Exodus 35:1-38:20

Vayakhel – And He Assembled

Exodus 35:1-2 Then Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said to them, “These are the words which the LORD has commanded you to do: Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.”

Link to full passage on Bible Gateway

Prayer:

Because the LORD wanted to dwell among His people in the wilderness, He instructed them to build a tabernacle. Everything concerning the work on the temple had to reflect the holiness of God and glorify His name: the materials used must be of the finest materials; the workmanship of the highest caliber; the attitudes of the artisans and contributors, generous and willing; and the workers must carefully keep the Sabbath of the LORD holy. The people of God today are involved in the construction of a different temple - a spiritual temple - in which the LORD may dwell. The Apostle Paul wrote of this temple: "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" He said that if anyone defiles the temple of God, God would destroy him. "For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) Am I careful to glorify God and honor His name in everything I do? Does my workmanship and attitude reflect His goodness and grace? Am I generous and willing in my service to Him and others? And am I careful to obey the instructions God gave to His people to follow? Dear Father, Thank You for cleansing us by the blood of Your Son so that Your Holy Spirit may dwell in us. This is an awesome thing! Because of Your Spirit dwelling in us, we may know You and become like You. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24) Thank You Father for making a way to dwell within each of us! Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!