Recently, we completed a project at our church that involved some renovations to the building. Plans were made, and materials were ordered. A date was set for the work to begin, but the work could not begin on time. Due to shipping problems, the needed materials would take several months to arrive rather than several weeks. In time, the project was completed, although the work took longer than expected. 

One of the first building projects described in the Old Testament is the construction of the tabernacle. Moses was directed by God to lead the people in building a sacred and holy place, and the tabernacle was the result. The tabernacle was where Moses would meet with the Lord, and it could be taken apart and moved as the Israelites travelled in the wilderness.

The construction of the tabernacle required the work of both men and women. Considering the limited technology that was available to the Israelites at the time, this would have been a challenging task. Moses and the Israelites were successful for two reasons: the Lord blessed their work, and the people worked together to use their abilities, gifts and talents to build the tabernacle: “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments” (v. 21).

Although we will not be commanded by God to build another tabernacle, Christians today have also been given talents and abilities by the Holy Spirit. Paul says in 1 Cor. 12: 7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” The spiritual gifts that we’ve been given are not for our benefit, but for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Like the Israelites before us, when we work together using the spiritual gifts that we’ve been given, the result is a great blessing to all.

What talents or abilities has the Holy Spirit given you to serve in the church?

Mark Woolfington, La Grange Highlands, Ill.

Extended Scripture: Exodus 35–38