Excitement for the Work
Exodus 36:1-7 has always impressed me. We are often very critical of the Israelites in the wilderness, but here is a case in which we can see them working for God’s glory and celebrate it.
Last week, I wrote about the command of God to build the tabernacle and He gave the details on how He wanted it made. It was a big project. Now, we are reading of the craftsmen undertaking the work and contributions that were made to support it.
Chapter 36:1-2 mentions 2 men by name, but they were not the only craftsmen. There were others. God had given them knowledge and talent to accomplish what He commanded. Perhaps this is a good reminder that God equips us to accomplish what He wants us to do. We all have talents and abilities that can be used for His glory. Those abilities can be honed and sharpened over a lifetime so that as we mature, we serve Him to a greater degree as days go by.
Verses 3-5 show the generosity of those contributing to the work. They were bringing free-will offerings, but continued to bring those offerings as the work was being done. Imagine the excitement in their hearts as the work began and as they watch everything begin to take shape. They brought so much that the workmen came to Moses and said they had more than enough. We should all be excited about the work of the Lord! We offer Him of our resources, our labors, our time, and our energy for His kingdom. We should feel a sense of excitement.
“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11–14)
We should feel a sense of hope and anticipation as we wait for the appearing of our Savior. That should translate over to an excitement and zeal about doing His work on this earth and bringing glory to Him.