Thursday, May 19 – Exodus 36:1-7

“Now Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the Lord has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with everything that the Lord has commanded.”

 

Then Moses called Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it. They received from Moses every contribution which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him voluntary offerings every morning. And all the skillful people who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which they were performing, and they said to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the Lord commanded us to perform.” So Moses issued a command, and circulated a proclamation throughout the camp, saying, “No man or woman is to perform work any longer for the contributions of the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it.

Have you heard the phrase “many hands make light work”? We use this phrase to express that a team effort can go a long way to get the job done. As each person was contributing to the project of the tabernacle as they felt led, they came to the end of the project and had more than was needed to the point that they discouraged people from bringing any more resources. What would happen in the church if we were equally obedient as God calls us to use what we have for His glory? He is not looking for one person to complete the job all by themselves but gives us each the opportunity to use our gifts to glorify Him.

Each person had a unique and special role to play in the tabernacle effort. They each gave according to their ability as God led them and that was more than enough. The work of the kingdom of God is not a burden meant to be carried by any individual within the church. It is a master plan that we each have opportunity to contribute to and glorify God in.

• Where do you struggle the most: trying to do everything yourself or finding your place to serve God? Why?
• Why is it important to listen when God stirs your heart?
• Pray and ask God what part you have to play in serving Him today.