What can we learn about teamwork from the "joined" curtains in Exodus 36:10? Scripture Focus “ He joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well.” — Exodus 36:10 Historical Snapshot • In constructing the tabernacle, God gave Moses precise blueprints (Exodus 25–31). • The skilled craftsmen “made ten curtains of finely spun linen” (Exodus 36:8), then “joined” them into two large sections. • Every stitch mattered; every segment submitted to God’s pattern. These physical connections reveal spiritual truths about working together under divine authority. Why Curtains? A Picture of Cooperative Purpose • God could have prescribed one massive fabric piece, yet He chose smaller panels intentionally linked. • Individual beauty was not diminished but magnified when united. • The joined seams formed a single sanctuary covering—symbolizing one mission served by many hands (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12–14). Threaded Together: Lessons on Teamwork • Shared Blueprint – The workers followed a specific heavenly design, not personal preference (Exodus 25:40). – Effective teamwork begins with agreement on God’s revealed plan, not human improvisation. • Complementary Skills – Bezalel, Oholiab, and “every skilled person” brought varied abilities (Exodus 36:1–2). – Diversity strengthens, rather than threatens, a mission when supervised by the Lord (Romans 12:4–6). • Intentional Connection – “He joined” is an action verb; pieces were fastened securely. – Teams require deliberate efforts—clear communication, shared goals, and relational bonds—to keep ministries from unraveling (Ephesians 4:3). • Visible Unity, Hidden Seams – From inside the tabernacle, the worshiper saw one continuous ceiling. – Healthy teams hide seams of personal ego, presenting a seamless witness of Christ’s love (John 17:21). • Mutual Dependence – Remove one curtain and the covering fails. – No member is expendable; each contributes to covering the task God assigns (1 Corinthians 12:21–22). Guarding the Seams: Maintaining Unity • Examine stitches often—regular check-ins prevent small gaps from widening (Galatians 6:2). • Mend tears quickly—confession and forgiveness are God’s repair kit (Colossians 3:13). • Keep tension balanced—over-pulling frays fabric; gentle humility preserves strength (Philippians 2:3–4). Applications for Today • Ministry teams: Align every program, budget, and calendar item with Scripture’s blueprint. • Families: Celebrate different personalities while holding to shared biblical values. • Workplaces: Prioritize collective purpose over individual acclaim, showcasing Christ through excellence. • Churches: Present one testimony to the world by refusing to let secondary issues rip the fabric of fellowship. Supporting Passages • Psalm 133:1 — “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” • Ecclesiastes 4:12 — “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” • Ephesians 4:16 — “From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” |
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