The True Builder

God knows the plans He has for us…

Ex 35:1-9
Then Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and said to them, “These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do.
:2 For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.
:3 “You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.
:4 And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying,
:5 "Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze,
:6 and blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goats’ hair,
:7 and rams’ skins dyed red, and porpoise skins, and acacia wood,
:8 and oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for fragrant incense,
:9 and onyx stones and setting stones, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.

(Every single thing used pointed to Jesus Christ.)

“See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
:31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship:
:32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze,
:33 and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work."
:34 “He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
:35 He has filled them with wisdom to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

 The whole process of leading the Israelites through the building of the Tabernacle where You, Father, would meet with them, is so inspiring for us today.

You are such a God of order and wisdom.

This was the order:
First, You spoke to Moses and gave Him the words to speak to the Israelites. You gave Him the plan.

• (Ex 35:2). Then Moses spoke to the people about the Sabbath rest. You knew they needed to obey the Sabbath rest . Surely many would be so excited and “into” their work so much that they would want to keep on working until done, without resting. The work was intricate and was all to be of excellent quality. This was a holy work which was to be done.

 This so reminded me of when working on crochet, knitting, or even reading a book, I never want to stop until finished, especially doing hand work.
But in Your wisdom You knew the importance of rest so that the absolute excellence of work would not suffer.

• (35:5) Moses then instructed whoever had a willing heart was to give a contribution (heave offering, an offering made as a present)
• (35:10) Every skillful man was to come and make all that the Lord commanded. And Moses then proceeded to explain all that needed to be made.
• (35:21) The offerings were received. Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S offering for the work of the Tabernacle, its service and for the holy garments. 

In thinking of all the gold, silver, and valuable materials that needed to be given, the thought came to me that the Israelites had been slaves. They had been very poor. They were given these valuable things by the Egyptians according to God’s favor and plan at the exodus out of Egypt.. (Ex 12:35-36) These slaves all of a sudden had expensive jewelry and clothing from the rich. Yet when God stirred their hearts to give for the sake of building the tabernacle, they willingly let go of these new treasures. This is how they had the provision to build the Tabernacle.

God sees and considers the needs of the future.

•    (35:30You then called out Bezalel and filled him with Your Spirit in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship  and to perform every inventive work. Also along with Oholiab, You put in their heart to teach and perform every work with wisdom of heart.
• (Ex 36:2) Moses then called Bezalel and Oholiab and every person in whose heart You had put wisdom, and whose heart stirred him to come to the work to perform it.

           This was an amazing process guided by Your Spirit every step of the way.
This reminds me so, Father, of the assurance we Your children have in Your providing everything needed to do the work on this earth that You created us for. Our confidence can rest in Your love and faithfulness toward us so that Your will comes to completion.
            You truly are the Master Builder. Your voice speaks to us and directs us. You give  a willing heart to obey, You provide the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge through filling us with Your Spirit. You stir the hearts of people with the needed gifts and talents, to join in the work, and You provide any material thing needed.

In this passage of Ex 35 and 36:1-2 at least 10 times it is mentioned that YOU filled, stirred, moved, or put in the heart of the people that which was necessary to complete the task. Wow!

Thank you Father, that You are teaching us to trust You and to place all of our  confidence in You.  This is true rest.