ALL THE WORK. EXODUS 36 Meaningful labor has always been one of the most satisfying activities in a person's life. To be able to do work well and see it completed is one of the ways we can learn what God is like. Six days, He worked to create everything we see around us, and He saw that His work was good. His rest after creation was not because He was weary of labor but because He was satisfied with what His labor had accomplished. When the Lord Jesus was here, He said to the Father, "I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." The daily task of gathering manna in the predawn darkness would be over. The people of God then went with enthusiasm every morning, carrying material to where the Tabernacle was being built. Each person did what they could and brought what their heart moved them to give to the Lord.
They come; many are simple people. Many are not skilled in delicate tasks but can shear a goat, cut down a tree, or use a hammer—and that pleases God. They arrive, well-known for their creative ability. Others previously came to them for life's finer things, and now they come to combine their skills with others' in a joint effort that unites everyone—and pleases God.
A group effort by believers in the Lord often becomes one of the highlights of their service to Him. Coming together to build a meeting place for God's people has frequently been a source of joy and unity. Old pictures of the saints working together are often looked at with fondness and nostalgia. "Those were good days. Wouldn't it be nice if we were the same today as we were then!" These comments are common when reflecting on times of unity and purpose. We are rarely truly happy just watching from afar as God’s work unfolds. Enthusiasm for a task for God extends far beyond the project itself to where the spirit and soul are nurtured and refreshed. Worship, praise, and thanksgiving are greatly enriched.
They come with skilled hands, ladies for whom weaving is not an uncommon practice, often for hours. The vision of a beautiful cloth exists in their minds and flows from their fingers, pleasing God. They come—the young and the strong—to bear the burdens. The weight of years of slavery has bent many backs, but theirs are strong enough to bear the yoke in their youth and move heavy material from place to place. Their physical labor pleases God.
The tanning and dyeing of animal skins, the tedious weaving of large amounts of goats' hair cloth, linen cloth for the fence, and the beautiful cloth of blue, purple, and scarlet would have kept people working for hours at a time—day after day. The review of years of slavery in Egypt, the miracles along the way, and the feelings of guilt and shame because of the golden calf incident were probably discussed as they labored. When they began to see the results of their work and the size and beauty of what they had accomplished, they would also learn about the wisdom, holiness, and character of God who designed the Tabernacle.
They come, hearts willing to do the menial tasks, to gather the "fragments that remain" for future use. The piles of material find their way to where they are needed because those who can walk and carry small things please God.
Every silver and brass clasp and socket completed; every finished piece of curtain would bring a sense of inner satisfaction. They played a part in God's work. Meaningful involvement is a blessing to those who serve, especially when they can see how their contribution fits into the overall plan. It's common today for people to say, "I remember when we poured that cement. I was pushing the wheelbarrow." "Joe and I put the shingles on the north side of that Gospel Hall when we came to help with the work here." Similar comments made years later still have a unifying effect, and that, in turn, strengthens the saints.
More importantly, God is involved in activities like these. Nothing escapes His sight. No small detail of work goes unnoticed. God observes the shape of the clasps, the appearance of a finished gold-covered board, and the intricacies of every aspect of a project. "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."
A farmer strives to keep his field looking good, as it reflects his character. He takes pride in the small details just as much as in the harvest's outcome. The way we wear our clothes and the type of clothes we choose also reflect ourselves. The attitude I have towards the Bible I carry, how I read it, and the teaching I share from it demonstrate my dedication to it. "All the work" shows the value people place on their connection with the One we serve. A willing heart, enthusiastic effort, a job well done, appreciation for others' labor, and a shared purpose are all fruits of "the work."
What happens each day, and the motivation behind our work, contribute to the joy and blessing of achievement—and bring glory to God.
They come; today, as then, the projects are different, but the commands come from the same Holy God. We are to "be zealous of good works," to communicate, to bear burdens, to live "godly in Christ Jesus" with a deep desire to please God.
Some things need to be together – Rain and wind cause bad weather. Faith and works are necessary to confirm the acceptance of the Gospel message. Love and life bring balance, showing that salvation results in real change. Riches and poverty can be either good or bad; both can bring sadness or happiness. Wisdom and understanding depend on each other; wisdom can piece difficult things together, but understanding is a special skill because it relates directly to a person’s will. Wisdom puts everything in proper order; understanding knows what each part is for.
Wisdom follows carefully planned steps; understanding completes the work with careful hands. Wisdom guides me through God’s Word; understanding prompts me to obey my Lord. Wisdom reveals the past and future; understanding shows me how to reach them. Wisdom guides us with its light, and understanding comforts us in the night. Wisdom is personified by the Lord, and understanding is why I obey His Word. Self-denial is the discipline for life and the work for every hour.