Scripture Reading: Exodus 31:2-5
Exodus chapters 25-31 talk to us in detail about the instructions that God gave Moses to build the temple. Have you ever imagined God as an architect?
God did more than tell Israel what he wanted from them. He provided the actual blueprint to guide their work. The comprehensive set of crafts used included metalwork in gold, silver, and bronze, as well as stonework and woodwork. The fabrication of garments would have required getting wool, spinning it, dyeing it, weaving it, designing clothes, manufacturing and tailoring them, and embroidery. The craftsmen even prepared anointing oil and fragrant incense.
What unites all of these practices is God filling the workers with his Spirit. The Hebrew word for “ability” and “skill” in these texts is usually translated as “wisdom.” Here, it describes work that is clearly hands-on yet spiritual in the fullest theological sense. The book of Exodus does not so easily separate Israel’s life into the categories of sacred and secular that we are accustomed to. The people of God today may engage in work (whatever it is) with the awareness that God has a design for it, too.
What is God’s design for your work?
Prayer: Lord, I need your wisdom for my work today. Allow me to see your design, hear your instruction, and trust your plan. Amen.
For Further Exploration: Learn more about how God equipped people for work in the book of Exodus in The Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-40:38), from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.
Author: Theology of Work Project
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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
