Ex. 37, 38

Bezalel and the other craftsmen who contributed to the creation of the worship elements of the Tabernacle were gifted of God and no doubt were very highly skilled. They used the finest of materials; pure gold, silver, bronze, lavish yarns and materials that were the best to be found. There was a standard of excellence displayed in the entire Tabernacle preparation.

God deserves our best. At the top of the list is a pure heart and motive, elements of our attitude and diligence. Then, we give our supreme effort to bring God glory in all that we do. He deserves it.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [Col. 3:23]

Ex. 35, 36

Moses had challenged the people of Israel to bring materials – gold, silver, bronze, and fine linen etc. to be used in the construction of the Tabernacle. They brought “more than enough,” because their hearts were willing, having been moved by the request.

God inspires us in this manner. We experience a moving in our hearts and ask, “What can I do or bring to the Lord?” Rest assured, God will clarify what the need is and begin moving in your heart to accomplish His purposes. Just stay close to Him in prayer and through His Word. He will speak.

Ex. 33, 34

God told Moses, “No man shall see my face and live.” God passed by Moses and allowed him to see His glory, but not His face. God was preparing mankind for the day when He would show His face … it was the face of Jesus. Christ Jesus put a face on God. Jesus said, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.”

Ex. 31-32

God gave enabling abilities to craftsman who worked on constructing the Tabernacle. These talents were designed into their personhood by their Creator. In His foreknowledge, God knew they would use their abilities to create the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

God still does this. He gives innate abilities to children to be used in their life’s calling. Parents are wise to recognize them and work with them instead of imposing their own will upon a child’s life direction. This is one of the great joys of parenting – discovering a chlld’s talents and abilities as they mature.

Ex. 29, 30

The offerings daily and on special occasions in the Tabernacle must have looked like a butcher shop. Yet, there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. Paul tells us that the sacrifice system and the laws given to Moses are intended to lead us to Christ.

When Christ shed his blood on the cross, he put an end to sacrifices. He was the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. We are to be eternally grateful to him for taking our place and shedding his blood instead of ours. For this we praise him forever.

Ex. 26-28

The quality, forethought, and intention of the tabernacle and the elements prepared for ministry unto the Lord is staggering. Only the finest materials and excellence were combined to give dignity and prominence to what was to happen on a daily basis throughout Israel’s existence.

Our priesthood preparation is not about physical and material objects. It’s about life experiences that teach us the truths about God and His Kingdom. The gold we experience is refining life episodes that purify our hearts. The garments we wear are of praise and prayer. The glory revealed in our lives is that of character and Christ-likeness.

The latter house is greater than the former.

Ex. 23-25

Most of the articles of worship in the Tabernacle were made of pure gold. This speaks of the value and priority God put upon the practice of fellowship with Him. Gold is the most precious metal we have. It’s value exceeds all others. That’s the way God wants our relationship with Him to be … of greater value and priority than any other earthly activity.

Ex. 21, 22

The law of Moses clarified offenses and penalties in a very practical and judicial manner. Our civil laws we’re no doubt influenced and shaped by the mandates Moses gave to the Israelites. The obvious goal was equitable solutions to life’s problems and crimes. The law championed fair and humane treatment of the offended and the offender. The current trends of riot and unlawfulness can only be interpreted as ungodliness. Unless these offenders seek God’s grace and forgiveness, they will be appropriately penalized. God sees all.

Ex. 18-20

When the Israelites were to bring their offering to the Lord, it was to be built upon uncut stones that were natural and without human manipulation. This speaks of wholehearted sincerity before the Lord.

Ex. 17

When Moses lifted his arms on the mountain, the Israelites prevailed against the Amalekites. Raising your hands to God in prayer brings the victory.