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Active Faith
Read This Week: Leviticus 2
When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it, and take it to Aaron’s sons, the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. – Leviticus 2:1-2 NIV
Leviticus 2 tells us about the grain offering, a seemingly simple ritual that carries profound spiritual and practical weight. At its core, this chapter describes a voluntary act of worship where an Israelite presents a portion of flour, oil, and frankincense to God, often baked or cooked, with specific instructions: no leaven, no honey, but always salt. The priest burns a portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord while the rest sustains the priests.
On the surface, it seems like another manual for ancient worship, but dig deeper, and it’s a blueprint for a life of intentional gratitude, purity, and trust in God’s provision. This offering wasn’t about grand gestures; it was accessible, practical, and deeply personal, reflecting the giver’s daily dependence on Father God’s gifts. It contained grain from the earth, oil for nourishment, and salt for preservation. As we read, this passage invites us to consider what we offer the Lord and how we approach Him with authenticity.
The absence of leaven and honey is something to pay attention to. Leaven, often symbolizing corruption or sin in Scripture, and honey, prone to fermentation, suggest a call to purity in worship. God desires offerings and, by extension, our lives, untainted by moral compromise or fleeting sweetness. Yet salt, a preservative and flavor enhancer, is mandatory, pointing to endurance and covenant faithfulness. Practically, this speaks to consistency in our spiritual lives. We’re not called to flashy, momentary displays of devotion but to steady, reliable commitment, seasoned with integrity. The grain offering wasn’t the showiest sacrifice. There was no blood, no drama, but it was deeply relational, a way to say that we trust God with our provision. Today, this might look like activating and dedicating our time, talents, or resources to the Lord, not out of obligation but from a heart that recognizes every good thing and perfect thing comes from Him.
The offering’s accessibility is another important takeaway. Unlike animal sacrifices, which required wealth or livestock, anyone could bring a grain offering. A handful of flour and a drizzle of oil are simple ingredients from daily life but became holy when given to God. This worship reminds us that God values the heart behind the gift, not its size or price. In practice, this could mean offering your skills, however modest, to serve others, or giving time to prayer when finances are tight. It’s a reminder that spiritual devotion doesn’t require perfection or abundance, just willingness. We also see that this chapter reveals God’s care for His priests, as the leftover portion sustained them. This balance of worship and provision shows a Father who doesn’t just demand but provides, weaving care for His people into the act of giving.
The Scriptures challenge us to examine our offerings. What do we bring to God from our daily grind? We can present our lives and our best—our time, energy, devotion, or resources—without expecting applause. This approach is our greater responsibility as followers of Jesus; a grain offering in this section required effort: grinding flour, mixing oil, and baking loaves. Worship, then and now, isn’t passive. It is an active faith. The pleasing aroma symbolizes God’s delight in our sincere efforts, not because He needs them but because they reflect our relationship with Him. Leviticus 2 isn’t just ancient law; it’s a timeless invitation to live gratefully, purely, and generously, trusting that God transforms our ordinary into something sacred. Just because something is small doesn’t mean it isn’t sincere or active. God can reshape our perspective by performing one small, active act of worship at a time.
A New Reality
Read This Week: Luke 24
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! – Luke 24:4-6a NIV
In Luke 24, on the first day of the week, a few faithful women came to the tomb with spices, expecting to find Jesus’ lifeless body. Instead, they found the stone rolled away, and two angels asked them, Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! (v. 5-6) The resurrection wasn’t just a happy ending but the beginning of a new reality. Death no longer had the final word. Jesus’ triumph over the grave signals the start of a new life for all who believe. We don’t have to live as though the tomb is still sealed. We don’t have to be held back by fear, regret, or spiritual apathy. Resurrection power means we can walk in freedom under the new covenant of Christ. Whether our tombs are old habits, struggles, wounds, or doubts, Jesus speaks life into us through the eternal power of the resurrection.
One section of the chapter shows us two discouraged disciples walking away from Jerusalem and moving in the wrong direction. They believed Jesus was the Messiah, but now He was dead, so they thought. Then Jesus Himself joined them, unrecognized, and gently walked them through the Scriptures that pointed to His suffering and glory. They finally recognized Him when He broke bread, and He moved their hearts into understanding. Jesus does the same for us; His Holy Spirit meets us in our confusion, disappointment, and disillusionment. He doesn’t shame us but goes with us, opens our eyes, and revives our hope into a new reality. When we walk away from our “Jerusalems,” so to speak, our place of calling, our faith, or our community because things didn’t turn out, Jesus meets us there and walks us back in step with His will.
