What lessons from Exodus 39:35 can guide our worship and service to God?

The heart of the tabernacle: seeing Christ in the ark

Exodus 39:35 lists “the ark of the Testimony with its poles, and the mercy seat.” Every item points to truths that shape how we worship and serve today.

• The ark contained the tablets of the Law (Deuteronomy 10:2). God’s Word is to be at the center of gathered worship and daily obedience.

• Above the tablets rested the mercy seat, sprinkled with sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16:14-15). Justice and mercy meet here—fulfilled in Christ (Romans 3:25). We approach God only through the finished work of Jesus.

• God promised, “There I will meet with you” (Exodus 25:22). Authentic worship seeks His real presence, not mere ritual.

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Carrying poles: readiness and reverence

• The ark was never to be touched directly (Numbers 4:15). Holiness demands reverence; casual irreverence still grieves God (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

• Fixed poles signaled mobility—God leads, we follow. Worship fuels mission; we must be willing to move when He moves (Matthew 28:19-20).

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Crafted exactly as God commanded: the priority of obedience

• The phrase “just as the LORD had commanded Moses” repeats throughout Exodus 39. True service is measured by faith-filled obedience, not creative alternatives (1 Samuel 15:22).

• Detailed craftsmanship (Exodus 31:2-5) shows that excellence honors God. Our gifts, skills, and resources deserve similar care for His glory (Colossians 3:23-24).

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Mercy seat: confidence and humility in prayer

• Blood on the mercy seat illustrates substitutionary atonement. Because Christ’s blood speaks better things (Hebrews 12:24), we draw near “with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) yet remain humbled that entry is granted, never earned.

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Guiding principles for today

– Center every gathering, ministry, and decision on God’s revealed Word.

– Keep the gospel—Christ’s atoning work—explicit and primary.

– Approach God with reverent awe, guarding against casual familiarity.

– Remain flexible and willing to go wherever He sends.

– Pursue excellence and meticulous obedience in every act of service.

Exodus 39:35 may be a single verse in a list, yet it quietly summons us to Word-centered, Christ-exalting, reverent, obedient, and mission-ready worship.