Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

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God’s Treasure Map

For several chapters in Exodus, we read about God’s laws—both moral and civil—being established for His people. We see God’s dwelling place established as a place of worship and encounter for His people, and we see more laws and instruction. Then, finally, in Exodus 31:18 we read:

“When the Lord finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God.”

In the Hebrew text, it says God gave Moses “the two tablets of the Testimony.”

We know from Exodus 34:28 that what God had written was the Ten Commandments. So if they were commandments, why would God and Moses call them The Testimony?

There is something very special and sacred hidden here. Let’s take a look at it.

In Scripture, “testimony” means: a witness, a declaration, a record of relationship, a covenant document. It is not just rules. It is evidence of an agreement between God and His people—like a marriage covenant, a contract of love, a relational promise.

So these tablets were God’s witness that He is our God and we are His people—this is how we walk together.

God is trying to show them through all of this, including the building of the Tabernacle, that these tablets represent the Law, yes, but they also represent the Covenant, the Relationship, the Presence of God, and the Promise of God. It is God basically drawing the people a roadmap directly to Him—this is how you will find Me and be able to dwell in My presence.

God’s heart is to be with us and have a relationship with us. He doesn’t want us to just be acquainted with Him; He wants us to know Him. He wants us to not just see Him in the cloud or hear His thunderous voice, but to feel Him, smell Him, sense Him, understand Him, and love Him.

This is why Jesus uses the marriage covenant to help us understand the depth of God’s desire for us. He wants to be so close to us, so united with us, that we are forever bonded together. We rejoice in being together. We love each other. We spend time together. We talk to each other and share our joys, disappointments, fears, hopes, failures, accomplishments—everything.

He wants to be our best friend.

In fact, He wants it so much that He was willing to “give His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He wants us to be with Him now and forever. Praise God!

This is why we see Jesus in Matthew 26 go into the hands of the enemy like a sheep led to slaughter. Only He willingly did it, knowing what He would accomplish and what it would mean for us. He was willing to give His life to overcome death and the grave for us. Nothing compares to this depth of love.

So let us praise God and the Testimony, for it is the greatest treasure map ever plotted out. Anyone who finds it and follows it will discover the greatest treasure ever known—greater than precious gems or gold. It is the bosom of the Father and all the glory that comes with it.

It is Wisdom declaring to us:

“And so, my children, listen to Me, for all who follow My ways are joyful” (Proverbs 8:32).

Amen.💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, set aside intentional time to meet with God—not just to read about Him, but to be with Him. Even if it’s only 5 minutes, find a quiet place, open your Bible, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Ask Him:

• “Lord, What do You want me to know about this today?”
  • Journal what the Holy Spirit whispers.
• Then ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let the Lord show you the beauty of His love within every word of His instruction..

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Prayer

Father God, thank You for revealing Your heart to me through Your Word. Thank You that Your commandments are not burdens, but invitations into relationship with You. Help me to seek You daily, to walk with You closely, and to know You deeply. Draw me nearer to Your presence. Teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to know You, not just know about You. Lead me by Your Spirit, and let my life be a living testimony of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.