God’s Requirements and People’s Obedience

Exodus 36

Introduction

This chapter reveals the obedience of the children of God, starting from chapter 35 when they complied with Moses. Here, they continued to obey God’s instructions, bringing their offerings for the building of the tabernacle, as the specialists began the work and the actual construction of the tabernacle commenced.

In Exodus 24-31, God gave them instructions concerning the tabernacle and other articles. Now, they began the actual work.

Lessons

1. Call the People to Work (Exodus 36:1-2)

The first thing we note about following the plans of the Lord is that Moses called the men selected by God to come forth and be ready for the work of the Lord. They were to work according to the commandments of the Lord. God gave them wisdom and insights to work.

To follow the Lord, we must let the people He has anointed to work come and work, not choosing others we think can do the work. If Moses had chosen other men instead of Bezalel and Aholiab, he would have defied the Lord. We cannot choose anyone to do the work of God; God’s men must do God’s work.

2. When the People are Moved by God, They Will Give More Than Enough (Exodus 36:3-7)

The people of God gave more than enough, not because they had more than enough, but because they listened to Moses and were convinced to do the will of God. They knew that whatever they had came from God.

We must not coerce people to give. We should teach them the truth about giving, and they will be convinced to give for the cause of the Lord. It is God’s word that works on His people, not our persuasion skills. Our giving must be God-centered.

3. Let God’s Chosen Do His Work (Exodus 36:8-38)

Moses commissioned the artisans to start the work on the tabernacle of meeting, following the exact instructions of the Lord. They adhered to the precise dimensions and materials specified. God provided everything needed to accomplish His instructions, not their own ideas.

This teaches us to follow God’s orders to the letter. We must adhere to the whole counsel of God in every area of our lives to see fruitfulness. If the artisans had done wonderful work without following God’s orders, it would have been rejected. We can only be fruitful and faithful when we comply with His commandments.

Conclusion

The way to follow our God is to obey Him. To obey God, we must know what He has said and apply it. To build a fitting tabernacle, Israel only had to follow what God said.

Take Action: Know what God has said and follow it to the letter.