Hearing and Doing What God Says

Exodus 35

Introduction

After Moses received the commandments on tablets for the second time and read them to the children of Israel, they listened to all that the Lord instructed and obeyed His commands. They had learned the consequences of disobedience and were now ready to follow God’s guidance.

The book of James teaches that we must not only be hearers of God’s word but also doers of it. To walk with God and prosper, we must hear and do what He says.

Lessons

What can we learn from Exodus 35?

1. We must know and be obedient to divine work ethics. (Exodus 35:1-3) God gave the Sabbath regulations to His people, instructing them to work for six days and rest on the seventh. This pattern mirrors God’s own work during creation. Violating this regulation was punishable by death, emphasising the importance of order and reverence for God. We should emulate God in our work lives, ensuring we rest and recover from our labour.
2. We must know the divine instructions on freewill giving in the word of God. (Exodus 35:4-9) God instructed the people to give freewill offerings for the construction of the tabernacle. These offerings were to come from the heart, not out of compulsion. Just as the Israelites received everything from God, we must freely give back to Him, recognising His generosity. Stinginess in giving hinders our ability to receive blessings from God.
3. We must understand the work of God and what it entails. (Exodus 35:10-19) The Lord called upon gifted artisans to work on the tabernacle. Each person had a role to play, highlighting the importance of serving God where we are gifted. We must not rely on others to do our work; instead, we should actively participate in God’s work.
4. We must be obedient to give in support of the kingdom of God and its work. (Exodus 35:20-29) After Moses spoke about the Lord’s offering, the people came forward to give various items for the tabernacle. Supporting God’s work is crucial, as it reflects our interest in His kingdom. Neglecting His work leads to missing out on His blessings. We must give willingly and generously for the building of God’s house.
5. God chooses and calls people to function in His work at any time He needs them. (Exodus 35:30-35) God called Bezalel and Aholiab, filling them with His Spirit, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to perform their roles in building the tabernacle. God equips those He calls, providing what no human can. We must rely on Him for our calling and empowerment to do His work.

Conclusion

God redeems His people and gives them His law to guide them. He is committed to our fruitfulness in all areas of life, including our work, giving, and service. Let us be totally submissive to Him, following His will in every aspect of our lives.

Take Action: May the will of God be done in every area of our lives.