SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 31
BIBLE VERSES:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” (Exodus 31:12-13)
“The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”(Exodus 31:16-17)
“When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.” (Exodus 31:18)
BEZALEL AND OHOLIAB (vs. 1-11)
The Lord chose Bezalel, the tribe of Judah blessed him with the skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. He was able to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. He also pppointed Oholiab of the tribe of Dan to help him.
THE SABBATH (v.s 12-18)
The observation of Sabbath was a sign between God and Israelites for the generations as a lasting covenant. It was a sign between God and the Israelites that for 6 days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth and on the 7th day, he abstained from work and rested (v. 16). It was also a sign for them to know that He is the Lord God who made the day holy. Anyone who desecrated or did any work must be put to death.
THOUGHTS:
God gave Bezalel and Oholiab special skills to do artistic work. They used their abilities to follow the heavenly pattern and made the things for the tabernacle. They dedicated their artistic skills in obedience to His command. God also gives each one of us different abilities. He is the source of wisdom and skills. Let us use our abilities to serve Him for His glory.
God instructed the people to observe Sabbath day. Anyone who violated the Sabbath would be put to death. The Sabbath had two purposes. It is a time to rest and a time to remember what God had done. It provides us a time of refreshment in remembrance of God. We must observe the Sabbath day by coming to His presence to worship Him.