What do you contribute?

Take a minute and think about your church or community... get the picture firmly planted in your mind.  Now, what is ONE THING that would improve it?  Big or small, it doesn't matter, just think of ONE THING that could make it better.  File that away for a minute or two...

This week we conclude our study of the Exodus by looking at the construction of the Tabernacle.  The Israelites are wandering in the wilderness, have repented of their idolatry with the golden calf, and are ready to make the trek to Canaan.

The Lord God gave Moses very specific instructions about the construction of the place He would dwell for the next 450 or so years. He was very detailed and made a list that included goat's hair, linen, olive oil, acacia wood, gems and metals.  He even detailed the colors of yarns that were to be used, as well as the two men who had been blessed with the skills and talents to head up the job, Bezalel and Oholiab.  These men not only had the vision and the expertise necessary, but they also had the leadership skills to teach others and see the job to completion.

The construction took about 50 days, and during that time the Lord gave Moses additional instructions which are recorded in Leviticus. (We're going to study that next!) This included not only ceremonial laws that dealt with worship and matters of the tabernacle, but also civil laws that helped them deal fairly with each other.

Something significant to notice in this passage is that God always has a Plan, He always makes Provisions, and He always raises up People. His plan for the tabernacle was detailed and specific; His provision for the materials was given when the Israelites plundered the Egyptians; His people were skilled, able and had grateful and generous hearts. And they built the tabernacle exactly the way the Lord intended.

The Lord is still working today in the Church (universal).  The plan of EVERY church should be to reach the lost for Jesus, to facilitate corporate worship and fellowship, to teach the Word and make disciples, and to provide opportunities for ministry and service.  It sounds like a lot, and IT IS, but it's do-able!

Every congregation has provisions and people, and the line blurs a little bit here:  a physical structure, leaders, people with resources and gifts and talents and ideas.  And just as Bezalel and Oholiab were skilled workers and teachers, our congregations have skilled workers and teachers that God has chosen to use to train others and work alongside them to build the kingdom.  And the Lord has given each of us passions and proddings as to what He wants us to do...

Remember the ONE THING you thought about that could improve your church or community?  Is it possible that it is something the Lord is calling you to be involved with in some way?  Our Koinonia friends came up with a bunch of ideas that varied from major building projects like a parking garage to home groups to intentional outreach to different cultural groups within our city.

As we fulfill our purposes on earth we need to remember that we aren't called to be spectators, we are called to be SERVANTS.  Our hearts and minds should ALWAYS be seeing the areas of need, and then be prayerful about ways we can help to meet those needs.

Of course, Jesus said it best:  "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." (Matt 9:37 NIV)  So be on the lookout for places where God is at work and then JOIN HIM!