How can we apply the craftsmanship in Exodus 37:28 to our service to God? Setting the Scene Exodus 37 describes Bezalel fashioning the altar of incense. Buried in the paragraph is a single, straightforward statement: “He also made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.” (Exodus 37:28) Those poles were simple, functional items, yet Scripture preserves their dimensions, materials, and finish. That alone tells us something: God cares about every detail offered to Him. Why Does God Highlight the Poles? • Precision: Every measurement matches the blueprint God gave Moses (Exodus 25:9). • Beauty: Common acacia is transformed by gleaming gold—utility wrapped in splendor. • Mobility: The poles ensured the altar could travel with Israel; worship wasn’t confined to one place. • Partnership: Skilled artisans obeyed, but the design originated with God (Exodus 31:3-5). Timeless Principles for Modern Servants 1. Small tasks matter. If God records wooden poles, He notices our unseen acts of service (Luke 16:10). 2. Excellence honors the Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). 3. Function can be beautiful. Practical ministry should still reflect God’s splendor (Psalm 27:4). 4. Be ready to move. Like the poles, our gifts should make God’s presence portable to workplaces, schools, neighborhoods (Matthew 28:19-20). 5. Sanctified materials. Acacia plus gold mirrors ordinary lives overlaid by divine grace (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Practical Ways to Craft Our Service • Plan carefully. Write the lesson, arrange the chairs, tune the guitar—prepare as prayerfully as Bezalel measured acacia. • Choose quality over convenience. When possible, use the “gold overlay” option—better resources, extra rehearsal, thoughtful communication. • Combine beauty with usefulness. A clean bulletin, a welcoming foyer, a well-designed website can all lift eyes to the Lord. • Stay mobile. Keep a Bible app, a ready testimony, and margin in your schedule so you can respond quickly when God opens a door. • Serve as a team. The poles only fulfilled their purpose when carried by priests together (Numbers 4:15); cooperate with others’ gifts (1 Peter 4:10). • Guard purity. Gold overlay reminds us to keep motives pure so ministry doesn’t tarnish (1 Corinthians 10:31). Encouragement for the Week Poles of acacia overlaid with gold may seem insignificant, yet they upheld an altar where fragrant incense rose before God. In the same way, your deliberate, excellent, and sometimes unnoticed craftsmanship can uphold worship and spread His presence wherever He leads. |
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