Just as the LORD had Commanded Moses

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The Tabernacle was completed just as the LORD had commanded Moses
Image source: Rev. Yves Langevin

Ten times in today’s Bible reading, we see the phrase, “Just as the LORD had commanded Moses.” (Exodus 39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32; 40:19, 32). God had given Moses the blueprint for how He wanted to be worshiped.

God’s blueprint included minute details for everything in the Tabernacle from the dimensions of the Ark of the Covenant and the courtyard to the materials to be used for lining the Ark, crafting the utensils, the exterior curtains, and the robe that the priests would wear. And everything was completed just as the LORD had commanded Moses. In fact, God Himself recruited the right man for the job!

The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.”
Exodus 31:1–11 (ESV)

Application

It’s clear from God’s description of Bezalel that he was called and equipped for his trade. God calls and equips each of us for our task. Unfortunately, we have limited our understanding of “God’s calling” to apply only to those called to “the ministry”. Yes, a call to the ministry is a special calling, but it isn’t the only calling. And God equips everyone He calls (which is all of us).

Again, all of us have a calling. And each of us should see our calling and equipping for what it is: a call from God and do everything we can — empowered by the Holy Spirit — to be good stewards of the calling and gifts God has placed on our lives.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)

Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Everyone has at least one. Don’t limit yourself to thinking that only those gifts listed in the New Testament are “spiritual gifts”. God has given all kinds of gifts to His kids.

As Peter tells us above, use whatever gifts you have to bring glory to God.

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