How can Exodus 37:10 inspire us to honor God in our craftsmanship? Setting the Scene Exodus 37 records Bezalel’s meticulous work on the tabernacle furnishings. Verse 10 zeros in on one piece: “He constructed the table of acacia wood, two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.” (Exodus 37:10) Key Observations from Exodus 37:10 • Specific wood: acacia—durable, resistant to decay. • Precise dimensions—nothing left to guesswork. • Purpose—this table would hold the Bread of the Presence, symbolizing continual fellowship between God and His people (Leviticus 24:5-9). • Crafted under divine instruction—Bezalel followed the pattern God gave Moses on the mountain (Exodus 25:23-30). Principles for Our Craftsmanship Today 1. God cares about materials. • If He specified acacia, we should choose resources that best serve His purposes, not merely what is cheapest or easiest. 2. God values precision. • Exact measurements show that excellence matters. Loose, “good-enough” standards fall short when we serve a holy God. 3. Craftsmanship can be worship. • Bezalel’s work was not secular labor; it was sanctuary service (Exodus 31:1-5). 4. Our work supports bigger purposes. • The table enabled ongoing worship by holding the bread. Likewise, our skills can facilitate gospel witness and church life. Practical Ways to Honor God in Our Work • Plan carefully. Sketch, measure, and review before you begin, mirroring the intentionality of Exodus 37:10. • Use quality materials within your means, reflecting integrity and durability. • Work skillfully and avoid shortcuts. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) • Invite the Spirit’s enabling. Bezalel was “filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” (Exodus 31:3) Ask for His guidance each step. • Finish well. God’s instructions included finishing touches (Exodus 37:11-12). Presentation matters because it speaks of the God we serve. Encouraging Examples from Scripture • The temple artisans under Solomon—“all were skilled in performing every kind of work for the service of the house of God.” (1 Chronicles 28:21) • Hiram of Tyre—“endowed with skill, understanding, and knowledge for all kinds of bronze work.” (1 Kings 7:14) • Paul’s tentmaking—manual labor used to advance gospel ministry (Acts 18:3). • Proverbs 22:29—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Final Encouragement Exodus 37:10 shows that even a table’s length, width, and height matter to God. When we mirror that same care—whether in woodworking, coding, cooking, or any craft—we declare His worthiness. Let every saw cut, brush stroke, or keystroke become an act of worship, proclaiming, “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 15:3). |
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