The Tabernacle | A Satisfied Spirit

During the Christmas season, we are often focused on gifts. Giving and receiving. Let’s look at gifting in a little different way today.

What is the one thing you’re passionate about and do better than anything else? It could be your life gift.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s creation and that He has specifically given us talents and gifts, that He ‘prepared in advance’, to use for the good of all. Although we want to connect this verse specifically to the Spiritual Gifts of Romans 12:3-8 and 1Corinthians 12: 1-11 it is much more than that.

I think our life gifts include the gift(s) of the Spirit as well as talents, abilities, and skills that are part of what makes us unique.

In Exodus 35:30-35, we are told that God gave two men specific skills and talents for building the temple. They were to teach those who wanted to help with the project these skills. In the 13th Century before Christ, (during the Exodus) He already had a plan and had given people the abilities to carry out that plan. He’s been giving specific, unique gifts to His creation ever since.

Among the life-gifts God gives are many that help the local church function. Talents and abilities such as musical abilities (composing, singing, playing instruments, performing), crafting (painting, building, sewing, designing, needle arts), home skills (cooking, cleaning, arranging, gardening)… There are so many and God wants them used for His glory!

I want to encourage you to not get wrapped up in false humility where these talents are concerned. When we say to ourselves or others that ‘I’m not as good at this or that than ________________’, we are denying what God has given us to use in our worship of Him. It is good that we recognize the talents of others but we have special gifts, talents, and skills of our own. God wouldn’t have given them if He didn’t expect us to use them.

Your life gifts are needed! Use them!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

I am totally fascinated with the Tabernacle of the Exodus. From the structure to its furnishings, God was specific and exacting in His instructions. Moses was given the blueprint that would not only serve as the guidelines for the place of worship during the Israelites travels to the Promised Land but would influence places of worship for generations to come.

One of the pieces of furniture in the Most Holy Place, the area where the priests offered sacrifices and worshipped, was the copper laver. This particular piece was where hands and feet were washed (purified) before preparing and presenting the sacrifices.

So, one might ask, where did they get the copper? see Exodus 38:8 When Pharoah told the Israelites to leave Egypt He also told them to take all they could from the Egyptians. In fact, He caused the Egyptians to practically force their ‘stuff’ on the Hebrews. This included jewelry, clothing, and other pieces of a personal nature like copper mirrors.

When Moses asked the people to give the necessary materials for the Tabernacle, copper was part of the request. The Israelite women gave their mirrors to the cause. Sacrificially, I might add. I doubt they did it without a bit of complaint. After all, it’s difficult to give up those things we personally value.

The following is a bit of information about mirrors and the Hebrew slaves in a book by Hugh Taylor called 10 Questions – The Essentials for a Spiritually Healthy Life.

The mirrors also have a powerful backstory. During the period of enslavement, many Israelite men did not want to father children who would grow up in slavery. The women knew better. They knew that the future generation would be free, so they used the mirrors to beautify themselves, to encourage their husbands to be intimate with them and ensure an Israelite future. If we are afraid of the future, we should keep in mind these mirrors and the brave women who used them (pp. 57)

What is God asking you to sacrifice for the building up of His Church? Possessions? Time? Relationships? Addictions? Money? Think about it and pray about it. It matters!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie