Exodus 31
-Here in this chapter we see some interesting and completed
thoughts and writings in the arenas of craftsmanship and rest. God completes
His speaking with Moses on the mountain and gives him the stone tablets of the
testimony, which were written by His finger.
-God uses the gifts, talents, and abilities in His precise
callings. He calls by name Bezalel from the tribe of Judah and Oholiab from the
tribe of Dan as skilled craftsmen to do the work of the tabernacle. They would
need great artistry in the prescribe designs of gold, silver, bronze, cutting
stones for settings, carving of wood in all the different requirements for
God’s place of worship. Nothing was left out. All the things the LORD commanded
for tabernacle worship are listed here for these men and their helpers are
appointed to them for completion. These are the men that carry out the work and
bring glory to God through the skills that He had blessed them with.
*Application* There is certainly no unimportant part of the body of Christ. He
gifts and ordains each part of it (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians
4:1-15, 1 Peter 4:10-11). Recognize and embrace the giftings that the LORD has
endowed you with for His Kingdom work (1 Timothy 4:14).
-Rest is the final key component that the LORD reiterates
with His servant Moses. The Sabbath rest is to be surely observed as a sign
between God and His people throughout all generations for the purpose of them
knowing that it is He who sanctifies (sets apart, purifies). It is holy to the
people and is punishable by death or being cut off from the society if they
profane or disregard it. This also reiterates the six days of creation as being
literal. On the seventh day God rested from His labor as a completed-good work
and was refreshed (Genesis 1:31-2:3, Exodus 31:17). *Application* Too often we
want to strive and strive and strive. Even when we may be doing good and needed
work in the Name of the LORD, we can become burned out and exhausted. God’s
prescription is abundantly clear. We need that time of refreshing each week
that we set apart as holy, reflecting on Him and doing no intensive work. Take
the time each week to get your proper spiritual, mental, physical, and
emotional rest. Recharge so that you stay sharp in the work that you are doing
in continuity and with endurance. At times we may even need sabbatical type
rests to refocus and abide in the LORD. Nothing is more important than tuning
in to His voice and His plans for us. If we are not careful in our modern-busy
society, we will get too bogged down in the minutia and totally miss the
bigger, more important things that the LORD intends for our lives. Take thought
to how God renews you through His periods of rest in your life. Also,
appreciate the times of rest and reflection He gives you and do not fret over
what is not being done. God is in control and will work even when we sleep
(Psalm 127:1-2).
Verse to Memorize:
Exodus 31:18
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