Exodus 39:32-43: Presentation of Work
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Yesterday we reflected on how at times we must abandon the sanctuary. Delving into this separation from all that comforts us helps us to explore the idea that there are times when God calls us to leap over the abyss of our doubts. Today we reflect on the establishment of the first sanctuary or “dwelling place” for Yahweh, the desert temple tent. Verse 43 tells us that Moses was pleased with the work of the people and so he blessed them. This is reminiscent of the Creation story when God moves through the phases of creation – the sea, the land, the plants and animals, the humans – he sees that the work is good. In the relativistic twenty-first century western world, it is easy to think that our standard for goodness relies on our personal perspective. But when we read both Old and New Testaments, we remember that accountability, evaluation, and even assessment are part of the Gospel story.
Moses saw that all the work was done just as the Lord commanded, [and] he blessed them.
It is good to review the portions of Exodus that describe in detail the Temple Tent of Yahweh that the people carried as they wandered the wilderness for several generations. Verse 39:43 describes the experience of joy in the completion of work and a task well done for Yahweh. When we read varying translations of these words, we begin to feel the blessing God gave the Hebrews – that God gives to us.
Moses saw that all the work was done just as the Lord commanded, [and] he blessed them.
When we complete any task to which God calls us, it is good to rest awhile and reflect on what we have accomplished. It is good to give God thanks for we know – if we will admit it – that all we do is done through God. All we do that is worthy, is done with God.
Moses saw that all the work was done just as the Lord commanded, [and] he blessed them.
This blessing of all work done in God’s name may put a new spin on our daily lives, and in fact, it ought to do so. If we work, play, and pray for ourselves, we have missed the point of our existence. When we work, play, and pray with God, we participate in a plan far greater than any we might devise.
Moses saw that all the work was done just as the Lord commanded, [and] he blessed them.
When we have struggled through the travail of repairing a relationship, we will know the goodness of God’s providential care. When we have repaired, restored, rejuvenated our soul with God, we will know the beauty of God’s plan.
Moses saw that all the work was done just as the Lord commanded, [and] he blessed them.
When we have worked our way carefully through the many tasks of a day with no casualties or misunderstandings, we know the joy of putting a peaceful head on our nighttime pillow.
Moses saw that all the work was done just as the Lord commanded, [and] he blessed them.
When we make a presentation of our work, and we see that our efforts have produced fruit in abundance that will last, we know the perfect serenity of God.
Moses saw that all the work was done just as the Lord commanded, [and] he blessed them.
When we are forced to flee our sanctuary and then agree to return, restored and healed, we will see that the work we have done has been done just as the Lord commanded. We will know that we, like the Hebrew people, are blessed. We will know that the presentation of our labor is pleasing to God, so let us rejoice in God’s blessing.
Adapted from a reflection written on May 16, 2008.
Images from: http://www.israel-a-history-of.com/tabernacle-of-moses.html
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