January 27, 2024 - Exodus 36-39

The work on the tabernacle commences.  I have probably noted this matter previously; it is such an obvious takeaway from these chapters:  Many people had to chip in, with finances and skills and time, in order for the project to be completed:  “And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work” (36:2).  For another example of such cooperative effort, take a look at chapter 3 of Nehemiah and the listing of names and responsibilities divvied out for the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Pretty much, in any human endeavor, we find ourselves dependent upon others.  This is not to deny or understate the matter of personal responsibility and effort – such a denial being a common strain in the thinking and policies of today’s progressive politics – but it is to say that “we are all in this together.”  Such a simple matter but, for instance, individuals and families at Baxter have signed up to take individual weeks for cleaning our buildings.  This is a collective, congregational effort that is seen, additionally, this week, in the fact that the entire congregation pitches in.  And what can I say about Baxter’s recent Lottie Moon Offering?  What an amazing total of over $11,200!  And, though some gave much more than others, everyone gave and faithfully contributed.  You might remember how Fanny Crosby encouraged:

To the work! to the work! we are servants of God,

Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;

With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,

Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.

Toiling on, toiling on,

Toiling on, toiling on:

Let us hope, let us watch,

And labor till the Master comes.   –Fanny Crosby (1872)