezekiel’s Obedience:
    Despite the challenging nature of God’s commands, Ezekiel obediently carries out the symbolic acts, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God’s will, even in the face of adversity.

Call to Action:

  • Heed the Warning Signs:
    Reflect on areas of spiritual complacency and disobedience in your life, heeding the warning signs of God’s impending judgment. Seek repentance and renewal in alignment with His will.
  • Embrace Prophetic Creativity:
    Embrace the creative and unconventional methods through which God communicates His truths. Be open to symbolic acts and prophetic symbolism as powerful tools for stirring hearts towards repentance and transformation.
  • Intercede for Restoration:
    Intercede fervently for restoration and revival in areas of spiritual desolation and brokenness, believing in God’s power to bring about transformation and renewal in individuals and communities.
  • Challenge to Obedience:
    Challenge yourself to obey God’s call, even when it seems difficult or daunting. Like Ezekiel, commit to unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God’s will, trusting in His guidance and provision every step of the way.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound wisdom displayed through the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel. Grant us the discernment to heed Your warning signs and the courage to embrace Your creative methods of communication. May we fervently intercede for restoration and revival, trusting in Your faithfulness to bring about transformation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Creative, Eternal, Holy, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer, Provider, Strong in Our Weakness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Reflect on the Greatness of Our God

As you read through this today, reflect on the greatness of our God. This is not a time for speed reading or hurrying. This is a time for slowly digesting the word and what it means in our lives.

Isaiah 40

The Greatness of God

1“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.

      2“Speak kindly to Jerusalem;
And call out to her, that her warfare has ended,
That her iniquity has been removed,
That she has received of the LORD’S hand
Double for all her sins.”

      3A voice is calling,
“Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

      4“Let every valley be lifted up,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the rough ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;

      5Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

      6A voice says, “Call out.”
Then he answered, “What shall I call out?”
All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.

      7The grass withers, the flower fades,
When the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.

      8The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.

      9Get yourself up on a high mountain,
O Zion, bearer of good news,
Lift up your voice mightily,
O Jerusalem, bearer of good news;
Lift it up, do not fear.
Say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”

      10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might,
With His arm ruling for Him.
Behold, His reward is with Him
And His recompense before Him.

      11Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
In His arm He will gather the lambs
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

      12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
And marked off the heavens by the span,
And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure,
And weighed the mountains in a balance
And the hills in a pair of scales?

      13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD,
Or as His counselor has informed Him?

      14With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding?
And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge
And informed Him of the way of understanding?

      15Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales;
Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.

      16Even Lebanon is not enough to burn,
Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering.

      17All the nations are as nothing before Him,
They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.

      18To whom then will you liken God?
Or what likeness will you compare with Him?

      19As for the idol, a craftsman casts it,
A goldsmith plates it with gold,
And a silversmith fashions chains of silver.

      20He who is too impoverished for such an offering
Selects a tree that does not rot;
He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman
To prepare an idol that will not totter.

      21Do you not know? Have you not heard?
Has it not been declared to you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

      22It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

      23He it is who reduces rulers to nothing,
Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.

      24Scarcely have they been planted,
Scarcely have they been sown,
Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth,
But He merely blows on them, and they wither,
And the storm carries them away like stubble.

      25“To whom then will you liken Me
That I would be his equal?” says the Holy One.

      26Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who leads forth their host by number,
He calls them all by name;
Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power,
Not one of them is missing.

      27Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD,
And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?

      28Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.

      29He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.

      30Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,

      31Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

Take a few more minutes and ask the Holy Spirit to really bring forth the rich message in this scripture. Meditate for a few minutes on the greatness of our God. What impact should this have on how you live your life?

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, Creative, Faith / Trusting God, Father / Yahweh, Guide, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Loving / Kind, Obeying God, Seeking God, Study the Word, Teachable

Jehovah’s Works Are Materpieces

Exodus explains in incredible detail the obedience of the craftsmen in building the Tabernacle according to God’s specifications. God was very particular and intentional in His design. He is a master. The craftsmen whom He gifted and charged with building His design took painstaking effort to deliver exactly what was commanded. It must have been extraordinary to see. I am sure the people took time to appreciate the fine detail and symbolic nature of the Tabernacle as they finished it and ultimately used it according to God’s purpose.

Exodus 38:1-20

The Tabernacle Completed

      1Then he made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide, square, and three cubits high. 2He made its horns on its four corners, its horns being of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze. 3He made all the utensils of the altar, the pails and the shovels and the basins, the flesh hooks and the firepans; he made all its utensils of bronze. 4He made for the altar a grating of bronze network beneath, under its ledge, reaching halfway up. 5He cast four rings on the four ends of the bronze grating as holders for the poles. 6He made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. 7He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks.

