Exodus 31:12–18 “The Sanctuary of Time”

Exodus 31:12-18 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Matt Maher – Lord, I Need You
• Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest) by Kari Jobe
• Pat Barrett – Build My Life (ft. Cory Asbury)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Why Christians Should Keep the Sabbath | Animated Children’s Bible Lessons | Scriptures For Kids
• I Am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Song Lyrics – Song for Kids
• God Made Everything | Austin Stone Worship: Kids – Song for Kids
• I Thank God | ARISE Kids Praise | ARISE Kids JR – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Finally, God gives a solemn command concerning the observance of the Sabbath. The command regarding the Sabbath has already been given twice (Exodus 20:8–11; 23:10–13), but now it is emphasized once more at the end. This shows how important it is.

The Tabernacle is a sanctuary established in space. Since human beings live within both space and time, we need not only a sanctuary of space but also a sanctuary of time. The Sabbath is a sanctuary set apart in time. “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so, on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy” (Genesis 2:3). This is the reason why; after giving lengthy instructions about the Tabernacle, God once again emphasizes the instructions regarding the Sabbath.

The Lord said that keeping the Sabbath would be a “sign” (verses 13 and 17), showing that the people are “set apart as holy” by God (verse 13). The primary meaning of the Sabbath is to cease from work. To stop working one day a week does not simply mean taking a break for rest and recharging—it means remembering that we are not God, and instead, we are to worship and share.

God emphasizes twice that “whoever desecrates it must be put to death” (verses 14 and 15). The statement “must be put to death” shows how serious it is to violate the Sabbath. In Israel’s history, there are no examples of someone being executed for breaking the Sabbath, because this was regarded more as a warning than as a legal mandate. However, the Israelites were willing to risk their lives to keep the Sabbath because this command was given so sternly.

This is the command and law Moses received from God on Mount Sinai. Moses held “the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God” (verse 18). The Ten Commandments were engraved on those tablets.

Meditation:

God has set apart part of our space and declared it holy. That is the Tabernacle. He also set apart certain people and declared them holy. They are the priests. Furthermore, He set apart some time that otherwise passed unnoticed and declared it holy. That time is the Sabbath. God also set apart one nation from among all nations and declared it holy. That nation is Israel.

Because everything in this world has been defiled by sin, God has chosen to set apart certain things as holy. Through them, He reveals His holiness and fulfills His will for holiness. This is the intent of the Law we have been reading.

God ended the era of the Law by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. Now we are no longer in an age where the unholy is regarded as holy by being set apart; rather, we are in an age where the unholy becomes holy through the power that comes from above. Now, not only is the Tabernacle or the Temple holy, but the whole world is also holy. Now, not only the priests—but all people—are holy. Now, not only the Sabbath—but every day and every moment—is holy. Now, not only Israel—but all nations—are holy.

This is because God has begun a new history through Jesus Christ. Therefore, in Him, we are to open our eyes, clothe ourselves with the garments of holiness given to us, live eternity within time, and live heaven while on earth.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for opening our eyes to see that the whole world is Your sanctuary.
Thank You for opening our ears to hear Your voice through every sound around us.
Thank You for opening our hearts so we may see You disguised whenever we meet someone.
Thank You for awakening our senses to live out eternity in the flow of time.
As we live in this holy world, You are making us holy—
And for that, we offer You our gratitude and praise. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God made certain spaces, people, and times holy in the Old Testament to teach His people about holiness. Through Jesus Christ, everything—every place, person, and moment—can now be holy. We are called to see the world, others, and even time itself through the lens of God’s holiness and live as His holy people every day.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Can you think of a place that feels special to you, like church or your room? Why do you think it feels special?
  • What do you usually do on Sundays? How is Sunday different from other days?
  • If every moment can be holy with Jesus, what are some ways we can make today special for God?
    
• For Youth
  • Why do you think God wanted people to stop working for one day every week in the Old Testament?
  • In what ways has Jesus changed how we understand “holy places” and “holy times”?
  • How can we live “holy” lives in ordinary places like school, home, or even online?