Exodus 36 and 37

ByMatt Fitzwater

I’m finally getting back on track after losing an hour to the time change. This morning’s reading was Exodus 36 and 37. The Israelites are building the Tabernacle, a portable tent/sanctuary to house the Ark of the Covenant, and to signal God’s Holy presence.

God gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to build and furnish the Tabernacle, as the Lord had commanded. It struck me how incredibly talented these craftsmen were; they could work in multiple mediums, from gold, bronze, wood, and pottery, to cloth. I wonder about each of the unique gifts God has given us. Are we using our gifts to get closer to God, to serve and build each other up, to carry out what Christ commands of us?

‘18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”‘
Matthew 28:18-20

This passage makes me think we need to pray for God’s wisdom and ability to build people up in their faith in Jesus. We need to work on our faith daily to build each other up and the church. We need to pray and study God’s Word, and encourage others. We are building a Holy Church; we have the Holy Spirit in us; we are like a portable sanctuary signaling God’s presence.

In Romans 15, Paul is encouraging the early Christians in Rome to support one another, especially those who are weaker in faith, so that the community can be united in Christ. This fits with the idea of building each other up, as the Israelites worked together to build the Tabernacle.

‘We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. ‘
Romans 15:2

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for the perfect gift of Jesus Christ, who makes us right with you. Lord, I pray for wisdom, insight, and the ability to do your will, to build your church, to live my true purpose. Lord, let the light of Christ shine through me today, make your gift of Christ easy for people to see in me. In the wonderful, majestic name of Jesus. Amen

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