Then, in the text, Jesus appeared to the larger group of disciples in Jerusalem. They were startled and frightened, assuming they’d seen a ghost. But Jesus invited them to touch His hands and feet and even ate solid food with them. He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and gave them their mission: proclaiming repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations. The resurrection became more than a celebration of life; it became a mission to be on. The disciples were eyewitnesses to a miracle and a new reality and mandate. The same Jesus who brings us peace also gives us purpose. Faith is to be under wraps. We must share the good news of forgiveness and hope found in Christ.
Luke closes his Gospel not with a funeral but with a coronation. Jesus led His disciples to Bethany, blessed them, and ascended into heaven. After this, the disciples embraced their new reality as Christ-followers and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. The ascension isn’t Jesus leaving us behind. It’s Him going ahead, preparing the way, and sending His Spirit to guide us into truth (as Luke later expands on in Acts). His enthronement guarantees His ongoing intercession and authority. We often treat life like it’s all on our shoulders. But the risen and ascended Christ is sovereign and reigns from an immutable seat of power. He is not absent; He is actively ruling, praying, and preparing for our full redemption. That truth is our new reality and can anchor us through any season or time.
We are called to live as resurrection people in a world that still exists in the impression and seeming defeat of Good Friday. Because of the resurrection, we can live differently with courage and walk in confidence as we worship, wait, and witness. Let’s not rush past the empty tomb or look too long at the sky. Let’s walk with Jesus, proclaim the good news, and live like people who genuinely believe in our new reality in Christ.
Something Greater
Read This Week: Leviticus 1
The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, “Speak to the Israelites and say: ‘When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.” ‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord. – Leviticus 1:1-3 NIV
Leviticus is a continuation of the journey from Exodus to freedom for the children of Israel. At first glance, it might not seem like the first place one would turn for spiritual inspiration. One might read it and think it feels ritualistic or irrelevant to modern life. But when we dig a little deeper into the content of this part of the Scriptures, there’s something timeless worth exploring, something that points us as contemporary believers to our greater responsibility in our covenant relationship with God. This book isn’t just an account of ancient Israelite worship; it’s about human nature, intention, and connection with something bigger, something greater.
Chapter 1 starts with God speaking to Moses from the Tent of Meeting, laying out the rules for burnt offerings. These were voluntary sacrifices, a way for someone to approach God, often to express devotion, gratitude, or a desire for atonement. The chapter specifies what to offer, like cattle, sheep, goats, or birds, depending on what someone can afford. It’s meticulous: the animal had to be without defect, the offerer had to lay hands on it, slaughter it, and the priests would handle the blood and fire. The whole thing gets burned up, a pleasing aroma to God. On the surface, it’s a gritty, instructional part of the text. But there’s something greater going on.
What stands out is the intentionality of the sacrifice. This wasn’t a casual act; God didn’t want them to toss an animal on the fire and call it a day. The Israelites had to choose something valuable, something perfect, and actively participate in giving it up. Laying hands on the animal wasn’t just a formality. It symbolized transferring who you are or need for God and holiness to the offering. The fire consumed it completely. There were no leftovers or taking it back. It was a total commitment. It was a greater responsibility. This contrasts our current world, where we’re used to half-measures or scrolling through life, avoiding commitment and deeper investment. The burnt offering demanded focus, cost, responsibility, and follow-through. It was a physical act that mirrored an inner desire, surrender, trust, and a longing to align with Father God’s heart and purpose.
We, as believers in the 21st century, don’t slaughter livestock in worship anymore. But the principles here aren’t tied only to the people of that time. They’re about how we approach what matters most. So, what’s the equivalent today? What do we “offer” when we want to connect with something greater, whether that’s God, purpose, or values? The animals in Leviticus weren’t secondhand. They were costly and part of someone’s livelihood. Today that might look like giving up time (not just the leftover minutes), paying attention (putting the phone down), or using resources (money, energy, comfort) for something greater. It’s not about the act itself but the willingness to let go of what’s precious for what God has called us to.