      8Moreover, he made the laver of bronze with its base of bronze, from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

      9Then he made the court: for the south side the hangings of the court were of fine twisted linen, one hundred cubits; 10their twenty pillars, and their twenty sockets, made of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. 11For the north side there were one hundred cubits; their twenty pillars and their twenty sockets were of bronze, the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. 12For the west side there were hangings of fifty cubits with their ten pillars and their ten sockets; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. 13For the east side fifty cubits. 14The hangings for the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets, 15and so for the other side. On both sides of the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets. 16All the hangings of the court all around were of fine twisted linen. 17The sockets for the pillars were of bronze, the hooks of the pillars and their bands, of silver; and the overlaying of their tops, of silver, and all the pillars of the court were furnished with silver bands. 18The screen of the gate of the court was the work of the weaver, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. And the length was twenty cubits and the height was five cubits, corresponding to the hangings of the court. 19Their four pillars and their four sockets were of bronze; their hooks were of silver, and the overlaying of their tops and their bands were of silver. 20All the pegs of the tabernacle and of the court all around were of bronze.

What has God done in your life or the life of those around you? Have you taken time to pause and appreciate the fine details He has worked out to accomplish His specific purpose? I can reflect across my life at the journey He has brought me through. Many situations I would never have chosen, were knit together by the Master to help me develop and grow closer to Him. The more closely I seek to understand His instruction for how to live my life and the more closely I apply it in my life the better it gets. I can see how He has transformed me and continues to do so. I can now see it reflected in my family where we have established His word as the guide… the lamp unto our feet. I still find myself growing more and more and learning where I could and should do even better to honor Him, often by choosing His way consciously over my own, even in small things. The details matter. Follow God in the details and pause every once in awhile to admire His work. Then continue to seek Him even more.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Creative, Father / Yahweh, Fear / Reverence for God, Guide, Holy, Holy / Set Apart, Obeying God, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Approach Jehovah With Reverance And Respect

Our Father encourages us to approach Him with our thanks, our problems, our desires… just as a good earthly father does for his children. However, we should take note that He also values reverence and respect. While we are welcome to approach Him informally in honest and direct communication, let us not forget with whom we are speaking and listening.  He is the Creator of all things. Let us remember to hold Him in reverence and respect. He is holy and due glory and honor.

Exodus 28

Garments of the Priests

      1“Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 2“You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3“You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me. 4“These are the garments which they shall make: a breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash, and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister as priest to Me. 5“They shall take the gold and the blue and the purple and the scarlet material and the fine linen.

      6“They shall also make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of the skillful workman. 7“It shall have two shoulder pieces joined to its two ends, that it may be joined. 8“The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its workmanship, of the same material: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. 9“You shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, 10six of their names on the one stone and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, according to their birth. 11“As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in filigree settings of gold. 12“You shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for a memorial. 13“You shall make filigree settings of gold, 14and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them of twisted cordage work, and you shall put the corded chains on the filigree settings.

      15“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it. 16“It shall be square and folded double, a span in length and a span in width. 17“You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald; 18and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond; 19and the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20and the fourth row a beryl and an onyx and a jasper; they shall be set in gold filigree. 21“The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes. 22“You shall make on the breastpiece chains of twisted cordage work in pure gold. 23“You shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. 24“You shall put the two cords of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece. 25“You shall put the other two ends of the two cords on the two filigree settings, and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, at the front of it. 26“You shall make two rings of gold and shall place them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on the edge of it, which is toward the inner side of the ephod. 27“You shall make two rings of gold and put them on the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on the front of it close to the place where it is joined, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 28“They shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it will be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece will not come loose from the ephod. 29“Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. 30“You shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the LORD; and Aaron shall carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD continually.

      31“You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32“There shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around its opening there shall be a binding of woven work, like the opening of a coat of mail, so that it will not be torn. 33“You shall make on its hem pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet material, all around on its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: 34a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, all around on the hem of the robe. 35“It shall be on Aaron when he ministers; and its tinkling shall be heard when he enters and leaves the holy place before the LORD, so that he will not die.

      36“You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal, ‘Holy to the LORD.’ 37“You shall fasten it on a blue cord, and it shall be on the turban; it shall be at the front of the turban. 38“It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

      39“You shall weave the tunic of checkered work of fine linen, and shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash, the work of a weaver.

      40“For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics; you shall also make sashes for them, and you shall make caps for them, for glory and for beauty. 41“You shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him; and you shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve Me as priests. 42“You shall make for them linen breeches to cover their bare flesh; they shall reach from the loins even to the thighs. 43“They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him.

Jehovah clearly values glory and beauty, but I do not believe it is just so He can feel important or appreciated. He cares most about our attitude when we come before Him. He reminds us as His people that we should not become complacent in our relationship with Him. Let us remember He is worthy of honor and respect. We are right to prepare ourselves before approaching His presence when at all practical… especially in our spirit and attitude. The outward appearance, clearly important from today’s scripture, is an outward reflection of our inward attitude toward our Father. Do we take Him so casually we can’t even be bothered to look nice and respectable when we come before Him? Do we always choose time to approach Him when we have nothing else to do or do we set aside planned time to enter into His presence and prepare? God wants us to come to Him even informally at times, but we should also remember to approach Him with consideration for the glory that is due.

Evaluate your attitudes and behaviors in coming into Jehovah’s presence whether it be personal prayer time or going to church to worship with other believers. Pray He would show you areas where you need to make changes to avoid complacency and truly show your love and respect for our heavenly Father through your preparation and attitude as you come into His presence.

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