Here in Exodus 35, Moses assembled the people and reminded them of their sacred obligation to set aside the seventh day for rest. Moses probably feared that the people of Israel, in their zeal to erect the tabernacle, might neglect the Sabbath day. But Moses reinforced the importance of keeping that day and added a sobering threat of capital punishment for any who might violate the Sabbath. I wonder if that would work for Sunday services? Just a thought. J Moses next repeated God’s command to take an offering from among the people to furnish the materials for the tabernacle. The people withdrew from Moses and returned to their dwelling places to secure items for the offering. Apparently the people responded with an almost unanimous willingness. Wow! Everyone participating in the offering! I just love this chapter. The offering itself would provide the materials needed for building the tabernacle, the priestly garments, and all related functions. They brought to Moses gold jewelry, brooches, rings, linen, spices for the oil, and related items covered in chapters 25-28. God also used the talents of the people, such as women who could spin goat hair into fine linen. It never fails to humble me to watch the amount of talented people God has entrusted to Faith Baptist Church. It is a joy to watch each of you participating in the ministry God has entrusted to us as a body. No doubt the general offering allowed for such participation that the people now possessed ownership in setting up the elaborate worship center. The sacrificial system and worship rituals would form the center of Jewish life and serve as the primary vehicle for God’s blessing to rest upon the people. However, the text is clear, if the people neglected this opportunity for worship or observed its features in a mechanical or hypocritical manner, they would risk losing God’s presence among them. This is such a great reminder that we have an amazing privilege to participate in God’s program for this dispensation, the local church.
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to never take for granted the privilege it is to participate in your plan of the local church.
- Lord, please help me to be faithful with the gifting and talents you have entrusted to me, and with the position and responsibility that you have given.
- Lord, thank you for your presence, and may we always remember to honor you and glorify you in all that we do.