The moment wasn’t accidental; it was personal. Whatever we’re offering, we should make it ours. If it’s serving others, we shouldn’t just go through the motions. If it’s worship, it shouldn’t just be from our leftovers. If it’s a goal or purpose, we shouldn’t chase it passively but should own it with passion and dedication. Intention turns routine into a habit and the mundane into meaningful. The fire in Leviticus 1 took everything. When we commit, we shouldn’t hold back a piece for ourselves. Half-heartedness doesn’t cut it, whether it’s forgiving someone, pursuing a dream, living on mission, or trusting a process. Burn it all up and give it to God for something greater as a follower of Jesus. Leave no regrets.
Leviticus 1 isn’t asking us to build an altar in our backyard, but it might encourage us to rethink how we live out our priorities with the help of the Holy Spirit. It isn’t just about rules; it’s about a relationship. The burnt offering was a bridge between a person and God that said, “We are here, and we are serious. We want this connection to a holy Father.” The Lord asks us to show up in the same way, to offer something of ourselves that is greater than the status quo for the glory of Christ, and to trust His process every day.
The Cloud Moves
Read This Week: Exodus 40
In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
– Exodus 40:36-38 NIV
Exodus 40 is not one of the most dramatic chapters in our Journey to Freedom study. There are no plagues, no parting seas, just many instructions about furniture placement and priestly attire. But beneath the surface of this meticulous setup of the Tabernacle lies a blueprint for something timeless and relevant to us even today. It shows us how structure, intentionality, and presence transform the routine of our daily lives into moments in which we can worship and honor God.
By the end of the book, the Israelites have been through a lot. They’ve endured slavery, a dramatic escape, and a rollercoaster of faith and failure in the wilderness. God gave Moses the Tabernacle plans back in chapters 25-31, and after a golden calf detour, the people finally get it together in chapters 35-39 to build it. Chapter 40 represents the conclusion of construction and the setup. Once the assembly instructions are made final and carried out, the presence of God moves in. The children of Israel set up the tent, placed the ark, hung the curtains, arranged the table, lit the lamps, burned the incense, anointed the altar, washed up, and dressed Aaron and his sons. It’s repetitive and detailed, but we soon realize this isn’t just logistics or particulars. It’s about creating a space where a holy God can dwell with His imperfect but loved people.
To reiterate a point from previous chapters, the order in Exodus 40 isn’t just busywork; it’s foundational. The Tabernacle wasn’t thrown together haphazardly; every pole, curtain, and basin had a place and purpose. This reflects a more profound truth to glean from and apply to our Christian walks: chaos doesn’t invite connection, but intentionality does. God didn’t need a tent to exist, but the Israelites needed a tangible way to relate to Him. The structure gave them that. It also challenges us to think about our lives and seek order where chaos may occur. It could be a cluttered lifestyle, a packed schedule, neglected relationships, or an inability to serve. The Bible encourages us to bring order to these things; however small the step, it can make room for something greater. It’s not about perfection; it’s about purpose. It could motivate us to clear the calendar, be intentional with family and friends, or have that conversation we’ve wanted to have. Small acts of order can become spaces to get closer to God and others and be on mission where the Lord is moving.
The pinnacle of the chapter comes in verse 34, then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. After all the work, God’s presence arrives, so strong that Moses can’t even enter. This culmination of all the instructions and work is the payoff. It is the whole point of the blueprints and obedience. Where it gets practical for us is the understanding that diligence and discipline invite presence. God’s people didn’t sit back and wait for Him to appear. They built something, and He filled it. It’s not that we earn God’s attention (or life’s rewards) but that we create room and places for Him to move and work in us. What we are building right now could welcome something bigger.
One last subtle undertone in our journey through Exodus that we see here is that the Tabernacle isn’t permanent. It’s portable and designed for people on the move. The cloud lifts and shifts, signaling when it’s time to go (v. 36-38). This reminder alerts us that even the most sacred setups in life can be temporary. Jobs change, seasons end, kids grow up. The challenge is to invest fully in the moment without clinging to it forever. Practically, this means holding things loosely. We should build the Tabernacle and pour our hearts into it, but we shouldn’t be surprised when the cloud moves. The Scriptures invite us to trust that the God who fills the tent will guide our lives as we move ahead.
Exodus is about transformation. Wood, fabric, and oil aren’t inherently holy until they’re arranged with purpose and met by God’s presence. The same goes for us. Our routines, work, and small faithfulness acts are foundational. They can become something more when we offer them up with intention and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We should live in freedom and be deliberate to see what Jesus will do. Remember, the cloud moves, and we can be ready if we follow God.
