Wisdom Downloads
“Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest,”
Exodus 28:3 NIV.
Have you ever wondered how all the details required to build the temple were realized? How the priestly garments were fashioned or designed?
I have usually skipped these chapters in Exodus because I have failed to see their relevance for me in the 21C. Do we need them now? Aren't they’re just details for historical reference?
Yet, as I read through Exodus this time, it’s different. I love how God gave a “wisdom download” to the workers, so they would know exactly what to do (28:3).
I love how the Israelites had all the material needed for the tabernacle and priestly garments, due to the Egyptian plunder, Exodus 12:35-36.
I love how there were so many skilled workers with honed abilities to work on the details of both the tabernacle and the priestly garments. Where these Israelite slaves in the palace in service to the Pharaoh? Is that where they learned their skill set? Yet now they are able to use all that they have learned for God. And God gave them a download of details to achieve said tasks.
God’s tabernacle would have been built by the best of the best taking God's designs and creating the place where He would have continued fellowship with man.
Reading these details in the past might have seem daunting and a bit boring for me, but these details are important.
It was the details of priestly garments that separated the priests from the people and gave them honor and respect.
Being a priest, was a high honor worthy of deep respect. You were bringing God’s word to the people.
It does break my heart that the very first high priests were men unworthy of this honor and respect. Selfish beings that cared little for God’s word and His details. Aaron and his sons relished in the praise of man, and took advantage of their position.
But then I have to pause and search my own heart. Have I ever taken advantage of my position?
Yes. I have. I have bragged about my education, background and even my short-lived church staff position.
Yet without humility, I am a wretched woman. Taking for granted the things God has given me.
With humility, my knees are bowed reminding me I am unable to stand on my own without Him. That He is everything, and I am His servant, not my own master.
God can use every detail of our past for His glory, if we will allow Him to do so.
We can also choose to maintain a prideful posture of “look at me now,” or “I deserve all of this.” It’s our choice. God or Me, which one do I capitalize?
Are we bending our knees in service to our LORD? Or are we standing tall, using our own abilities as our rights and privileges; for our own gain, glory or attention?
Father,
Thank You for Your example of slaves that gleaned their talent in “the secular world,” to be used in creating something beautiful later on for Your glory.
Thank You that You spoke to Moses, but also gave downloads to those working with the linens and threads.
Thank You that You use everything for Your own purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28, NIV).
You are in every detail. Help us to trust Your timing as You work everything out for Your good in us.
You are amazing.
Amen.
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