“And every wise-hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;”
Context:In Exodus 35, Moses gathers the entire congregation of Israel and shares with them the commandments that God has given regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Tabernacle was to be a holy place where God would dwell among His people while they journeyed through the wilderness.
Calling the Wise-Hearted:In this verse, Moses specifically addresses the “wise-hearted” among the people. These are individuals who possess both skill and wisdom, particularly in craftsmanship and artistry. God had endowed these individuals with special talents to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle.
Active Participation:Notice the use of the word “come.” God invites and encourages His people to actively participate in building the Tabernacle. The construction of the sanctuary was not left to a select few or solely to skilled artisans; rather, it was a collective effort involving all who were willing and capable.
Obedience to God’s Commands:The purpose of the wise-hearted coming together was to “make all that the LORD hath commanded.” This emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions precisely and faithfully. It shows the significance of obedience in carrying out God’s plans and fulfilling His purposes.
The Principle of Stewardship:The Tabernacle was not an ordinary construction project; it was a sacred place for the worship of God. The wise-hearted individuals were entrusted with the responsibility of using their God-given skills for a specific purpose-to build a place where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites.
The Wider Application:Though this verse refers to a specific historical event and the building of the Tabernacle, the principle of using our skills and talents to serve God remains applicable today. It reminds us that God has given each of us unique abilities, and we should use them to honor Him and serve His purposes in our lives and communities.
Application to Our Lives:As we reflect on Exodus 35:10, we can draw several practical applications for our lives:
- Identifying and Using Our Gifts:Just as God called the wise-hearted in ancient times, He calls us today to use our talents and gifts for His glory. We should seek to discover our strengths and abilities and offer them willingly for God’s service.
- Active Involvement:God desires our active involvement in His work. It is not enough to be passive observers; we must be willing participants in carrying out His plans.
- Obedience and Faithfulness:God’s Word provides clear instructions for how we should live and serve Him. We should strive to be obedient and faithful in carrying out His commands, trusting that He knows what is best for us and those around us.
- A Heart of Stewardship:Recognizing that our talents and skills are gifts from God, we should steward them well, using them to bless others and advance God’s kingdom.
- Working Together:Just as the Israelites worked together to build the Tabernacle, we are part of the body of Christ, and each member has a role to play. We should seek to collaborate and support one another in fulfilling God’s purposes.
