Following God’s Plans: Lessons from Exodus 37

Exodus 37

Introduction

In this chapter, Bezalel and his coworkers continued the work of the house of the Lord, focusing on the articles of the tabernacle such as the ark of the testimony, the table of the showbread, the gold lampstand, the altar of incense, and the anointing oil and incense.

They followed the directions of the Lord given in Exodus 25 to ensure they did exactly what God wanted.

Lessons

What can we learn from this chapter about following God’s plans for His work?

1. People assigned must do the work.
   Bezalel was chosen by God to do the work and was assigned specific tasks. This was not Moses’ work; his role was to hear from God and instruct the people. Bezalel was to hear what Moses said and execute it. There was no conflict of roles. God is orderly, choosing specific individuals for specific tasks. We must understand that He has a role for each of us that others should not do for us. We must know our role and do it.
2. Handle specific tasks one at a time.
   Bezalel focused on making the ark of the testimony, the table of the showbread, the gold lampstand, the altar of incense, the anointing oil, and the incense—things God specifically instructed the people to make. We must know what tasks to do at what time. We cannot do everything at once but can accomplish tasks one by one to complete all that God has given us. Although the tasks may seem many, taking them one by one will settle them all. God Himself created the earth one task at a time.
3. Follow the specific orders of the Lord.
   Bezalel followed the measurements and materials specified by God for making the items. There was no room for deviation or improvisation. The details of the work were as important as the work itself. God wants us to follow His instructions for His work. He doesn’t want us to devise our own means to achieve His kingdom work. For example, what builds His church includes the Bible, prayer, and walking in the Spirit. When we devise our own ways, we achieve results other than what He intended.

Conclusion

This chapter teaches us to follow exactly what God wants us to do, not what we think will help Him. He is building His church, and we are not building something for Him. To be faithful, we must use the people He chooses and follow His details.

What one thing have you learned from this chapter? Share with us.

Take Action: Identify what God wants you to do and pursue it faithfully.