Lives of Obedience
Exodus 36:20-22: "Then he made the upright frames for the tabernacle of acacia wood. Ten cubits was the length of a frame, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each frame. Each frame had two tenons for fitting together. He did this for all the frames of the tabernacle."
Bezalel and Oholiab and all their craftspeople gave their inspired talents and gifts to work on the tabernacle. Take a moment to recall the past few chapters with all the details God had provided for the construction of the tabernacle. Bezalel and his team followed every single command and adhered to every single detail. Although they had been given great gifts of artistry, they did not veer off on their own inspiration but aligned their gifts and talents to the faithful service the Lord and Moses throughout the project. There was no assertion of their will or ideas; instead, they modeled what it means to surrender themselves unto the Lord.
Surrender can be a tough word. No one wants to sacrifice his or her will and rights and to act as their own authority. As Christians, that is not how we are called to live. Like the construction of the tabernacle, the Lord has provided us with specific instructions of how to live. Paul writes to Timothy about this instruction:
Bezalel and Oholiab and all their craftspeople gave their inspired talents and gifts to work on the tabernacle. Take a moment to recall the past few chapters with all the details God had provided for the construction of the tabernacle. Bezalel and his team followed every single command and adhered to every single detail. Although they had been given great gifts of artistry, they did not veer off on their own inspiration but aligned their gifts and talents to the faithful service the Lord and Moses throughout the project. There was no assertion of their will or ideas; instead, they modeled what it means to surrender themselves unto the Lord.
Surrender can be a tough word. No one wants to sacrifice his or her will and rights and to act as their own authority. As Christians, that is not how we are called to live. Like the construction of the tabernacle, the Lord has provided us with specific instructions of how to live. Paul writes to Timothy about this instruction:
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:14-17
Throughout the Scriptures, we are told how to love God and to love others; how to steward our time, resources, and gifts; how to live in faithful covenantal relationships; and how to love and honor the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Beyond his Word, God leads us with his Holy Spirit to discern what is good and right to do. While he has entrusted us with gifts and discernment, ultimately all of that is to be lived under his direction and guidance. As king, he is the authority in our lives.
Bezalel and his tabernacle team modeled lives of obedience and generosity of spirit toward God. They honored the word of the Lord spoken through Moses, and they sought to honor every detail of that word. Is that how you view Scripture? Do you believe that it is God-breathed and given for your instruction, or do you typically defer to your will and your desires? The model of the tabernacle is the model for our lives. God gives the details, and we are called to honor those details and to give our lives for his service.
Reflection:
What is the ultimate authority in your life - God's Word or you? Could the Lord be calling you to realign your life and surrender to him in a new way today? Spend some time listening to him and allowing him to convict you with his Word. As we have read repeatedly in Exodus, obedience of generosity to the Lord brings blessings and life. His desire for you is that you would use your gifts and talents for him and his glory!
Bezalel and his tabernacle team modeled lives of obedience and generosity of spirit toward God. They honored the word of the Lord spoken through Moses, and they sought to honor every detail of that word. Is that how you view Scripture? Do you believe that it is God-breathed and given for your instruction, or do you typically defer to your will and your desires? The model of the tabernacle is the model for our lives. God gives the details, and we are called to honor those details and to give our lives for his service.
Reflection:
What is the ultimate authority in your life - God's Word or you? Could the Lord be calling you to realign your life and surrender to him in a new way today? Spend some time listening to him and allowing him to convict you with his Word. As we have read repeatedly in Exodus, obedience of generosity to the Lord brings blessings and life. His desire for you is that you would use your gifts and talents for him and his glory!
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