Tabernacle Day 8 It Takes A Body

Exodus 35:1-36:2
1 Peter 4:10-11
Romans 12:3-8 

Tabernacle, Day 8

Raise your hand if you have ever found yourself waiting with baited breath to see the reveal at the end of a house renovation show. 

How did the shiplap turn out? Did they love the antique doors? What accents were added during decorating? 

I fully admit to finding myself re-watching episodes, knowing exactly what is coming, yet am still amazed at the transformations in the end. Each time I capture a nuance I’d missed before, gaining a greater appreciation for the skill involved in creating these homes. 

Sometimes that skill appears to be so effortless that I ponder embarking on my own creative endeavors. It is in the midst of some of those attempts that I begin realizing just how much skill is actually involved (and how much my own might be lacking, as some adventures have proven.) 

Perhaps it’s their skill set and the transformations happening before my eyes that mesmerize me so. Ordinary people, using their gifts to improve life, directs my heart back to Jesus, challenging me to ask the Lord to breathe on the talents He has given me in order to bring Him glory.  

I remember one of the first times I read about the creation of the Tabernacle and actually pictured the story in my mind. I had read through Exodus before but only with the intention of completing it rather than comprehending it. It is amazing how the Lord causes His Word to come alive when reading it with the expectation of knowing Him better. 

During one such reading, the list of resources needed and the actions taken to build the Tabernacle shifted from verses read to a story unfolding in vibrant color.
The gems reflected the light.
The texture of the woven threads spiraled through my mind.
The faces of the people being moved to give of their resources, time, and skill wafted into view.
The joy was evident on their faces, giving me pause, challenging me to reflect on my own countenance when giving.  

I pictured Bezalel carefully carving a piece of wood.
The shavings falling to the ground revealed the beauty hidden beneath the surface, beauty so lovingly displayed through the touch of the Holy Spirit guiding his hands.

I envisioned Bezalel and his coworker, Oholiab, moving amongst a group of people providing direction and insights as they sought to serve the Lord with their skills too. I wonder if the energy in the room was electric or if a blanket of peace filled the space as a group of people united in heart to serve the Lord.
Did joy erupt unexpectedly? 
Did people weep in worship? 
Right before their eyes, the Lord was using their talents; He was crafting beauty and function beyond their expectations!

Did they sense the delight of the Lord at their obedience?
Did a reverence at the reality of their investment cause them to tremble?
On finishing the Tabernacle, did they glance towards a carving or curtain they helped create and sense the presence of the Lord?  

As I write these questions, I see myself and other believers in the same situation.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
We are not building the Tabernacle of Exodus, Sisters.
We are building the Church and growing God’s Kingdom! 

This Sunday I was greeted with a smile and warm hug from my friend Cindy
who served as a greeter. 
Kiki drew my heart into the presence of the Almighty, pouring out her heart to Jesus, leading worship as if it were just her and the Savior in the room. Stephanie prayed with me at the end of church, listening as I cried through the details of my last few weeks.
Others prepared the lunch for the graduating seniors, and more hands worked the sound system enabling all of us to hear the instruments, voices, and words spoken. 

Do you wonder if you have anything to give? 
Do you see those around you and argue that your talents aren’t as impressive or necessary as hers?
Lies, Sister.

Peter says each one of us have received a gift and
we are to use it to serve others.
Romans 12:3-8 highlights how we are a body,
each person being responsible to steward their gift,
each playing a different role,
Each body part necessary. 
Imagine what our churches would be like with each of us bringing our gifs to the Lord and allowing the Holy Spirit within us to guide and lead.

Can you picture the revival that would spark? 
Are you ready to see it?

Spend some time talking with the Lord.
Ask Him to speak to you about your gifts and talents.
Let Him stir your heart to action!
Follow through.
Be amazed at the beauty and detail He brings about.
It may just be the “episode” that changes someone’s life for eternity. 

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