Every activity, when a response of obedience, is an act of worship and calling. Although we may distinguish between spiritual gifts and natural talents, God claims both and calls both.
After having given instructions for the building of the sanctuary, God then assembled the work force. Bezalel was identified by name and filled with the Spirit of God to serve as a craftsman. Oholiab was appointed as his helper.
Read More skill, talent, obedienceEven in seeking to assure obedience, God’s passion is displayed towards those who are still to be brought into the community of faith. The effect of obedience is to assure the health of the worshipping community. There is a direct benefit in setting aside a day for worship, and rest has a direct benefit for the obedient. Our bodies function best with regular rest. Our emotional and spiritual health functions best with regular worship.
Read More worship, obedience, Sabbath, restSometimes it is not easy to wait for God. When our concerns seem to demand immediate response, waiting on God can be difficult. It is hard to wait in trust when the temptation to bolt is calling. Sometimes simple impatience and boredom crowd out the resolve to wait on God.
It is easy to understand how people became impatient waiting for Moses to return from the mountain.
Read More waiting on God, impatience, anxietyAnger is an unpleasant thing to watch. Seeing displeasure is unnerving. It creates discomfort and makes people feel uneasy. Yet anger is a common reaction. It can follow disappointment. It often accompanies betrayal and is an associate of frustration.
But anger can also be a response of concern. It can be an expression of defence or a result of agitated love.
Read More anger, concern, apathyNot many people face severe outcomes like this when given the choice whether or not to follow God. Rarely is there immediate judgment for choosing not to follow God. Yet we still disobey, and willful disobedience will have its consequences.
Because of the violent nature of God’s response in this passage to the worship of idols, it is easy to overlook the third form of punishment declared by God.
Read More judgment, sacrifice, disciplineMany people think that faith would be much easier if the presence of God were obvious. Indeed when the pillar of cloud descended over the Tent of Meeting everyone knew that God was present. The response was as expected. The people stood and worshipped.
Such a display is not common now. The presence of God can seem more difficult to detect.
Read More Tent of Meeting, faith, presence of GodLeadership is never an easy task. Indeed dealing with people, whether co-workers or family members, is often a challenge. It is no surprise that Moses would seek the assurance of God’s presence. The responsibility of leadership can be lonely. After a long day, we seek the soothing touch of God like a child longs for his parent, who reminds him that he is on the right path and assures him that he is not alone.
Read More leadership, God’s presence, yearningThere is nothing sweeter than having a relationship restored. Strained friendships are a burden for both parties. An unwillingness to forgive robs everyone of joy.
The forgiveness of God is complete and thorough. The invitation extended to Moses highlights the restorative mercy of God. Moses is asked to chisel two tablets of stone like those he broke in anger.
Read More forgiveness, restoration, graceSpending time together is critical for healthy relationships. Regular intimate conversations are the foundation of lasting marriages and friendships. In fact, sometimes it seems that facial features of married couples even begin to grow in similarity. This might cause anxiety for some but relief for others!
For Moses intimacy with God was a rare blessing.
Read More relationships, intimacy, glory of GodThe people of God have everything they need to accomplish what God requires. When God gave instructions for the building of the temple, the furnishings, art work and embroidery, all the necessary resources were also supplied. The Spirit of God filled Bezalel with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and all kinds of skills (v 31). God also gave Oholiab and Bezalel the skill to teach others (v 34). God freely extended ability to everyone who was willing to come and do the work (36:2).
Read More generosity, resources, ability