Finishing God’s Work: Lessons from Exodus 39

In Exodus 39, we witness the joy and fulfillment that comes from completing a task according to God’s plan. The chapter recounts how skilled workers followed the instructions of the Lord given to Moses, meticulously crafting garments and items for the priests. Once completed, Moses inspected the work and blessed them. This story offers valuable lessons about obedience, faithfulness, and the importance of finishing the work God gives us.

Garments of the Priesthood (Exodus 39:1)

The first task involved making garments for the priests, specifically for ministering in the holy place. The priests’ garments symbolized purity and dedication, echoing Psalm 24:3-4, which emphasizes clean hands and a pure heart as requirements for approaching God. In the New Testament, believers are clothed in Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), calling us to live sanctified lives aligned with God’s will. As the priests wore special garments, we too must reflect righteousness in our daily lives.

“The priests’ garments symbolized purity and dedication, echoing Psalm 24:3-4, which emphasizes clean hands and a pure heart as requirements for approaching God.”

The Ephod (Exodus 39:2-7)

The next task was crafting the ephod, a garment made from materials specified by God. The workers followed the Lord’s exact instructions, emphasizing that true obedience is about doing God’s will rather than what seems right to us. As Jesus highlighted in Matthew 7:21, only those who do the Father’s will enter His kingdom. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s will through scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then obeying it with precision.

“True obedience is about doing God’s will rather than what seems right to us.”

The Breastplate (Exodus 39:8-21)

The breastplate was made with intricate detail, symbolizing the tribes of Israel and representing judgment and decision-making. God’s instructions for its creation were specific, reinforcing the need for precision in our work for Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust in God rather than relying on our own understanding. In life, we must diligently seek and follow God’s specific plans, trusting His wisdom over our own judgment.

“God’s instructions for its creation were specific, reinforcing the need for precision in our work for Him.”

Priestly Garments (Exodus 39:22-31)

The final items crafted were the additional garments for the priests, including a headdress with the inscription “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” These garments set the priests apart for their unique work before God. Similarly, 1 Peter 2:9 calls believers a “royal priesthood,” set apart to declare God’s praises. As followers of Christ, we must live holy lives dedicated to God’s work, ensuring our conduct reflects His holiness.

“As followers of Christ, we must live holy lives dedicated to God’s work, ensuring our conduct reflects His holiness.”

Completing the Work (Exodus 39:32-43)

When the work was completed, Moses inspected it and confirmed that everything had been done according to God’s instructions, resulting in God’s blessing. This echoes Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 4:7 about finishing the race and keeping the faith. Completing the work God gives us faithfully brings His approval and blessing. It calls for perseverance, dedication, and a continual focus on His will.

“Completing the work God gives us faithfully brings His approval and blessing.”

Conclusion

Exodus 39 teaches that God’s plans must be followed to the end, and doing so brings joy and fulfillment. Just as the Israelites completed the work of the tabernacle according to God’s instructions, we too must strive to complete the tasks He gives us. In faithfully obeying God’s instructions, we experience His blessings and the satisfaction of finishing His work according to His perfect plan.