THEY CAME. EXODUS 35 When Moses returned to the camp after another forty days and nights on Mount Sinai, all the Israelites gathered again to hear God's words through Moses. He had received the instructions for building the Tabernacle once more. God had given Moses detailed directions, and Moses, in turn, conveyed those exact details to the entire Israelite nation. They needed to understand that it was crucial to build the Tabernacle exactly as God commanded.
There were to be no changes. Those appointed and gifted by God for the work were reminded of the importance of carrying out the Word of the Lord. The regulations included a reminder to keep the Sabbath day, even during busy times of work. Nothing justified disobedience to the Lord's commandments or the sign of the covenant he made with Israel.
Repeatedly reaffirming the truth is necessary to firmly establish the Lord's will in our minds and hearts. Today, it is common for religious groups to have a general understanding of what God desires but to also incorporate elements that appeal to the congregation, even if those elements are not scriptural. Our human perspective often aligns with what appeals to most people rather than what God commands. A scripturally based New Testament church will adhere to the word of God as its guiding principle and statement of faith. Doctrine and practice are meant to conform to the Bible, not to popular opinion.
The materials needed to build the Tabernacle were not demanded by the people. The gold used to make the golden calf was a required donation. Materials for the Tabernacle came from voluntary offerings. The variety of materials for the Tabernacle came from minerals, plants, and animals, all of which were created by God for the use and blessing of mankind. God made them all for His own purposes.
When they are all assembled in the Tabernacle, it becomes a sight of beauty. A mix of colors and materials creates a special kind of beauty when they are arranged for the worship of the Lord. Each believer has a unique role in contributing to the life of God’s people. When we come together in worship and service, there is a beauty that goes far beyond what is simply visual. A moral and spiritual beauty is clearly shown when unity embraces diversity.
Everyone has the right to make a voluntary contribution that matches their ability and willingness to give. When joyful givers are motivated by love, there is genuine generosity because giving is seen as a privilege. It is not a duty that may be done grudgingly or out of guilt. Wholehearted giving to the Lord brings joy to the giver, the Lord who receives that willing heart, and benefits the entire congregation.
God's appeal was to all those with generous hearts and willing to give what they had to the Lord. Giving is motivated by love and generosity, not a guilty conscience. What we have been given is from God as the Source. Surely, it is evidence of gratitude and thankfulness when we are privileged to give what we have to further the work of the Lord. When the Spirit of God moves the hearts of God's people to do a work or contribute to what others are doing to further the work of the Lord, there is a willingness to participate that comes from the heart. Each contribution may differ in amount or substance.
The fact that the Israelites took off all their jewelry and presented it as a “wave offering” before the Lord meant they were giving what was important to them from their heart to the Lord. They relinquished all claim to it. Giving was not demanded, but when they understood the purpose for which their offerings would be used, they were motivated to participate in what God was doing. This remains an ongoing principle of giving today. Everyone has the privilege of making a voluntary contribution according to their ability.
There was not only an abundance of material but also many willing to work on the building of the Tabernacle. Bezalel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan were men chosen by God. Bezalel and Aholiab were both divinely enabled not only to do the work of building the Tabernacle but also to teach others how to do the necessary work. God gave them the ability to teach as well. They were able to delegate tasks to those with expertise in specific trades. God also stirred the hearts of those who were inspired or motivated to serve the Lord and willingly work for Him.
The call for manual work is just as important as the call to leadership. Some are called to lead and be responsible for the well-being and growth of God's people. Others have different roles and special responsibilities. Anything we do for the Lord and His glory is an act of worship. When our focus is on the Lord, there will be fullness and plenty of opportunities to meet needs. A willing heart and busy hands work well together. The wisdom to go beyond our natural abilities comes from God.
The material they brought from Egypt was collected in one place. Those who spun cloth, carved wood, and worked with metal all played important roles in the work. In our lives as God's people, each of us has something to contribute to God's work as we are able. There is no need to compare what one person does to what another does. No matter who we are or what we can do, God can inspire us to use what we have for His purposes.
The work of the Lord we are involved in today—such as evangelism, teaching, and fellowship—needs to be passed on by those whom God has gifted for this purpose, so that those who come after us can continue. We should be able to explain the reasons behind our actions in Gospel ministry. We must not go beyond or fall short of what the Scriptures teach about this work. The same applies to our assembly life and teaching ministry. God has given us natural talents and gifts linked to the new birth that can be used by Him and for Him. We must dedicate ourselves to doing our best and practicing faithful stewardship.