Live Purposefully
Read This Week: Exodus 39
The woven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when serving as priests. The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them. – Exodus 39:41-43 NIV
We can easily gravitate toward the dramatic stories we’ve read when we think about our study of Exodus and the journey to freedom. But tucked between these high-octane moments are quieter chapters (36-39), rich with meaning, that invite us to slow down, listen, and meditate more on what we’re learning. Exodus 39 is one such section. Like the previous three chapters, it’s not a tale of miracles or battles but a meticulous account of craftsmanship, obedience, and the sacred act of preparing for worship. Yet, within its detailed descriptions of priestly garments and Tabernacle furnishings lies a timeless message for us today.
At first glance, this part might feel repetitive or overly technical given the last several weeks. But this repetition isn’t redundancy—it’s revelation. It shows a people responding to God’s voice with careful, faithful action. One recurring and striking feature noted before is the emphasis on skilled work and excellence for the glory of God, mattering for those called to serve Him. Whether you’re a business person, a parent, a teacher, or a programmer, the way you approach your work reflects your devotion not only to the task but to the Creator. The Israelites didn’t cut corners or rush the job, even though they were in the wilderness with limited resources. They gave their best because it was for God. Like Colossians 3:23 says: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. It challenges us as Christians to bring that mindset to our daily tasks. To have the right heart attitude that can transform our impact with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps the most impactful phrase in the chapter is repeated several times, as the Lord had commanded Moses (v. 1, 5, 7). The workers didn’t improvise or add their own additions. They followed God’s pattern, trusting that His design was perfect. This obedience wasn’t blind; it was purposeful, rooted in faith, respect, and a desire to honor God’s presence. In our lives, obedience can feel restrictive. We’re wired to innovate, question, and forge our paths. But there’s freedom in trusting God’s instructions, even when they don’t entirely make sense to us. Maybe it’s a call to forgive when we’d rather hold a grudge, to give when we’d rather hold on, or to wait when we’d like to act. Like the Israelites, we’re invited to align our actions with God’s will and the bigger purpose, even one we don’t always see in full.
The chapter ends with a moment of completion in verse 32. Moses inspects everything, sees it’s done according to God’s command, and blesses the people (v. 43). The priestly garments weren’t just fashion statements. They symbolized holiness, intercession, and service. Every stitch and hammer stroke was an act of worship, an invitation for God’s presence. It’s another reminder to prepare room for God in our lives. It might not involve sewing tunics or building altars. Still, it could mean making time for prayer amid a hectic schedule, cultivating gratitude instead of grumbling, or serving others with our talents. Our tabernacle might be our homes, workplaces, relationships, or any space where God’s presence can be seen through our intentionality.
It is important to note that these last few chapters aren’t a call to legalism or perfectionism. They’re an invitation to live purposefully, to see our work and obedience as part of something sacred. It is a call to embrace whatever our craft, vocation, or calling is—writing code, raising kids, teaching a class, and doing it well. The blessing is that God guides and helps us through Scripture, wise counsel, or quiet prompting. We have to trust when God speaks to us, even when it’s counterintuitive to human thinking.
As Moses blessed the people after their work was done, there’s a promise in there for us, too. When we align our efforts with God’s purposes, we don’t just build things; we live purposefully. We develop a deep, passionate connection to God and the mission He has laid out for us. That’s why we don’t just follow the rules when we’re obedient; we follow Jesus. This chapter reminds us that the smallest acts, done in faith, ripple into eternity.
Every Person
Read This Week: Exodus 38
They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Next they made the courtyard. The south side was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely twisted linen, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. – Exodus 38:8-10 NIV
Exodus 38 is another fascinating glimpse into the construction of the Tabernacle that we have studied for the last several weeks. Still, beyond the vast and intricate measurements and materials, it reveals yet another lesson for us in our modern walks. It demonstrates, as only the Bible can, the power of community and the importance of accountability in the stewardship of our gifts, talents, and resources. No single person built the Tabernacle. It was a collective effort, with each Israelite contributing time, skills, and labor. This impact felt and seen through a group of people is not unlike how God’s work operates today. Every person in the Body has a role, and every one of their contributions is essential no matter the size, significance, or scope.
