Exodus 35
Moses tells of the need for materials and skilled workers to build the Tabernacle, the priestly garments, and other items to be used in the worship of the Lord 1-19. I notice repeatedly that we are told that those who give do so out of a willing heart 5,21,29. They withdraw from Moses after he makes the appeal and those willing come back with their offerings 21. God loves a cheerful giver, not when one gives out of compulsion, obligation, or guilt (2 Corinthians 9:7). Those who were skilled and were willing offered themselves to make what was needed 25,26,29. A person is to give according to what he has, not according to what he does not have (2 Corinthians 8:12). Note: God gifts and enables individuals to do different tasks 30-35. Each is necessary and not the same. Do you and I use what God has given to each of us to build His Church and His Kingdom ?

Exodus 36
The people continue to bring offerings, so much so, that they are told to stop ! 1-7 Can you image having too much to do a God given project ? God is able to do far more than we can ever imagine, ask or think. Remember Jesus feed 5,000+ and there was 12 baskets full leftover. God supplies all that is needed to accomplish the task He wants done. Am I willing to be part of what God is doing and give ? A careful reading of 8-38 describes the construction of the Tabernacle with the repeated phrases "They made..." "They joined..." They overlaid..." God uses individuals to accomplish His plans and work. Note: God give Moses the 'blueprints'. The people whom God gifted and skilled built the Tabernacle. They all worked together with each other and with God on this project. What a privilege to be co-laborers together with God (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).

Exodus 37
Bezalel makes the Ark himself 1-9. Note: "He made..." is repeated. Some work is unique to the individual. God may give you a special and unique task that only you can do. Are you available ? The top of the Ark had the two cherubim facing the 'mercy seat' with their wings spread out overshadowing it (9). Does this not suggest that some angelic beings do have wings ? (see: Isaiah 6:2) The Table which is made is overlaid with pure gold 10-16. This would make is valuable from a human standpoint however only God can make it sacred. It is set-part or sanctified because of God's presence. The lamp stands are likewise made of pure gold (75 lbs of gold) 17-24.The Altar of Incense is also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold 25-27. Note: The best and most valuable of what we have should be used in service of the Lord.

Exodus 38
The Altar, Basin, and Court Yard are all constructed according to God's plan 1-20. They took a careful accounting of all the materials used in the building of the Tabernacle. 21-31. This was a large amount of gold, sliver, and bronze. Yet as impressive as this was, the real glory and worth was not in these material things but in God, Himself. (consider Jesus words in Matthew 23:16-17)

Exodus 39
The priests garments are made of blue, purple, scarlet, gold, and fine linen (white) 1-3. I wonder what these looked like ? They must have been exceptionally beautiful and exquisite. Why blue pomegranates and bells on the hem 24-26 ? The bells are explained (Ex 28:35) but why pomegranates ? The Israelites made everything just as the Lord commanded Moses 32,42. Moses inspected all the work. It was all in order, thus he blessed them 43. Note: Did the people have a sense of satisfaction at the completion of this task along with a sense of humility that they were able to do what the Lord asked ?

Exodus 40
Everything is set up by Moses at the command of the Lord 1-8. Everything is anointed with oil which symbolized that these things were set-part to God as holy 9-16. Note: Only God can make one holy. Rituals, rites, and self effort never can and never will ! Moses put everything in place "as the Lord commanded him" (8x in 16-33). God's glory and presence fills the Tabernacle and is continually seen in the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night 34-38. When this was lifted it meant they were to move out. When it remained they were to stay where they were. Note: I sometimes wish I could have such a visible picture of the presence of God and His guidance in life. Yet I am reminded that, as a believer, God's Spirit indwells me as it did in the Tabernacle. God has also given me His Word through which He speaks, commands, and gives direction to my life. This is the blessing and privilege of all who trust Christ as Lord and Savior.