A Work in Progress….

Exodus 36:6-7 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

Again, this breathtaking idea that we don’t need any more donations because we have enough to do the work. I sincerely think that this is what Jesus wants us to strive for–all of us giving of our time, talents, and resources in such a way that the needs are met. If it were only that easy. 

Exodus 36:8 All those who were skilled among the workers made the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by expert hands. 

But I don’t think Jesus wants us sitting around lamenting the fact that that is not the way the world works. So what are we to do? At the moment, what God’s laying on my heart is to find a way to use the time, talents, and resources that I have to give to those who need them. The question becomes how to do that. Help me, Jesus.

Exodus 36:9 All the curtains were the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. 

Precious Savior, I know beyond a doubt that there are needs to be met that I am uniquely qualified to meet. Help me to find those needs so that I may be Your hands and feet in the way You designed me to be. Help me, Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 36:10 They joined five of the curtains together and did the same with the other five.

Have a blessed day. 

Exodus 36:1 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.”

The words of the very last verse catch my attention this morning: “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” The idea of having “more than enough for doing the work” is breathtaking to me. I truly think that’s what God intended. You need something? I’ve got it. Here you go. 

Exodus 36:2 Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. 

So what keeps us from that reality? Scarcity mindset, definitely, and the fear that comes with it. Wanting to be the best or get ahead or keep an advantage may play a role. Folks taking advantage, not doing their part, working the system, probably takes a toll as well. 

Exodus 36:3 They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. 

Precious Savior, I cannot change the world. But I can change myself, my mindset. I know that I struggle with giving and generosity because of a scarcity mindset. Help me to do my part in this world so that we can eventually have “more than enough for doing the work” that You have called us to do. Help me, Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 36:4-5 So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”

Have a blessed day. 

Exodus 35:30-31 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 

Again, today, the parallel to what I’ve seen with giving as a teacher holds true. Just like folks feel compelled to give, to help, in a disaster, there needs to be someone called to organize that giving. Otherwise, you end up with a pile of supplies and no clear plan to get them to those in need.

Exodus 35:32-33 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. 

Again, we are reminded that God calls each of us to give according to our hearts and according to our  talents. I am a phenomenal reminder, encourager, organizer. But I’m not always the one with the clear vision. Sometimes I work much better supporting those with the plan. So it is with all of us.

Exodus 35:34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder that we are all part of the Body of Christ, that You gift all of us in different ways and in different seasons to step in and step up to be Your hands and feet. Help us to see, to understand, the role You have equipped us for in every situation. Help us, Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

Have a blessed day. 

Exodus 35:25-26 Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. 

Today’s verses have me thinking about high schools and natural disasters. Any time there was a flood or other natural disaster, at least one club at school would do a drive for cleaning supplies, water, blankets, etc. Folks (teachers, students, parents) brought or sent what they could. 

Exodus 35:27 The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 

For some, that was one bottle of cleaning wipes. For others, that was ten cases of water. On its own, each donation wasn’t much in the face of the need, but put them all together, and our school was able to help many, many people over the years.

Exodus 35:28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. 

Precious Savior, Once again I see You calling us to community. When we give what we can, what we are called to give, within the context of community, You show up and do amazing things with the offerings. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 35:29 All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.

Have a blessed day. 

Exodus 35:1 Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, “These are the things the Lord has commanded you to do: 

Commentary seems full of equivocations on these verses, spouting things like the difference between general work and business (no business allowed on Sabbath) and that not lighting a fire was talking about fire used for cooking or business purposes, but it was ok to light a fire for heat and light.

Exodus 35:2 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of sabbath rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death. 

When someone interprets the Bible according to their ideas and ideals, that’s problematic for me. “Oh, God meant this or that when He said….” Really? It’s convenient that God meant exactly what you just said and that it supports your philosophies. 

Exodus 35:3 Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”

Precious Savior, I know I can be jaded, but I have seen the Bible used and abused by so many. I want to understand what You said and what You meant in the cultural and historical context and what that means for me today. Help me to understand Your word without corrupting it with my personal preferences. Help me, Jesus.

Exodus 35:4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded:

Have a blessed day.