What does Exodus 36:17 teach us about following God's plans in our work? Focus verse “He made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain of the first set, and fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain of the second set, so that the loops lined up opposite one another.” (Exodus 36:17) Setting the scene • God had already given Moses exact blueprints for the tabernacle (Exodus 25–31). • Bezalel, Oholiab, and their team are now carrying out those plans without alteration (Exodus 36:1). • Exodus 36:17 zooms in on a single detail: fifty loops placed precisely so two large sets of curtains would align perfectly. What this verse shows about following God’s plans in our work • Detailed obedience matters. Even “just” sewing loops received divine attention. • Accuracy honors God. The craftsmen matched loop to loop “so that the loops lined up opposite one another,” refusing to eyeball or approximate. • Small parts serve a grand purpose. These quiet loops would hold gold clasps (v. 13) that united the entire covering—no loops, no tabernacle roof. • Teamwork functions under God’s design. One set of curtains was useless without the corresponding set. God’s plan required each worker to stay synchronized. • Faithful craftsmanship reflects God’s own character of order and precision (1 Corinthians 14:33; Psalm 104:24). Supporting Scripture • Exodus 25:9 — “Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” • Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • Luke 16:10 — “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved.” Practical takeaways for today • Approach every assignment—large or small—as a stewardship from God. • Resist shortcuts that ignore the specifications God provides in His Word. • Coordinate with fellow believers so individual tasks line up with the larger mission of the church (Ephesians 4:16). • Let excellence in mundane details testify to the God of perfection you serve. |
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