Everyone has something to give. Exodus 38:24-31 records the exact amounts of gold, silver, and bronze used for the Tabernacle, showing that many people gave willingly. Some contributed large quantities of gold, others gave silver or bronze. Some worked with their hands, crafting and assembling the pieces. Others contributed in different ways. Not everyone gave the same thing, but every gift was essential. This reflects a key truth that a community’s strength lies in the varied service and offerings of its people. In the church, workplace, or family, some people lead, others support behind the scenes, and others give financially, but all play a part.
We must recognize that our role – no matter how small -matters in our churches, workplaces, friend groups, and family. We can’t allow the enemy and our own brokenness to cause us to compare ourselves to others. Instead, we should serve out of what God has given us and celebrate the unique ways we are all called to give and be a part of the mission. We should encourage and uplift others in their callings and roles while understanding that our work brings glory to the Lord and is valuable when done for Him.
When we live in unity of our gifts and contributions, we realize that our spiritual purpose brings God’s presence. The Israelites were united in one purpose: building a dwelling place for God. Their unity in giving and working led to something far greater than individual efforts. It led to a sacred space where God’s presence would dwell among them. The same principle applies today. When a community of faith comes together with a shared purpose and a spirit of generosity, God’s presence and blessing follow. Working together with others is meaningful and fulfilling, and Father God is pleased when we seek unity and peace and avoid division and competition. He blesses us in multiple ways when we work together in step with His purposes.
Serving together with God’s heart and being good stewards of our gifts, talents, time, and treasure requires accountability. This chapter’s detailed record of materials shows that nothing was wasted, misused, or unaccounted for. This level of transparency reinforces the critical point that stewardship requires integrity. Whether handling finances, managing people, or leading a project, accountability ensures that resources are used wisely. In today’s world, where trust can be easily broken, honest and responsible stewardship builds credibility and strengthens a community.
God’s people should always practice transparency and honesty in decision-making. When we do that and hold ourselves accountable for how we use our resources, we raise the level of integrity among the family of God and strengthen our trust in Jesus and one another.
Exodus 38 is a powerful reminder to use our gifts and resources to contribute to God’s work. It encourages us to value the places and roles of others in the Body, and it challenges us to steward what we have with honesty and accountability. By embracing these principles, we can build strong, God-honoring communities where everyone’s role is valued, and every resource is used wisely.
Build Something
Read This Week: Exodus 37
Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet. – Exodus 37:1-3 NIV
Exodus 37 details the construction of sacred items for the Tabernacle that we were introduced to in chapter 36. Bezalel, the adept craftsman, is at the center of the work, and his efforts show us more than just a record of furniture-building and artisan skill. It is a testimony of the precision, devotion, and beauty of obedience to God’s commands and following Him according to the design He lays out.
Bezalel, who was chosen by God and filled with His Spirit (Exodus 31:1-5), was not merely constructing objects. He was fulfilling divine instructions with excellence and passion to serve the Lord. Each piece he made was crafted according to the detailed blueprint given to Moses, showing that God values faithfulness in the most minor details. The Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense are not just ancient artifacts but sacred symbols of God’s presence and provision.
The Ark, overlaid with pure gold and adorned with cherubim, was the physical representation of God’s earthly throne. The Table of Showbread symbolizes God’s ongoing love and attention to the needs of His people, emphasizing our need for dependence on Him. The Golden Lampstand provided light in the holy place, representing the guidance and illumination of truth and the guidance of God’s presence in our lives. The Altar of Incense signified the prayers of the people rising to heaven, a beautiful reminder of the connection between God and His people that we can experience daily.
Just like the last chapter of our study, we see that excellence is a spiritual thing. Bezalel’s craftsmanship was meticulous, showing that work, when done with diligence and faithfulness, is worship. No matter what we attempt or are called to, we should strive for excellence as a reflection of God’s heart and character.
Every measurement and material used aligned with God’s instructions. This shows that obedience to God’s Word, even in what seems like minor details, leads to something greater than we can foresee in our finite thinking and plans. It is not about personal preference or the ideas we have laid out but about submitting to Father God’s divine wisdom to fulfill a greater purpose. We often want to improvise or take shortcuts, but true fulfillment comes in following Jesus’ design.
Bezalel was filled with the Spirit to accomplish the task ahead. Likewise, when God calls us to something, He always provides the necessary skills, gifting, resources, and pathway to fulfill it. This example should encourage us in times of doubt, knowing that God does not send us into assignments unprepared. He supplies the wisdom, strength, and perseverance needed to accomplish His mission.
