Today and tomorrow (Exodus 36-40) chronicle the Israelites building what God commanded them to build. Do not skip this section, but remember you aren't going to be tested on the specific aspects of the Tabernacle or the Ark of the Covenant. If you need to, use these days to catch up (read both in one day) or review some of the other posts from the past month. Type the link like this (or copy, paste, and insert the correct numbers): grahambates.blogspot.com/2013/mm/dd.html.
I will have shorter posts these two days.
They constructed the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant exactly the way God asked for it to be done.
I will have shorter posts these two days.
Thought to Guide Your Reading
The people were so generous Moses had to ask them to stop giving freely of their own possessions.Summary in 100 Words or Less
Bezalel and Ohliab and others built the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. The people continued to give offerings for construction. The workers asked them to stop giving because they had all the gold and other materials needed for construction.They constructed the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant exactly the way God asked for it to be done.
How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right
God gives skills and know-how for more than didactic teaching.
One thing I hope you do not miss when scanning these chapters is that Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workers were gifted by God to do what they did. They were gifted architects, metal smiths, weavers, etc. God gifts his people in more ways than teaching. If you are gifted in something, God can use you in that.The people gave more than what was needed because they saw how God had blessed them firsthand.
This is a cool section of scripture. How often does this happen? Not very. How often do charities, churches, and other aid groups have to beg for money/items to help? Very often. But I was struck at why these people were so eager to give. This is why I think they gave—they saw God free them from slavery in Egypt and wanted to thank Him. It's as simple as that. When people see God setting things right in this world they want to give. Churches should make sure that specific examples of God setting things right in the world is prominent and give time for others to give examples of how God is setting things right in their life. Although examples from far-off places are encouraging, feeding a church with these alone will not do. People need to see God working. We can't see how God built a hospital in another continent (unless you visit that continent!).
I want to know you think. Questions? Comments? Leave a comment in the section below or on the Sonoma Mountain Parkway Church of Christ Facebook page.
If you missed a reading or want to go to a specific date, type the link as follows:
http://grahambates.blogspot.com/2013/mm/dd.html
That will take you to the reading for that day. Enjoy!
If you missed a reading or want to go to a specific date, type the link as follows:
http://grahambates.blogspot.com/2013/mm/dd.html
That will take you to the reading for that day. Enjoy!
You already wrote most of what I would have commented! I too was struck by the generosity of the people. They had been slaves, then were gifted with gold and riches from the Egyptians. It would have been a great temptation to just keep all that, but they willingly gave more than was needed.
ReplyDeleteI also like your thoughts about God's gifts to us. Years ago in a Bible Class, we were studying God's gifts to us. Several people said, "I just don't know what my gift is. I don't think I am good at anything I could use in the church." The teacher replied by going around the class, asking what we thought these people's gifts were. Ideas were quick to come - encourager, organizer, always there to help, financial supporter, etc.
If you don't know what your gifts are, ask your friends. They will know!