EXODUS 38 THREE MEN Any work begun should not be left unfinished. Every piece had to be made properly and all of them had to be completed before the Tabernacle could be used. A partially done work is not suitable for use. A carelessly done project and work for God is not satisfactory. Three men seemed to coordinate their efforts to keep the work moving forward and at the same time not be careless or wasteful with the precious material they had to work with. When a work for the Lord is started it is wise to take time to plan the project and consolidate the assets to meet the objective. The Lord Jesus mentioned this principle when He taught the value of counting the cost of a work before beginning it.
Ithamar the priest, one of Aaron's sons, was responsible for the material. He had to keep track of all that came in for the work, and where and how it was used. His work was to make sure there was a record of the material and he would be able to tell Moses what was used. Moses had the design of everything in his mind as it was given to him by God. It is important to remember the Lord's people give of their "substance" to the Lord. That means it belongs to the Lord even though it may come into the hands of those who guide the work of an assembly. It also means that when God's people support those who are working in outreach work or missionary enterprise, there needs to be an accounting for what is received and how it is used in the work.
Bezaleel was the one given the responsibility to use the material in the right way for the right things. He knew how to cast brass and see that it was formed correctly. He knew the size of the boards and how to cover them with gold plating. He knew what was needed for the curtains to be made and held in place. He was a man to whom the Holy Spirit had given wisdom and understanding. In this power he would be able to clearly explain to those who labored in the work what was needed to be done and how to do it. Communicators of truth and the reason for the things of God to be carried out in a certain way, are needed among God's people. To expect the saints to know all the issues involved in a matter, or how to accomplish a work without having ever done it before, is unrealistic and unfair. Gift and experience are to be used for the benefit of others. One who God can use, understands who he is himself and can maintain a balance between his own ability as to how a work should be done, and how it can be done by using the resources that have been given. The obligations and responsibilities we have been given by God are not greater than the assets and abilities God lays at our disposal.
Aholiab seemed to be the kind of person whose skill was obvious and could show, rather than explain, what was to be done. He could make a design of something to be made and then actually make it. He wasn't limited to only one kind of work either. The same Holy Spirit gave him skills to do what He wanted, as gave to Bezaleel the leadership qualities and workmanship skills he was to use. It is unwise for us to expect everyone to be the same or even similar in our service for God. Each person among us needs to be recognized for who they are as an individual. God can fit each person into His divine plans of things in the way that best serves His interests.
An assembly full of leaders would accomplish nothing if there was no one willing to labor unseen and unrequited for the Lord. On the other hand. if there are willing laborers but none who have vision and are willing to lead, there would be chaos. Too much leadership can cause contention and too little can leave us barren. The order of things in the building of the Tabernacle gives us insight into the way God works His will. Moses understood the Word of the Lord and was on the mountain with the Lord God until he knew exactly what God wanted His dwelling place with His people to be like. Moses in turn had Ithamar designated to be responsible for accounting of the gifts. Bezaleel had the big picture of the completed work that was passed on to him from Moses, and had the ability to communicate in understandable terms to the people what had to be done. Aholiab knew how to do the work and could show by example those who came to learn from him how they could do a work for the Lord. The willing-hearted people brought what they could and did what they could. When all the work was carried out in this way, the result was a beautiful dwelling place for God in the midst of His people. "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, for there the Lord commandeth a blessing."
Different in personality, in age, in calling Yet united in service for God. Each one according to ability fulfilling The work designated by the Word of the Lord. When each talent and gift was made available A great work was able to be done. Each did the work for which he was capable And the result was they all worked as one.
God knows what is needed and who to use To do a special work for Him. That is why in His wisdom He will choose And allow participation by them. When the work one accomplishes is added to another The final product begins to take shape. Those many little things when all put together The dwelling place for God does make.
I may never know what work another person does My responsibility is to do the best with mine. Motivation by love for God is the cause
And things will come together in due time. God has a plan, my role is to do my part In the best way I possibly can. Then I trust God who saw the finish from the start To do what is impossible to man.
In some far part of the world one gives his best While in my place I am laying down to sleep. When the time of labor for him ends and he rests I am roused my watch for the work to keep. Day after day the church is being built Unknown in its whole by men. The day is soon coming when the last seat is filled We will marvel at what God accomplished then.
"Father, I pray today for those all over this world who are laboring to see the completion of the church. I don't know how far along the project is, but I pray Thee to help Thy servant to finish the work Thou hast given me to do. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."