Unexpected Craftsmen

    Today, as I finished the Book of Exodus, the craftsmen stuck out to me. There were people who did construction and metal work for the tabernacle or dwelling place of God, but Exodus 37:29 tells of those that were gifted in scents, "They also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense--the work of a perfumer." So the objects weren't the only sacred things, but even the smells needed to be just right for God. 

    Then Exodus 38:18 tells of more intricate details that God felt were important, "The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen--the work of an embroiderer." Who would have imagined that the craft of embroidery could be a skill that God would want to use for His holy dwelling place?

    Exodus 39:27-28 tells about other unexpected craftsmen, "For Aaron and his sons, they made tunics of fine linen--the work of a weaver--and the turban of the fine linen, the linen headbands and the undergarments of finely twisted linen." God doesn't leave out a single detail...a skilled weaver to make the priests underwear! I'm not trying to make light of this holy situation, but it is a nod to God's awesome planning that He gives His people such specific skills and ablilities. 

    Finally, Exodus 39:32 tells of the completion of the tabernacle, "So all the work on the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses." Moses then put all the holy objects in just the right locations and positions as the LORD had commanded him, "And so Moses finished the work" (Exodus 40:33). They had worked together as a people and did the work as the LORD had commanded and now they were finished with the tabernacle. 

    What is their reward for all this craftsmanship, time, cost, and diligence? "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" (Ex. 40:34) the Most Holy God dwelt among them. That is a mighty reward! He traveled with them and guided them day and night (Ex. 40:38). It doesn't get any better than this outcome: finish the work, by using the gift(s) He has given you, and He blesses you with His presence and guidance for whatever journey He has put before you. 

Proverbs 8:27-30, I [wisdom] was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep...Then I was the craftsman at his side.