August 11, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in selections from Exodus and Romans? Here’s today’s reading:
Exodus 36 (NIV)
1 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.”
2 Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.……Continue Reading
Exodus 36
The people gave so willingly of the materials that they were told to stop bringing them because there was plenty. Imagine having that blessing of giving in over abundance and told to stop. But the Lord blessed all that took part in giving time and materials and I am sure that they were joyful in it. We also appreciate how the church is coming together to help Melodye and me. We are so grateful and humbled and are overwhelmed. But Melodye and myself have dedicated this property of ours to the Lord since we moved here about ten years ago and are seeing the Lord work. How ever He wants to use this property; He is free to for it is His. Keep praying please. God bless you all.
It is interesting that God includes here the details of how the tabernacle was constructed. The reason is to show the people followed His instructions given before. It is a fitting model for the obedience that should follow all of God’s instructions. And it is amazing that the people had to be told to stop giving because the people building had enough. it reminds me of how appreciative I am for the generosity of those at Living Hope for the 25 years we have been a church and we have never operated in the red.
”Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work.“
Exodus 36:2 NKJV
It would be an interesting study to research this “heart stirring”. These men are internally motivated to serve the Lord. And the people freely give above and beyond what is needed. This flies in the face of the doctrine of “total depravity.” Yes, I know, man is unable to stand before God and is utterly sinful, but man does have the free will to choose good or evil…and he can choose good.
Interesting thought, Amy…but I think that you answer your own question here…man is totally depraved when it comes to our standing before God. However, our standing before God does not preclude a person from choosing to do benevolent things. We see it all over the world. Many, many people who reject Jesus choose to do kind and benevolent things…things that we could classify as “good”. But, God’s Word always helps us out, directing us to His thoughts…Romans 3:9 helps us recognize that while we might be able to choose to do nice things for other people…God’s standard of good is completely different, and because He is God, we must adapt our perspective to His.
Ephesians 2:10 really helps me out here, and prevents any chance of beginning to give myself or others any credit for their “good” works. I believe it relates to the passage here in Exodus as well…for the Word says that their hearts “were stirred”. They are motivated from within (their heart) But did they stir themselves? Or where they stirred by God – the One who works upon and looks upon the heart? Ephesians 2:10 would indicate that our good works were prepared beforehand, by God…our good works are really His…and without Christ, we are totally depraved before God, regardless of the world’s standard of “good”.
Thanks for the comment…really got me thinking!
This chapter is a wonderful picture of people coming together to give their time, talents, and resources so generously and freely to complete God’s work and following His instructions to the letter. It does remind me of our church and when we need something accomplished everyone comes together in their way to fill the needs!