The items constructed in Exodus 37 were meant to encourage worship and reverence. We are challenged to consider how we create sacred spaces in our own lives, whether in our homes, workplaces, or churches, to keep our focus on God. It asks: do we cultivate an environment where worship and prayer are priorities, or do distractions take over? Just as the Israelites designated holy objects, we can also establish discipline, practices, and places that draw us closer to God.
As we reflect on God’s word in this Week in the Life, we should consider how we approach our own work and responsibilities. Are we diligent and faithful, knowing that even the smallest tasks can be an act of worship? Are we aligning our actions with God’s instructions, trusting that obedience leads to His success and more significant outcomes?
We should think and pray about how we use our God-given skills and if we steward them wisely and dedicate them to something meaningful instead of wasting them or underutilizing them. Like Bezalel, we all have a role in building something that glorifies God – whether it’s a physical creation, a ministry, a business, or an act of service. May we use our God-given abilities to build something that honors the Lord, demonstrating excellence, obedience, and devotion in all we do.
Greater Impact
Read This Week: Exodus 36
Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work. All those who were skilled among the workers made the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by expert hands. – Exodus 36:6-8 NIV
Exodus 36 is a powerful chapter highlighting the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place for God among His people that has been spoken about so much throughout the book. This particular passage not only reveals once again the extraordinary craftsmanship of people like Bezalel and Oholiab but also provides a good lesson for us on generosity, stewardship, and excellence in serving God. These are recurring themes in this section of Exodus and ones that we, as believers, can always use as reminders in our Christian walks.
In verses 3-7, Moses called for offerings to support the construction of the Tabernacle, and the people responded well with an outpouring of generosity. They gave so much that the artisans had to tell Moses to stop collecting contributions just like they had before (v. 6-7). As we saw last week, willing hearts among God’s people matter. The Israelites gave freely and abundantly, demonstrating that generosity flows from a willing heart. Our giving, whether of our time, talent, or resources, should be motivated by worship of the Lord and love for Him and others, not obligation (2 Corinthians 9:7).
God provides more than enough, so when we trust Him with our resources, He multiplies them beyond what is needed. This challenges us to move from a scarcity mindset to one of faith and abundance. Moses discerned that they had received more than required. In today’s world, where excess is often celebrated, wise leaders know when to stop accumulating and start stewarding well. Christians must seek and listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and recognize this and when to use our overflow to glorify God and bless others.
The first part of the chapter and a large part of the rest of it brings to life the excellence in skill and calling and the way the Lord gifts his people to serve others and bring honor to Himself. Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled workers were appointed to construct the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions. They didn’t cut corners or rush the process; they built with precision and devotion. Whether in business, ministry, or personal pursuits, doing our work with excellence reflects God’s nature (Colossians 3:23).
This is an example of how calling and gifting work together. God specifically chose and equipped Bezalel and Oholiab for this task. When we align our skills with our divine calling, we serve with greater impact. The artisans followed God’s blueprint exactly. Likewise, small acts of faithfulness in our work and relationships shape the larger picture of His plan in our respective walks, vocations, and areas of service. A life of generosity and excellence fulfills God’s purposes in ways beyond what we can imagine and brings greater impact from our lives to the kingdom.
We are called to give freely, serve diligently, and steward wisely, knowing that when we offer our best to God, He does more than we could ever ask or think. As many times before in this journey to freedom study, we are motivated in our lives by the Scriptures to be generous with our resources or talents. We are encouraged to serve with excellence in the work God has called us to do. We are exhorted to trust that God provides more than enough when we give willingly. Let’s strive to live with the same heart of generosity and dedication that built the Tabernacle, creating something that glorifies God and blesses others.
Willing Hearts
Read This Week: Exodus 35
Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord. – Exodus 35:20-22 NIV
The wilderness had been a place of trials and transformation for Israel. They have seen God’s power in the plagues of Egypt, walked through the parted sea, and trembled at Mount Sinai as the Lord spoke. But they have also disobeyed and stumbled. They built a golden calf when impatience and doubt overtook them in their act of unbelief. In Exodus 35, the people stand before Moses again, awaiting his words and His directive from the Lord. This time, the call was not one of judgment but of restoration.
Moses lifted his voice and reminded them first of the Sabbath. He tells them that they are commanded to rest before anything else, before labor or giving, before the work of their hands begins. For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh is a day of sacred rest to the Lord, he declared to the children of Israel. It was as if God was teaching them that their value did not come from their efforts but their relationship with Him. Their inherent value came from being made in His image and being His chosen people. Their work would be important and necessary, but it was not the foundation of their identity. Their identity was rooted in their connection to God and their obedience and trust in Him.
