Exodus 28 – The Priestly Garments: The Ephod, breastpiece and other priestly garments
Exodus 39 – The Priestly Garments; Moses Inspects the Tabernacle
Exodus 29 – Consecration of the Priests
Exodus 30 – The Altar of Incense, Atonement Money, Basin for Washing, Anointing Oil and Incense
Exodus 31 – Bezalel and Oholiab; The Sabbath
Thoughts about serving others
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
In comparing Exodus 28 to 39 we see the design and implementation side by side. God commands Moses to have the priestly garments (and other implements) created with very specific details. As discussed yesterday, the requirements are very exacting. The only way this could be done is if someone stepped up and dedicated themselves to the work of the Lord. That’s where Bezalel and Oholiab step into the picture. Not kings or judges, not prophets or apostles, these men were chosen because of their great skill. Bezalel was filled “with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills–to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts” (Exodus 31:2-6 & 35:30-33). Oholiab was chosen as a skilled teacher. Together they did the work of creating all of the items in the royal tent (including the tent itself).
This is great motivation for me to read and should encourage all those who labor for the Lord. Bezalel doesn’t get a lot of attention in the narrative of the Bible and is probably not frequently preached on, but he and Oholiab were those responsible for creating the place of worship, for setting the stage upon which the priests and leaders could do their part. God indeed blessed them with skills, but I believe it was because Bezalel and Oholiab had proven themselves before the Exodus 35 statement was penned. Most of us want to be skilled at something, but most lack the resolve to put in the effort to get to the finish line. In the arts, there is no finish line, just continual improvement. Sports are popular because there are boundaries and time limits, music and art are not about perfection, they are more about the spirit of the craft.
God honors these men by including them in the Bible for us to learn by example. I can only be useful by learning my craft and honing my skills and rejoicing in the Lord every day. Whatever talents God has given us, he has a purpose and reason behind it. Our responsibility is to do our best for Christ every day, without regard to fame or glory on earth or among men–only with regard to Christ the King. We read the Bible and we should know What Would Jesus Do, the question remains, What Will I Do with that knowledge? What will I do with the time and talents God has given me. In ancient days, they needed a tent and items of worship to focus their attention. After 430 years of slavery, they needed a whole new way of life. God provided that for them in many ways, including the hands of skilled artisans. Lord use me in this way. Take this clay and make with it something beautiful for your kingdom. Forgive me for secret desires of fame and fortune, of wealth and notoriety. Change me within for the sake of the Gospel and fill me with wisdom and skill beyond my understanding for your glory.