Exodus

Exodus 36: God supplies enough for His work

Begin in prayer

Before the workers report that Israel has brought more than enough, let us thank God for what He supplies. Ask Him to make our service willing, honest and obedient, with our hope resting in Christ.

Yahweh, how many are your works! In wisdom have you made them all. The earth is full of your riches.

Psalm 104:24

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us gratitude for the abilities and resources You supply. Show us Christ’s sufficiency and make our service an answer to Your grace. 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 calls the workers whom God has given wisdom and willing hearts to serve. They receive the offerings, and the people keep bringing gifts every morning. The craftsmen report that the materials exceed the need, so Moses commands the people to stop. The workers make the inner curtains and join them into one tabernacle, then make the outer curtains and coverings. Acacia boards, silver bases and gold-covered bars form the framework. They also make the veil, its pillars and the embroidered screen at the tent’s entrance.

As you read Exodus 36, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God supplies wisdom and enough gifts for obedient work on His dwelling.

The work begins with abilities God has given and hearts moved to use them. The craftsmen receive Israel’s offerings through Moses while fresh gifts continue to arrive each morning. Their report that the materials exceed the need brings a command to stop giving. The purpose governs the offering, so Moses refuses to collect what the work no longer requires. The repeated account of curtains, clasps, boards and coverings shows the mountain pattern becoming a real dwelling. Gold clasps join the inner curtains, while brass clasps join the outer covering, each serving the arrangement God commanded. Veil and entrance screen are made with their own pillars and bases, preserving the boundaries within the tent. The skill and resources God supplies make this careful work possible. His sufficient supply invites grateful obedience, and the greater sufficiency of Christ’s saving work leaves no debt for sinners to complete.

How does Exodus 36 show us that God supplies wisdom and enough gifts for obedient work on His dwelling?

God provides both ability and willing workers.

The workers' wisdom comes from the LORD, and they come with hearts stirred for the task. They receive the materials through Moses. Their service begins with gifts God supplies, as all fruitful service of Christ does.

God’s work receives enough without endless demands for more.

The craftsmen leave their work to report the surplus. Moses stops both men and women from bringing further offerings. The collection serves the work, and the people are free to stop when the need is met.

The workers turn God’s commands into a real dwelling.

Curtains are joined, boards are raised on bases, and bars hold the frame. The veil and screen keep the places God has marked out. Their careful work serves His promise to dwell among the people, fulfilled through Christ.

Memorise

For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

Exodus 36:7

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, how am I trying to add my gifts to the saving work of Jesus?

The workers report, “The people bring much more than enough.” Moses stops the offerings because God’s appointed work has what it needs. The materials are gifts for service, without becoming a price for forgiveness.

Our sin leaves a debt no amount of giving can cover. Jesus paid His people’s debt through His suffering and death at the cross. He rose after completing the rescue that brings them to God. His sacrifice is enough, and the whole debt is settled. Gifts and service cannot increase the worth of His saving blood.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. All who receive His grace in faith have their sins forgiven. Then use what He has given with a thankful heart. Serve the Lord whose mercy supplies a salvation you could never bring about through your own work.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God supplied enough for His dwelling, and that Jesus died and rose to save all who trust Him. 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 gifts and wisdom sufficient for the work He commanded, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.”

John 6:12

Father, thank You for supplying Israel’s work and for the greater gift of Jesus. Please forgive our attempts to earn Your favor. Turn us to trust His saving work alone. Teach us honest use of what You give and cheerful service that answers Your grace. Amen.