Chapter 14

Please read Exodus, chapter 31.

A short, but not an insignificant chapter.

Exodus 31:1-7 “Then the Lord said to Moses:

“See, I have chosen Bezalel, son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs, for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds. Moreover I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make every thing I have commanded you: The Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover on it and all the other furnishings of the tent.”

The chapter continues to relate instructions by the Lord regarding all the things Moses was to supervise. One of those things was Israel’s observation of the Sabbath. Please forgive me I must mention it once more! These instructions and laws were given to Israel! Never ever to any other nation or people! God’s curse would rest on any Jew who would not obey this law.

For Christians today, the first day of the week is the day of joy, and blessing because they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from death and grave on the first day of the week. More than that, Christians know and rejoice in the assurance that they were raised with Jesus into a new and eternal life. The seventh day, or the Sabbath, reminded the Jews of the curse if they would not observe it. How true it is and how sad that the world’s delusions can conquer the servants of God.

While on the subject of building the tabernacle in the wilderness my mind goes to the words by and the plan of the Lord Jesus.

Matthew 16:18 “And I will build MY church and the gates of Hades will NOT overcome it.”

Pardon me, I must ask! Do you belong to THAT church? It is the Church of the Lord Jesus? It will exist for all the eternity to come! No I am not asking ‘are you religious?’ or ‘to which denomination do you belong?’ I am asking: ’Have you become born again? Did you become a child of God?’ (John 3:16,17). Do you stand before a most Holy God as a forgiven sinner? Read those two verses in chapter 3 of the Gospel according to John and discover there what you should do about my questions.

The Israelites turned away from their sin and stood worshipping at the entrances of their tents. Their God turned away from His anger and in patient grace forgave them. It was their God Who was the great SArchitect of the building they were to erect fort Him. He Himself told of His desire for all the furniture. And He chose, filled, appointed and gave skill to all the craftsmen

who were to do the building and furnish it. They never needed a university or a seminary. Most certainly no man would dare to appoint himself. Neither could a man count on appointment by fellow men. Israel could never have chosen, filled, appointed the craftsmen or have given them the essential skills. The quality of work would need to be up to God’s standard. Surely, because all were God ordained they were effective and the building was completed to the glory of God.

Many hundreds of thousands, all over the world, are building the house for God these days, the Church of the Lord Jesus. God Himself is the great Architect and Christians are fellow-laborers with Him. Each of them has been called by GOD to that one single task, together with Him to build Him a house that will stand for all eternity to come. And no doubt whatsoever, in this building program it MUST be God Himself Who calls, fills, gives, places and ordains. His Church must never be a ‘democratic’ exercise. Some are bemoaning the so called weakness or ineffectiveness of the Church in the world today. They are mistaken. In His glorious power the eternal God IS building! However, many congregations are endeavouring to build on a foundation of ‘democratic’ principles’. Only God’s ‘theocratic’ foundation is effective. That requires much faith, much prayer and much obedience. In His own good time He will have His whole Church completed, with Him in Heaven.