Exodus

Exodus 35: God gives willing hearts and skill

Begin in prayer

Before Israel brings gifts for the dwelling, let us ask God for willing hearts under His word. Pray that the mercy of Christ will free us from pride and make our abilities useful in His service.

Serve Yahweh with gladness. Come before his presence with singing.

Psalm 100:2

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Make us thankful for Your gifts and willing to serve under Your word. Show us Jesus, whose grace comes before every good work. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Moses gathers Israel and repeats the Sabbath command, including its death penalty and prohibition on kindling fire. He calls for willing offerings of the materials God named for the sanctuary. Skilled workers are to make the tent, furnishings, priestly garments, oil and incense according to God’s command. Men and women bring gifts, women spin the cloth and goats' hair, and rulers supply stones and spices. Moses then names Bezalel, filled with God’s Spirit for skillful work. God also gives Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach, providing wisdom for the crafts the work requires.

As you read Exodus 35, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God provides willing gifts and skillful workers for the dwelling He commands.

After the covenant is renewed, Moses gathers Israel to carry out the sanctuary instructions. He begins with Sabbath rest, so zeal for building must remain under God’s command. Profaning that day brings death, and even kindling fire is forbidden in their dwellings. The call for gifts appeals to willing hearts, with materials suited to the work God has specified. Men and women bring gold and cloth, skilled women spin, and rulers supply stones, spices and oil. The variety joins a whole congregation in one appointed work without making any gift a purchase of God’s favor. Bezalel and Oholiab receive wisdom for craftsmanship and the ability to teach others. God’s provision includes people who can pass on their skill, enabling the work to proceed under His word. Willing service answers His mercy, as Christ’s redeemed people give themselves to the Lord who first gave Himself for them.

How does Exodus 35 show us that God provides willing gifts and skillful workers for the dwelling He commands?

God’s command governs holy rest and holy work.

The Sabbath remains binding on Israel while the sanctuary is prepared. Work on that day brings death, and kindling a fire is forbidden. Service never gives the people permission to set aside the word of the God they serve.

Willing people bring varied gifts for one purpose.

Men and women bring the materials the sanctuary requires. Skilled women contribute their spinning, and rulers bring stones, oil and spices. Their different contributions serve the dwelling God has graciously promised among them.

God gives wisdom and people who can teach others.

He fills Bezalel with His Spirit for skillful work in metal, stones and wood. He also gives Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach. The source of the skill is God, so the glory of the finished work belongs to Him.

Memorise

Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, Yahweh’s offering

Exodus 35:5

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what pride keeps me from receiving Jesus and serving with gratitude?

Moses invites, “Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it.” Gifts and skill answer the dwelling God has promised. The people have received covenant mercy before they bring the materials for His house.

No gift from our hands can purchase forgiveness for our sin. Jesus gave His life for His people, bearing the judgment their sins deserved at the cross. He rose on the third day with their salvation complete. His sacrifice is enough, and no one can add to it by giving more or working harder.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Those who rest on His grace receive forgiveness as a gift. Then offer your time and abilities with a willing heart. The Lord who supplies the gifts is worthy of the grateful service His mercy produces.

Parent's note

Tell your children that willing service answers God’s mercy, and that the crucified and risen Jesus saves by grace rather than gifts. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for willing hearts, useful skills and the mercy that comes before service, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

Luke 12:32

Father, thank You for giving Israel willing people and skill for Your dwelling. Forgive our pride and reluctance to serve. Please turn us to trust Jesus for forgiveness. Help us use what You have given with gratitude, teach others patiently and honor Your commands in our work. Amen.