EXODUS 36 ALL THE WORK Meaningful labor has always been one of the most satisfying activities in a person's life. To be able to do a work well and see it completed is one of the ways we can see what God is like. Six days He worked to create what we see all around us and He saw the work He has done was good. His rest at the conclusion of the creation was not to cease from being weary of the labor but of satisfaction at what His labor 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 and the people of God then went with enthusiasm every morning laden with material to where the Tabernacle was being built. Each did what they could and brought what their heart moved them to give to the Lord.
Group effort by a company of the Lord's people often is one of the highlights of their service for the Lord. Coming together to build a meeting place for the assembly of God's people has often been a cause of joy and unity. Pictures taken years ago of the saints working together, are often looked at fondly and wishfully. "Those were good days. Wouldn't it be nice if we were the same today as we were then!" These are not unusual comments made when thinking of times of unity and purpose. We are never really happy as bystanders looking on at the work of God from a distance. Enthusiasm for a work to be done for God reaches far beyond the project to where the spirit and soul are nourished and refreshed. Worship, praise and thanksgiving are greatly enhanced.
The tanning and dying of animal skins; the tedious weaving of huge amounts of goats' hair cloth, linen cloth for the fence and the beautiful cloth of blue, purple and scarlet would have put people together for hours at a time - day after day. The review of years of slavery in Egypt, the miracles along the way, the sense of guilt and shame because of the golden calf incident was probably discussed as they worked. When they began to see the results of their labor and the magnitude and beauty of the efforts they were putting forth, they would also learn of the wisdom, holiness and character of God who designed the Tabernacle.
Every completed silver and brass clasp and socket; every finished piece of curtain would be a reason for inner satisfaction. They had a part in the work of God. Meaningful involvement is a blessing to the one who labors, and especially when they can see how their part fits in the whole scheme of things. It is not uncommon for people today 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 in the work here." Similar comments made years later still have a unifying effect, and that in turn strengthens the saints.
More important than all of that is the fact that God is involved in activities is such as these. Nothing escapes His view. No small piece of work goes unnoticed. The shape of the clasps, the look of a finished gold- covered board, the details of every aspect of a work is observed by God. "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 does his best to have his field look good. It reflects on his character. He has a sense of honor in the small things as well as the outcome of the harvest. There is a reflection of ourselves in the way we wear our clothes and the kind of clothes we wear. The attitude I have towards the Bible I carry, the way I read it and the teaching I give from it expresses my commitment to it. "All the work" displays the value people put on their association with the One we serve. A willing heart, enthusiastic labor, a job well-done, appreciation for the labor of others and a unity of purpose are all results of "the work."
What goes on from day to day, and the motivation behind our work adds to the joy and blessing of accomplishment - and brings glory to God.
They come - many are uncomplicated people With a deep desire to be a part of something holy Many are not skillful at the finer things but can shear a goat Or cut a tree down or use a hammer - and that pleases God.
They come - well-known for their creative ability Others came to them previously for the finer things of life And now they come to join their skills with the work of others A joint-effort that unites them all - and pleases God.
They come - with skilled hands, ladies who know It is not an uncommon practice to weave - for hours The vision of the cloth made beautiful is in their minds And it comes out of their fingers - and pleases God.
They come - the young, the strong to bear the burdens The weight of years of slavery has bent many backs But theirs is strong to bear the yoke in their youth And move from place to place - their physical labor pleases God.
They come - hearts willing to do the menial tasks To pick up the "fragments that remain" for further use The piles of material provided finds its way where needed Because those who can walk and carry small things - please God.
They come - today as then, the projects are different The commands come from the same Holy God To "be zealous of good works," to communicate, to bear burdens To live "godly in Christ Jesus" - a deep desire to please God.
"Holy God, the order and use of materials great and small did not escape Thy gaze at that ancient time. May Thy servant today remember the small things as well as the big things need to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."