How does Exodus 35:10 connect with the New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts? Setting the Scene: Exodus 35:10 “Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded.” Skill Given by God: The Old Testament Pattern - The call is specific: “every skilled craftsman.” The ability is recognized as real, tangible, and God-given (see Exodus 31:2-6). - The task is sacred: constructing the Tabernacle, the earthly dwelling where God would manifest His presence. - The command underscores stewardship: those craftsmen were to employ their God-bestowed abilities exactly “as the LORD has commanded,” not for self-display but for divine glory. From Tabernacle Craftsmen to Christ’s Body: Continuity of Gifts - God’s provision of craftsmanship prefigures the broader distribution of abilities in the New Covenant. - Just as the Tabernacle foreshadowed Christ (John 1:14; Hebrews 8:5), the craftsmen foreshadow Spirit-empowered believers who now build up the living Temple—the church (1 Corinthians 3:16). New Testament Echoes: Diverse Gifts for One Purpose - “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4) - “To each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7) - “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10) Key parallels: • Source: In Exodus, God fills Bezaleel and Oholiab “with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability.” (Exodus 31:3-6). In the NT, the same Spirit distributes gifts “just as He determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11). • Purpose: Old Covenant craftsmen built the Tabernacle; New Covenant believers build up the church (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Diversity: Multiple skills—woodwork, metals, weaving—mirrored in a variety of spiritual gifts—teaching, serving, exhorting, giving, leading, showing mercy (Romans 12:4-8). • Accountability: Craftsmen followed exact patterns (Exodus 25:40). Believers minister “in accordance with the faith God has distributed.” (Romans 12:6). Practical Takeaways for Today - Recognize your gift: Every believer has at least one Spirit-given ability. - Honor the Giver: Skills, natural or supernatural, come from the same sovereign Lord; offer them back for His glory. - Serve the body: Gifts reach full purpose only in community, just as the Tabernacle required many artisans. - Pursue excellence: The craftsmen worked with precision; believers are called to minister “decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40). - Depend on the Spirit: Ability alone wasn’t enough—God filled the workers with His Spirit; likewise, serve “by the strength God supplies.” (1 Peter 4:11). |
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