How does Exodus 35:26 encourage us to serve God with our talents today? Setting the Scene Exodus 35 records Israel’s enthusiastic response to God’s call for materials and craftsmanship to build the tabernacle. Verse 26 highlights one beautiful slice of that moment: “And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair.” What the Verse Says • “All the skilled women” —God recognizes specific abilities already present. • “Whose hearts were stirred” —inner motivation matters as much as outward talent. • “Spun the goat hair” —an ordinary domestic skill becomes sacred service when offered to the Lord. Timeless Principles on Using Our Talents • God both gives and notices practical abilities, not just “religious” gifts (James 1:17). • Genuine service springs from a heart moved by gratitude, not compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • No skill is too common to be consecrated; when offered, it becomes part of God’s dwelling work (1 Corinthians 10:31). Practical Ways to Apply Exodus 35:26 Today 1. Identify the craft in your hands. – Cooking, carpentry, coding, teaching, organizing, encouraging—name it intentionally. 2. Invite God to stir your heart. – Ask Him to link your skill with a kingdom need: a neighbor’s meal, church tech support, children’s lessons, administrative help. 3. Spin the “goat hair” you already possess. – Start small and local; the women in Exodus used what sat in their laps. 4. Work alongside the community of faith. – Their yarn joined boards, gold, and gemstones. Your part matters equally. 5. Offer excellence as worship. – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Romans 12:6 —“We have different gifts according to the grace given us.” • 1 Peter 4:10 —“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • Proverbs 3:9 —“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Exodus 31:3 —Bezalel was “filled…with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” Closing Thoughts Exodus 35:26 assures us that God still sees, stirs, and sanctifies everyday talents. When our hearts respond, the ordinary threads we spin become part of His extraordinary, enduring dwelling among His people. |
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