EXODUS 35 THEY CAME When Moses returned to the camp after another forty days and nights on Mount Sinai, all the Israelites gathered again to hear the words of the Lord through Moses. He had received the instructions relating to the building of the Tabernacle again. There were to be no changes. Those who were appointed and gifted by God for the work, were reminded of the necessity of carrying out the Word of the Lord. The regulations included a reminder of the Sabbath day to be kept even in the busy time of the work they were doing. Nothing justified disobedience to the commandments of the Lord and the sign of the covenant he made with Israel.
The materials to construct the Tabernacle with were not demanded from the people. God's appeal was to all those who had generous hearts and who were willing to give what they had to the Lord. Giving is to be from the motivation of love and generosity, not a guilty conscience. What we have been given is from God as the Source. Surely it is an evidence of gratitude and thankfulness when we are privileged to give of 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 willingness to participate that comes from the heart. Each contribution may differ in amount or substance.
Not only was there an abundance of material, but there were those who were willing to work in the building of the Tabernacle. Bezaleel and Aholiab were both divinely enabled to not only do the work of building the Tabernacle, but they were able to teach others how to do the work needed. There were able to delegate work to be done to those who had areas of expertise in certain trades. Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan were men chosen by God. The material they brought from Egypt was gathered together in one place. Those who spun cloth, carved the wood, crafted the metal were all significant contributors to the work. In our lives as the people of God, we each have contributions to make to the work of God as we are able. There is no reason to compare what one does with what others may do. Whoever we are and whatever we can do, God can stir our hearts to use what we are and have for His purposes.
The work of the Lord we are involved in today in evangelism, teaching and assembly life needs to be passed on by those who have been gifted by God to do this for those who are coming behind us. We need to be able to explain the reasons behind the actions we take in Gospel activity. It is essential we do not go beyond, or fall short of what the scriptures teach about this work. The same holds true in assembly life and in teaching ministry. God has given talents to us by nature and gifts linked with the new birth that can be used by Him and for Him. It is important that we commit ourselves to the best quality of work and faithful stewardship. They came with arms full of bounty A lifetime of labor had given ample provision The value of what they gave is beyond counting From willing hearts these precious treasures were given.
Some came to give themselves freely Their talents and their time were the best they had to give The key to giving then and now, is given sincerely A cheerful hearted giver contributes the best they have.
I've watched people at the work they do And sensed in some there is a higher motivation Than to rush a task so quickly they are through Instead of a well-done work that gives satisfaction.
A work done for God to bring honor to Him Deserves the very best as we bend into the task To visualize the results is important before we begin The means of doing the work then is something we can grasp.
The final outcome of a work, at first we cannot see But there are those who may see what God intends Enough that the effort expended comes willingly And God will find satisfaction in the work to me He sends.
"Father, the blessings of unity, fellowship and meaningful service are all cause for thankfulness as I bend to the work today. May there be glory for Thee in this. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."