SOAP 02/18/2015; Exodus 37:29

Today's reading: Exodus 37

S) "²⁹ And he made the holy anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense of spices, the work of a perfumer."

Exodus 37:29 (NASB)

O) Most of this chapter describes, in great detail, how Bezalel constructed the ark, the lampstands, the table, and the alter for the incense. After reading straight through Exodus, most of these details are not exactly new reading. After all, Bezalel was only constructing exactly what Moses told him, which was exactly how the LORD described it to Moses. However, this verse (which closes the chapter), sheds more light on God's plans and how He blesses and empowers. The entire chapter is all about construction and metalworking. He's building out of wood and overlaying with gold. Then, almost incongruously tacked to the end of the chapter, is this verse telling us that Bezalel created the anointing oil and fragrant incense. Not only did he create it, but it was at such a high skill level that it was the work of a perfumer. People spent their lives becoming perfumers by trade, because (like many other refined skills) it takes a long time to become good at it. Just as it would take a long time to become skilled at woodworking. Just as it would take a long time to become skilled at metalworking. But, the people had a need for someone to create these things expertly the first time, so that man could then teach them how to reproduce it. God gave Bezalel broad, immense, expert skills.

A) It is important to define who had the need in this story. God did not have the need for Bezalel to possess these skills. God does not have needs. People had this need, and God provided for them. He has a standard that is too high for us to reach alone. But, in His infinite love and amazing grace, He always provides a way for the people He is calling, to reach His standard. First, it was through a great many requirements, passed down through myriad laws. Now, it is through the redeeming work at the cross, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. There are half a dozen verses in the New Testament, which speak to my ability to do anything through God. This did not, however, start to begin being true when Jesus came along. God does not change. He has always had a heart to provide for His people, a way for them to reach Him. How sweet it is, to know that He does not require me to reach Him on my own, which would be a truly impossible task.

P) Father, Your grace precedes my knowledge. I am truly amazed at how You have, in every conceivable way, always provided for everything I have ever needed. Right now, I am facing another need, Father God. I am, myself, inadequate to do what I know must be done. It is a trap, to think that my own wisdom, knowledge, or skill, will be enough to accomplish what must be done. Let me rest then, in the grace of Your provision. Please let the Holy Spirit lead me, as I approach my task. There is great glory at stake here, Lord, and I forfeit it all to You. Help me to take the focus off myself, off of my own abilities and skills. Keep me humble and work through me. Use me, not because You need me, but exactly because I need You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.