What can we learn about obedience from the craftsmen in Exodus 36:31? Setting the scene The tabernacle project was God’s idea, God’s design, and God’s curriculum for teaching His people reverent obedience. Every peg, clasp, and board was specified (Exodus 25:8-9). The craftsmen—Bezalel, Oholiab, and their team—responded by following the instructions down to the smallest detail. A snapshot of Exodus 36:31 “And he made bars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,”. One short sentence, yet it records an act of meticulous compliance: exactly five bars, precisely acacia wood, fashioned for one specific side—no improvisation, no shortcuts. Key observations • God’s commands were precise; obedience was equally precise. • The task seems ordinary—just cutting and fitting wooden bars—yet Scripture records it, highlighting that no act of obedience is insignificant. • The craftsmen acted promptly; there is no hint of delay, debate, or redesign. • Their work fit seamlessly into the larger plan, proving true obedience serves a greater divine purpose. Lessons on obedience • Obedience means matching God’s pattern, not modifying it. – Hebrews 8:5 reminds us the tabernacle was “a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary.” Deviating would distort that picture. • Faithfulness in “little things” qualifies us for greater trust (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21). The craftsmen’s careful handling of five wooden bars was part of stewarding holy responsibility. • Obedience is worship in action. Building exactly as commanded declared God’s wisdom superior to human creativity (Exodus 31:1-6). • Obedience displays love. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). The craftsmen’s labor spoke louder than words. • Obedience brings unity. Because each artisan followed the same blueprint, every piece fit together. The same principle guards harmony in today’s church (1 Corinthians 12:12-18). Putting it into practice • Read God’s Word with the intent to do precisely what it says, even when the directive feels small or mundane. • Resist the urge to “improve” on divine instructions; trust His design. • Approach daily assignments—whether spreadsheets, diapers, or sermons—as opportunities for worshipful obedience. • Cultivate promptness; delay often erodes obedience. • Seek alignment with fellow believers by rallying around Scripture rather than personal preference. Supporting Scriptures for further reflection • Exodus 25:40 – “See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” • 1 John 5:3 – “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” • Colossians 3:17 – Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. |
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