Fathful Workers

O. T. #256 "Faithful Workers"
March 28, 2014
Exodus 36-Part 1
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.  Exodus 36:1

LET IT GLOW

Verse 1 is a review. Bealeel and Aholiab were called by God to do and oversee the work the work required for constructing the Tabernacle and the priests garments. (35:30-35) They would follow the details which God gave to Moses. Every skilled worker to whom the LORD had given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work set to do it.

In this chapter, we read the descriptions of the men helping in the construction as being:

• wise hearted, which means to become a Judean; Judaize; live as a Jew;
• one in whom  the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary;
• faithful to follow all that the LORD had commanded;
• a man whose heart was stirred up to do the work

When God had qualified them for the work, then they applied themselves to it. The talents we are entrusted  with must no be laid up, but laid out; not hid in a napkin, but traded with. What have we all our gifts for, but to do good with them?  (Matthew Henry)

The workers began when Moses called them to begin.

Our church has been in the process of building a new sanctuary with classroom for a couple of years. We are blessed with members who have as their profession and hobby-electrical, construction, wall installation, artistic painting, woodwork (stairs, prayer benches), beams, and landscaping. These guys give instructions to helpers, as well as doing work themselves. They have been giving their time on Saturdays to help in the construction. Because of their volunteer labor, they are saving the church a lot of money. Certainly, we are blessed.

Our volunteer painters have had to wait until the walls were put up, mudded, and readied before the painting could begin. They have spent time painting the walls in the classrooms and offices. We have an elementary art teacher who is drawing and painting Noah's Ark and the animals in our nursery and toddler room. I told you we are blessed.

I have served on the new building committee for about five years now. We have visited other sanctuaries, employed architects, picked out carpet, roof, fixtures, whatever is needed. (We pray for God's leadership in what pleases Him.) I did not realize there was so much that went into building a new building, much less a new sanctuary.

Not only is there the physical building where the church meets, but there is also the people, called the church. We have teachers, deacons, directors, and a pastor.

Are we doing our part in reaching people with the gospel of Jesus?
Are we willing to do God's work when He calls us to a task?
Are we faithful in building up the spiritual house of our people?
Are we faithful to complete it?


LET IT GROW

Verse 3 tells us that the people, Israelites, continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning.

Are we faithful to bring our offerings of praise and thanksgiving, prayers, our self as a servant surrender unto the Lord each morning?
God's grace is free; His compassions are new each morning.

LET IT GO

Be a faithful servant to the Lord Jesus.

Give myself to the Lord's work.

Spend time with my heavenly Father in personal worship each morning.

Be ready when God's time is right.