In what ways does Exodus 36:24 inspire us to contribute to God's work today? Setting the Scene “Each frame had two tenons for fitting together. So he did for all the frames of the tabernacle.” — Exodus 36:24 Skilled craftsmen shaped forty-eight identical acacia-wood frames for the tabernacle. Every frame included “two tenons,” tongue-and-groove joints that locked each plank to its neighbor. Nothing flashy—just sturdy, precise, dependable work that allowed God’s dwelling place to stand in the wilderness. What This Verse Teaches About Contributing Today • Every piece mattered – No frame was optional; leave one out and the structure weakens (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). – Likewise, every believer’s gift, time, and resources are essential to the church’s health. • Designed to connect – “Two tenons” ensured each board joined another. The tabernacle was never a pile of individual planks. – Our service is meant to interlock with others, fostering unity (Ephesians 4:16). • Excellence for God’s house – The craftsmen followed God’s blueprint exactly (Exodus 25:9; 36:1). – God-honoring work today still demands accuracy, integrity, and skill, whether teaching a class, balancing the church budget, or repairing a widow’s porch (Colossians 3:23). • Quiet faithfulness – Frames aren’t spotlight pieces like the ark or lampstand, yet without them the glory articles had no setting. – Hidden acts—praying for missionaries, vacuuming fellowship-hall carpet—uphold visible ministries (Matthew 6:4). Practical Ways to “Fit Together” Now 1. Identify your “tenons”: spiritual gifts, natural abilities, professional skills (1 Peter 4:10). 2. Look for the sockets: situations where those abilities meet real needs in your congregation or community. 3. Offer material resources: Israel donated gold, linen, and wood (Exodus 35:21–22); we give finances, tools, and supplies. 4. Guard unity: refuse gossip or division that splits the boards apart (Philippians 2:2). 5. Finish the job: the craftsmen didn’t stop at rough lumber; they shaped, smoothed, and assembled. Commit to long-term, consistent service (Galatians 6:9). Encouragement From Other Scriptures • Haggai 1:8—“Go up into the hills, bring wood, and build the house.” God still calls His people to supply the raw materials. • Ephesians 2:19–22—We are “being built together” into a dwelling for God’s Spirit. • 2 Corinthians 9:7—Give “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Living It Out The unnoticed boards of Exodus 36:24 still preach: ordinary pieces, carefully shaped and firmly joined, become the sanctuary of the living God. Contribute your piece—your skills, your resources, your steady faithfulness—and watch the greater structure rise to display His glory. |
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