By Kyle Beshears
Instructor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Equipped
Exodus 25:1–9; 31:1–6
The Offering (25:1–7)
Israel was redeemed from Egypt for the purpose of serving God in a faithful relationship to Him. Then God called Moses into His presence atop Mount Sinai to give him instructions for building a tabernacle so that the Lord may dwell with His people (Ex. 24). First things first — the materials must be gathered. So God commands the people to pool their resources and offer them up as an offering for His purposes. Of course, the Lord does not need their offerings. After all, whatever they give to God, the Creator of all things, is already His. While He does not need their offering, he certainly desires their offering. God would only take from those who were “willing to give” (Ex. 25:2). Those who willingly gave an offering would not only participate in the immediate blessing of building a tabernacle that housed the presence of God’s glory but they also would foreshadow the work of Christ and His Church (Heb. 8:5–6). Likewise, we ought to give “not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Offering is an opportunity for worship. Do you give for any other reason than for cheerful thanksgiving to the giver of life, salvation and joy?
The Purpose (25:8–9)
God is very clear to Moses; there is no wiggle room for deviation from the blueprint. The tabernacle was to be constructed exactly to plan. An ark, topped with a mercy seat nestled between two gold cherubim, would house the tablets of the law. A golden lampstand, modeled after an almond tree in bloom, would be constructed as a solid piece. From furniture to priestly garb, every last element of the tabernacle is described in precise detail. These rules, like the laws, reflected God’s perfection, orderliness and holiness. The tabernacle itself highlights this point. The structure was split between the Holy Place, where the priests could enter often, and the Most Holy Place, where only the High Priest could enter annually before God’s presence atop the mercy seat. It is clear that center of worship is not the tabernacle nor the ritual but God Himself so that He would receive the glory. Time and again we see the works and covenants of God are for His glory. Thankfully, the works and covenants of God also are for the good of His people. Through the mediating sacrifice of the Lord Jesus and His empty tomb, we can enjoy God’s presence as a people called out from slavery of our sin and into the freedom of Christ’s righteousness.
The Leaders (31:1–6)
True to God’s character, He does not simply command Israel to obey Him without also giving them the tools and power needed for their obedience. God selects Bezalel and Oholiab to equip them for the work ahead. God gives them wisdom, understanding, artistic abilities and above all else the Holy Spirit (Ex. 31:3). God had a plan for Israel’s obedience, a plan that included empowering them to obey.
We are no different. As the apostle Paul said, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). Like Israel, God calls us to obey Him and equips us to meet that call. Our works are God’s works through us. He gives each of us various talents and gifts to accomplish His will.
Perhaps you do not know what your talents and gifts are. Ask the Lord in prayer and ask those who know you best. We are stewards of the talents and gifts that God gives us (1 Pet. 4:10). Let us glorify the Lord with gifts so that one day He may turn to us and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
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