Exodus 35:10-19 – Doing our best in our calling

Moses began the project of building the Tabernacle by soliciting for the material. And the people contributed to the building project. Everyone who was able gave willingly. However, to put up the building would require not only the material but the skillful people with the right ability, talents, and gifts to come forward to do the work. So here Moses called for them to come forward. The word “Let” suggests a decision to be made. It is a choice to be made. To give to God is a choice and a decision we must make. God wants us to willingly offer ourselves in service for the building of His Kingdom.       

Exodus 35:10-19 bring us back to the pattern of the Tabernacle. The Tent of meeting was a large tent covered with its layers of curtains. It had two compartments namely, the Holy place and the Holy of holies. The outer compartment, the Holy Place housed three pieces of furnishings: the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand and the Altar of incense. In the inner compartment, the Holy of holies would be the Ark of the Covenant with the cover known as the Mercy Seat. The Tabernacle would be surrounded by a white fence forming a courtyard. The Brazen Altar for sacrifice stood at the area immediately at the entrance of the courtyard. Then there would be the Brazen Laver for cleansing to be placed between the Brazen Altar and the entrance into the Tent of meeting.    

The construction of the Tabernacle was an important task. It required people whom God had uniquely endowed with skills and ability. They must be enlisted. No one person can do all the task required. So, there must be a group of people with a heart for God and willing to yield their talents and gifts to ensure a great dwelling for God. It is true that everyone can contribute but there will only be some who have the capacity.

What this means is that we must be blooming where we are planted. Our primary ministry should be in what we are gifted to do. Our secondary ministry should be where we are needed and we have the time and capacity to do so. Be mindful that not every job is for everyone. It is important that we identify our gift and ability, and know where we are strong in. We are not here to do everything, but we are here to do what we are gifted to do. The orientation we must come to each task is our best effort and attitude. God requires that we faithfully use our gifts and do what we are best at. We contribute best in the areas where we are gifted. We will be like fish out of water when we try to do what we are not made to do. We should not try to fit into a round hole when we know we are a square peg. Let’s be who we are in God, do our best in what we are made to do, to bring about His glory!