Pay Attention to Details -- What's MOST Important . . .

"And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain." (Exodus 25:40 NKJ)

Reading the book of Exodus, with its tedious instructions, can sometimes feel like reading a dictionary or mathematics text. We have instructions for dealing with Pharaoh, instructions for the Passover, instructions for crossing the Red Sea, and instructions for building the Tabernacle. In addition, we learn about the ark of the testimony, the table of God's presence, the mercy seat, and the lamp stand.

The account of these last items is direct and brief (Exodus 25). There is no drama. There is no display of pomp or circumstance. Instead what we see are simple instructions: Use this or that material and do this or do that in a distinct pattern or manner.

Instead of getting bored, we get a sense of focus and importance. Moses is being instructed in the construction of God's dwelling place among God's people. The awe of gold, silver and precious jewels can overpower the project. The workmen can end up focusing on the glory of the project and fail to focus on the details.

And I suppose that they were no different than we are in this tendency. Like Moses, when the plans are made and the blueprint is before us, we must be reminded that no detail can be left out. I must obey God "according to the pattern" which he has provided.

Up on another mountain, Jesus and Elijah and Moses talked together (Matthew 17:1-5). Watching them, Peter got so excited that he wanted to build three tabernacles. And God spoke: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" It was time to quit honoring Moses and Elijah. It was time to listen to Jesus, the Son of God.

The generalities of God's plan were in the patterns of Moses and the prophecies of Elijah, but the crucial details are in the beloved Son. No matter what others may think, believe or do, the details of God's Word are the guiding lights for me. Those details glorify Christ and achieve his will in me.

Dear Father, thank you for the details we see in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Empower me to so live that the details of my life glorify Christ. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Focus on the details of your life, today!