Ready to Work
Opening Prayer
Ask the Father to help you accurately assess your attitude when it comes to contributing to the work of the Lord.
Read Exodus 35:30-36:7
[30] Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, [31] and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills- [32] to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, [33] to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. [34] And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. [35] He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers-all of them skilled workers and designers. [1] So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.” [2] Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. [3] They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. [4] So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing [5] and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” [6] Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, [7] because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How do the Israelites respond to the call to build the tabernacle?This section of the story is a lovely example of how generously God equips his people to do his work. God plans the work, and the Spirit empowers the people to do it (31). Everyone is involved: Those gifted with specific skills use them to actually do the work and to teach others (34,35). Those not-so-gifted can’t wait to contribute in other ways (36:3). God has not only forgiven his people but has also given them a second chance to fulfill his plans for them. They can now be recommissioned to carry out all the exciting tasks relating to building the tabernacle. Once again the Lord wants to work with his people. His partnership with them in building the tabernacle is an indication of his intention to create an ongoing personal relationship with them. It’s a well-worn thought that those who have been forgiven much love much–but it certainly seems to be true in this case (6,7). God’s generosity toward his people engenders an outpouring of giving that would be sure to overwhelm any church leader today!
Apply
What opportunities to contribute to the Lord’s work do you have before you today? What do you have to give?
Closing prayer
Help me to give generously to ministry because You have been generous in Your goodness to me, Lord.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.