The One-Year Bible - 13 February 2012

Readings:
Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
Matthew 27: 32-66
Psalm 34: 1-10
Proverbs 9: 7-8

Exodus reading: Moses puts out the call to all of Israel, each with varying gifts, talents, and crafts, to contribute towards the building of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the various sacred items that God had commanded.

What's noteworthy about this particular reading is how each and every person is called upon to play their part.  Everyone is required to contribute - those with monetary wealth, to bring funding.  Those with skills, to use their skills according to what God has bestowed upon them.  Those with the gift of organisation were appointed as overseers of the work.  Those who could provide labour were called upon to do so.  Each one contributed according to the means in whatever form.

It's also important to note that the people were eager to help in God's work, bringing their gifts freely to the Lord.  This was not some human institution that was being set up - this was a structure that would facilitate worship of the most high God. My prayer is that (a) our institutional church would be seen as a means of worshipping God and bringing the light of Jesus to the community, not as an end in itself; and (b) that the people would be eager and willing to play their part in making this a reality.  For it is only in this way that we can truly be part of the purpose and mission of Jesus.