Exodus 40-Leviticus 3
Moses Did According to All that the LORD had Commanded Him

After receiving all instructions on the making of things related to the new system of worship, the final chapter of Exodus tells us, "Thus Moses did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him, so he did" (40:16). What an appropriate way to end this book. Often, the people didn't follow God's commands. They complained (Exodus 15:24); they rebelled (Exodus 32). Yet Moses did everything God told him to do.

Why would Moses do this? What separated his attitude from that of the people? Moses understood his own inability to judge eternal matters, and God's inherent right to do so. Moses respected and submitted to the authority of God-the people often did not, and they paid the price.

The sentiment of this verse is commonly found in the actions of those who really love the LORD. Noah built the ark exactly the way God told him to do it (Genesis 6:22). Balaam understood he could not go beyond what the LORD had stated (Numbers 22:18-if only he had listened to himself!). David refrained from building a temple for God when God told him not to (2 Samuel 7). Solomon eventually built the temple as God instructed it to be built (1 Chronicles 28:11-12). Jeremiah wrote under inspiration, "Oh LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (10:23). In the New Testament, Jesus constantly upheld the concept and power of God's authority verses men's (Matthew 21:23-27). The apostle Paul emphasized his message was based on the authority of God (Galatians 1:11-12), and in Colossians 3:17, he wrote, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

All of these passages and more underscore to us the great need to respect the authority of God; to do what He tells us to do, to do exactly what He tells us to do and nothing more.

How do we show such respect? One way is to not question what God has said. He knows what He is doing; there is nothing we can suggest that He has not considered. We may not understand God's reasons for His commands, but that is to be expected (Isaiah 55:8-9). Questions like, "Why must we be baptized? What exactly does baptism do?" suggest God must answer to us, not the other way around.

Then, we show our respect through obedience. We do what He commands-period.

So, who is your role model in service to God? The Israelites, who often denied the right of God to decide and guide? Or Moses, who humbled himself before the LORD and obeyed?