After this, Moses gave them their work to build the Tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God among them. But this was no ordinary construction project. It would not be built by forced labor or taxation. Instead, it would come from the willing. Anyone who is willing and whose heart moves you come and bring an offering to the Lord, Moses instructed. The people responded with a passion that had not been seen since they began their journey to freedom from Egypt. Men and women alike came forward, their arms full of treasures: gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and acacia wood.
Some brought their possessions, while others offered the work of their hands—spinning yarn, weaving fabrics, crafting precious metals. There was no reluctance, no hesitation. The same people who had once hoarded their gold for an idol now poured it out joyfully before the Lord.
Among them were two men whom God had set apart for a special purpose: Bezalel and Oholiab. They were not priests or warriors, but craftsmen. The Spirit of God had filled them with skill, making them master builders, engravers, and designers. In them, artistry was not just a trade—it was a divine calling. They were not only talented but also teachers, equipped to instruct others in the sacred work. As they took up their tools, shaping wood and hammering gold, they were not merely building a tent; they were creating a place where heaven and earth would meet.
The beautiful thing here is the entire community played a role. Some gave, some built, some taught, but all contributed in their own way. And in the end, the abundance was so great that Moses had to tell them to stop bringing gifts. They had more than enough. This word picture indicates the theological implications of this chapter and what happens when God’s people come together with willing hearts. It teaches us that obedience starts with rest, that generosity is not about the size of the gift but the posture of the heart toward Father God, and that every skill—whether in art, craftsmanship, or leadership—can be used for God’s glory.
As we read this passage in A Week in the Life, we are challenged with questions to reflect on. Do we rest in God’s provision and identity as image bearers, or do we define ourselves by endless labor? Do we give freely, or do we hold tightly to what we have? And do we see our talents as ordinary, or do we recognize them as part of God’s plan? Being made in the image of God is enough. Giving out of the generous heart God gives us is enough. And doing all for God’s glory in every arena, profession, community, and family is enough. All He desires from us is a willing heart to serve Him.
The Israelites, like us, were not perfect, but when the time came, they answered the call with joy and dedication. May we do the same.
Second Chances
Read This Week: Exodus 34
Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. – Exodus 34:5-7 NIV
Exodus 34 is a pivotal chapter in the biblical narrative, marking the renewal of God’s covenant with Israel after their failure with the golden calf. This passage has a lot of theological significance, practical wisdom about second chances, and a strong demonstration of God’s mercy and justice.
One of the most powerful moments in the chapter occurs in verses 6-7, where God proclaims His name and character to the people of Israel: The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished. This self-revelation provides a balanced picture of the Lord’s nature – His immense mercy and unwavering justice. Moses knows this about the person of God, but given all that has taken place on the journey to freedom, he needs to hear that Yahweh is both forgiving and just, compassionate yet righteous. We need to be reminded of this regularly. Understanding this truth helps us appreciate the grace we receive while also acknowledging the need for personal accountability.
After Israel’s grievous sin of idolatry in Exodus 32, one might think that God would be well within his right to abandon them. Instead, He renews His covenant, demonstrating His willingness to restore and redeem. This act of unmerited mercy is a strong reminder that failure is not final with Father God. The Bible is explicit in multiple places that when we repent, He is faithful to forgive and renew His relationship with us. Just as He gave Israel a second chance, He extends His grace to us every day.
But His holiness still demands faithfulness to His word. Because of this, God instructs Israel to uphold His commandments and remain distinct from surrounding nations. He warns them against making treaties with idolaters and commands them to tear down pagan altars (v. 12-16). This underscores the importance of faithfulness and avoiding compromise. In our modern lives, we are similarly called to be set apart, maintaining our commitment to God even while constantly facing cultural pressures.
At the end of the chapter, we see a fascinating transformation. Moses’ face shines after being in God’s presence (v. 29-35). This physical change illustrates a spiritual truth: true encounters with God leave us changed. The more we seek Him, the more His presence reshapes our character and witness to the world. That’s why this section offers us hope and renewal. It shows us again that God is merciful and just, offers second chances, calls us to obedience, and transforms those who seek Him. As we reflect on this passage, let us embrace His covenant wholeheartedly, strive for faithfulness, and pursue His presence so that our lives may radiate His glory.