DONE - “AS THE LORD COMMANDED MOSES.” EXODUS 39 From the far ends of the Israelite camp, the sound of busy work slowed and then fell silent. Then, from various places where the work had been done, God's people gathered, bringing their crafted pieces to the center of the camp for Moses to inspect. The pattern had been given to him by the Lord, and he was responsible to the Lord to ensure each piece was made correctly. Perhaps Bezalel and Aholiab were nearby, watching nervously to see if any piece was rejected. The important question now was not who made the work or how it was done, but rather, "Is this what God intended each piece to be like?" "Moses did look upon all the work." We are not told of any pieces being rejected because they were done wrong or without proper effort.
When we do God's work in His way, it aligns with His will. When all the pieces are gathered, each one has a special place in the whole. Like God’s people today, each piece had a role to fulfill in what the Tabernacle represented—the Person and work of our Lord. When completed, the structure presented a united whole, built from God's Word. Each stone in the building, which is being erected by the Spirit of God, has a place, a purpose, a message that signifies obedience to the Lord. Each of us is different in shape, gift, and responsibility, but we are made to fit as living stones in the building. The Great Designer wants us to do our work as He intends.
When the Tabernacle was finally finished, it became God's dwelling place. The Church being built today is a remarkable achievement, entirely brought about by God's grace. Just looking at the outside of the Tabernacle, one might overlook the glory it held within. The Church is similar to this, but God considers it perfect and complete in Him.
We do not need to spend time evaluating the work our brothers and sisters do for the Lord. It is enough that our effort and the work we have been assigned are completed as God instructed. Some of God's people have a large project they are responsible for. Those big sheets of leather and cloth used to cover the Tabernacle would have required many people to carry them to Moses for inspection. The woman who made it could bring a white linen garment for a priest. A brass pin in the hand of the person who made it would not be a heavy burden and could look small compared to the brazen altar. But each piece was important. Moses examined each piece to ensure it was made properly.
What a blessing it is when we can find joy and satisfaction in the work of others and in the results of our own efforts. The clasps may have seemed insignificant compared to a gold-plated board, but the value of a clasp may not be recognized until it is missing or broken. Some truths may seem insignificant and be overlooked when considering the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, the two words "Jesus wept" have great meaning when we consider Him. "He bore our sins in His own body on the tree" certainly has a profound impact when His Person and work are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. In another way, "The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me" deepens our appreciation of the Savior. No part of the Tabernacle was without purpose, and no part of our Lord Jesus Christ can be considered of lesser value than any other part of the "Revelation of Jesus Christ." We will see its importance when we see Him and reflect on our part in God's great work.
As each piece was brought to Moses and he examined them all, those thousands of laborers would stand nearby, witnessing the accumulation of finished pieces placed where they could be easily identified when the time came to erect the Tabernacle. As each piece passed Moses's inspection, the worker would add their completed work to the previously inspected items. Soon, individual pins would become indistinguishable from the rest, as they lacked personal initials. It was all done for God.
Pride in ourselves for work we think we've done for God can make it worthless. Each of us does what we're assigned and gives God all the glory. A businessman once told his salesman, "It doesn't matter who gets the credit as long as the firm shows a profit." Everything we do, anything accomplished in service to God, is for advancing God's kingdom and building the Church. A teacher's work will be tested by fire, so every teacher should be careful that their teaching builds up "the temple of God," not destroys it. Every Sunday School teacher and Gospel preacher must ensure that the truth of salvation is clearly and properly presented, so no one mistakenly believes they are saved when they are not. Everyone in the assembly who influences and leads others must be sure their guidance is biblical and doesn't cause followers to stumble.
The people of God brought the work they had done to Moses, and he inspected each piece. As they left the result of their efforts to be added to all the material to build the Tabernacle, Moses blessed them. The children of Israel did all the work, and they experienced blessings. Each of us is blessed when we share in the work of the Lord with all of God's people. The faithful service of each will bring blessing to everyone.
God laid out His plans and completed the creation alone. He made the earth and heaven and created man as a living soul. He crafted everything and placed each thing where He wanted; when He finished, He declared it good. God instructed Moses to follow His pattern, clearly stating what was to be done. He desired a dwelling with His people, like an earthly home, and they followed His instructions exactly; each part was ultimately completed. When all parts came together—God was with them—they were blessed.
Our Lord Jesus Christ came to earth as a man, united with us, with a mission to fulfill. Every act of mercy and His many gracious words showed He pleased His Father. He was the only acceptable substitute for us in our sinful needs. Our Lord achieved redemption; the cost of sin was fully paid when He cried, “It’s finished,” before He bowed His head and died.
This work has been ongoing for years. New stones are added daily to the Church, and our Lord has begun building. Each member in whom the Spirit of God dwells becomes part of the structure. Completion is approaching; it is nearly finished. His plans will be fulfilled.
When all the saints are gathered home, and the workers from the past meet when the King comes, the kingdom is here at last, and we will all rejoice with our Lord. When what He has commanded, what He has done through His people, all the plans He had, and every fully completed piece is in place, then God will be pleased with what He made. Like Moses, who blessed the people of Israel, God will bless His people. Faithful service brings a divine benediction.