THEY CAME TO WORK. EXODUS 37 The Israelites paused their usual daily routines to do this work for the Lord. It is true that whatever we do, we should do it as if we are doing it for the Lord. When these special moments arrive, being present and participating from the very start is essential. Such an opportunity to serve in this way might only come once in a lifetime. We never know if we will miss this moment, if another will come, or if the Lord will allow us to be involved in such work again. A Holy God, seeking a place to dwell with His people, needs a man He can trust. He wants a man who can follow instructions.
Such a man is available for God to use and is willing to be used despite his limitations. The gracious Holy Spirit moves to empower him and fills him to use his willing hands and strength for God. The Spirit grants wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to do God’s work, giving this man gifts and supernatural skills to serve Him. He humbly recognizes that it is God working through him. The sanctified hands of a suitable man form everything he does. He understands his work is for God – not men. Is there such a person sanctified for the Master’s use? From the “tribes” of God’s people scattered across the earth’s wilderness, from obscurity’s silence, is there a “John” who comes to warn the people? From the realm of education and intellectualism, does a “Paul” come to reveal the truth? “Bezalel—where are you?”
Bezalel was the man chosen by God to lead this work, so his name is associated with every task. Some who worked with him might have thought, "Why is he the only one named?" Leadership isn't just about successful accomplishments but also about taking responsibility for failures. A wise leader of people avoids self-exaltation, even if he is credited with success. Usually, you will hear a godly leader say, "God blessed the effort and gave the needed help and power. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY."
Bezalel began with the ark, just as God did. From there, they moved on to the other furnishings, and the work proceeded smoothly and successfully. It is always important that we dedicate ourselves to God's work in His way. The Holy Spirit guides us with an orderly plan for doing God's work and for assigning responsibilities to the people. Those diligent workers strictly followed the Lord's instructions for each piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. God did not offer suggestions about what He wanted each piece to look like; He provided exact descriptions of how they were to be made and what they should look like when finished. This was crucial because each piece symbolized a holy aspect of God or His worship and work.
Those who are willing-hearted show up for work each day, and Bezalel was able to delegate tasks and give clear instructions on how to complete them. Willing workers may not immediately see the value of what they are doing, but they have a right to expect their leaders in God's work to provide clear guidance that they can understand. "It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful." The stewardship of Bezalel would involve not only managing the materials necessary but also wisely directing and utilizing manpower.
As each day went by, Bezalel and Aholiab reviewed the work being done in various places. As each project approached completion, from large furniture pieces, boards, fence posts, and curtains to small pins and spoons, they inspected to ensure everything met the Lord's specifications. Any work we do, whether big or small, reflects the One we serve. Areas of our life or work that represent Christ must be carefully examined to ensure they are right.
When we gather for the Lord's Supper, we are told to examine ourselves. "Let a man examine himself and so let him eat." There is a reason for this. Participating in such a sacred act in an unworthy manner not only cancels out anything I might offer, but it also impacts everyone else present. A crooked staff holding the table of showbread would stand out because of its flaws. It wouldn't match the perfection of everything else around it. A careless approach to God in prayer, or a hymns chosen without care and only suitable for one person, creates discord in the entire congregation of God's people.
Those who lead God's people need to teach in advance, either publicly or privately, the proper way to engage in God's work. The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers does not give individuals the right to do whatever they want in the service and worship of the Lord. Our duty as participating priests is to follow the biblical pattern. When building the Tabernacle, those who came to work each day were expected to do tasks for the Lord's dwelling according to the pattern He gave Moses. The leadership of Bezalel and Aholiab, in turn, was to be followed by those who took part in the work.