Good Morning.

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.” (Exodus 40:1-2)

In Hebrew reckoning, the first month is called Aviv and occurs in early Spring, typically around our mid March to mid April. This was established as the first month in Exodus 12 as the “beginning of months” for Israel just before they observed the first Passover. Frankly, it makes more sense for the year to begin in this time of year as opposed to the dead of winter. At that time of year, things are thawing out; trees and shrubbery is budding and grass is turning green. In short, things are coming back to life after a long winter’s nap.

This season and all that defines it was the backdrop for setting up the tabernacle. In just under one year, Israel had gone from being slaves, surrounded by idolatry and mysticism, to being free people who raised up a sanctuary to the one true God. Their winter had been spent preparing — fashioning, crafting, shaping and molding — all of the implements and furnishings that would go into the Sanctuary. By springtime they were ready to put everything together so that worship of the Almighty could commence. Perhaps we should take a cue from this pattern.

While I realize that winter doesn’t necessarily mean everything stops until the weather warms up, I do believe that there is more done when it does. So on the spiritual side of things, perhaps we should be focusing on those things in our lives that need to be improved — those things that need to be shaped and molded into the image of Messiah — in anticipation of what He wants to do in our life. We need to make certain that, spiritually speaking, we are in the right place at the right time. We need to be ready and willing vessels fit for use by the Master as He raises up His house. So while you are starting to think about all the work you are going to do in the garden in a few weeks, it would be wise to start thinking about the work that needs to be done in you in preparation for God’s purpose in your life.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

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