The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of Jehovah
J. Allport. Exodus 40:1-38 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE INJUNCTION IN THE TEXT? 1. The worship of Jehovah, at whose command the Tabernacle was erected. 2. The setting up of the Tabernacle, at God's command, implied that He required a specific worship; and the doing this at the seasons expressed in the text, that He called for especial homage at particular times, and in an express manner; and a compliance with the direction was an evidence of obedience to the will of Jehovah. 3. But further, this setting up of the Tabernacle at God's command implied His sovereign rule and authority among the Jews. 4. Again, as the setting up of the Tabernacle at God's command implied His sovereignty, so a compliance with the injunction or direction implied a disposition to serve Him. II. HOW IT MAY BE CARRIED INTO EFFECT BY US. 1. It may be done by our punctual and devout attendance on Divine worship. 2. If we would carry the injunction in the text into effect suitably, we must duly observe and keep all the ordinances of God's house. 3. I observe that the spirit of the commandment before us will be carried into effect in a more especial manner by us if we make Christ the Alpha and Omega — the beginning and the ending of all our religious worship — the great object of faith and adoration in all our ceremonial observances. 4. Lastly, that your services may be suitable, acceptable, and efficient, seek the teaching and direction of the Holy Spirit. III. THE EVIDENCES WHICH WILL PROVE THAT IT HAS BEEN DONE. 1. In the first place, if you have set up your Tabernacle; if you are resolved that, whatever others do, as for you and your household ye will serve the Lord; and if you are enabled to approach Him in a suitable disposition, and by a right faith; then you will enjoy in your own souls all the blessings of His house, and the blessedness of those whom He causes to come near unto Him. 2. If you have set up your Tabernacle, and are led by the Spirit to serve God with your spirit, then you will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:9; Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 Peter 4:11). 3. If we have set up our Tabernacle, and serve God in His Son, are led by His Spirit, and bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, then we shall be prepared for the rewards of the righteous, and to stand before the Son of man "at His appearing and His kingdom."Lessons: 1. As the command for the erection of the Tabernacle is given us by God, and every direction respecting it comes from Him, what presumption is it in any man to go about the formation of a different Tabernacle after his own fancy! 2. As the setting up of the Tabernacle was to be done forthwith at God's commandment, and for the whole congregation, what madness for any to think of postponing the duty to a more convenient season! 3. As the Tabernacle is erected for God's service, was to be resorted to at stated times, and attendance upon it is designed for our greatest good — as a Bethel, a house of mercy, a Bethesda, from which we may derive healing, how should we prize seasons, and means, and opportunities, of attending it! (J. Allport.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, WEB: Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,