READING: Exodus 36-38
Have you ever wondered what might happen if God’s people truly lived out their giftedness, served Him willingly, and gave to His work sacrificially? Today’s reading about the building of the Tabernacle gives us a sense of what might happen. Take a look at these specific details:
- God gave Moses the command to call the people to give sacrificially the materials needed for the Tabernacle (Exo. 35:4-9).
- God supernaturally empowered Bezalel with wisdom and “all kinds of skills” (Exo. 35:31) to lead the work.
- The Lord gave skills and abilities to multiple people to carry out different aspects of the Tabernacle’s construction (Exo. 36:1). Particularly named in the texts are perfumers, embroiderers, engravers, and designers (Exo. 37:29, 38:18, 38:23).
- The Lord moved on their hearts to make them willing to serve: “So Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person in whose heart the Lord had placed wisdom, everyone whose heart moved him, to come to the work and do it” (Exo. 36:1).
- The people so responded to the vision and the calling that they gave offerings “morning after morning” (Exo. 36:3) — so much so that Moses had to halt their giving: “After Moses gave an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: 'Let no man or woman make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.' So the people stopped. The materials were sufficient for them to do all the work. There was more than enough” (Exo. 36:6-7).
Think about the picture. People giving day after day. Skilled workers doing the work of God. Resources coming in as needed — in fact, more than needed. God provided not only the necessary resources, but also so much abundance that the people had to quit giving! In my 40+ years as a Christian believer, I’ve never seen anything close to that description. It’s quite amazing, actually.
On the other hand, it shouldn’t be. God puts His church together. He gifts each one with abilities as He sees fit. He provides all we need. He moves on our heart to serve Him fully and support His work sacrificially. He expects us to give back to Him out of the blessings He gave us in the first place. That’s what should happen when God’s people simply live and obey like they should.
The problem is that we so often fail to live and obey as we should. It’s really that simple.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- Determine if you are serving God with all your talents.
- Decide if you are serving Him with a willing heart.
- Consider whether you are giving sacrificially to His work.
- Take whatever steps you must take to live and obey Him as you should.
PRAYER: “God, You gave Your Son for me. Keep that truth before me today, and grant me grace to give myself completely to You — regardless of the cost.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 39-40