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Exodus 35-40 – Praying through the Bible #39 – A Prayer I Need to Believe
No prayers are listed in the final 6 chapters of Exodus (35-40) in building the Tabernacle. So technically I am not writing about praying through the Bible…and yet I am. In chapters 35-36 we get a glimpse of what can be versus what is, by witnessing an astonishing alteration in the people of whom both Yahweh and Moses earlier called “stiff-necked” (32.34.9). I need to believe change is possible.
What God desires in the construction is not just numbing details of colors, fabrics, metals, dimensions, and cold obedience. Although it is noteworthy observing an important recurring praise that Moses did, “just as the LORD had commanded” (40:16,19,21,23,25,27,29,32). What God seeks is found in the details of other praise worthy observations. “Let everyone whose heart is willing bring this as the LORD’s offering: gold, silver, and bronze” and more such as “onyx with gemstones” (35.5-9). “Everyone whose heart was moved and whose spirit prompted him came and brought and offering to the LORD” (35.21). “All who had willing hearts brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry” (35.22). “The Israelites brought a freewill offering to the LORD, all the men and women whose hearts prompted them” (35.29). “The people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning” (36.3). This was a costly cause accomplished by a change of heart.
Giving freely is not the only heart infused action. “All the women whose hearts were moved spun the goat hair by virtue of their skill” (35.26). “Every skilled person in whose heart the LORD had placed wisdom, everyone whose heart moved him, to come to the work and do it” (36.2), also got involved. People volunteered their time and skills.
There’s only one problem: “The people are bringing more than is needed.” (36.5). “Let no man or woman make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary” (36.6). “The materials were sufficient for them to do all the work. There was more than enough” (36.7). God likes these kinds of problems.
But I’m confused. Aren’t these the same stiff-necked people who, after witnessing 10 plagues, and the separation of the Red Sea, defied God and Moses on several occasions? “Why did you ever bring us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (17.3); “Is the LORD among us or not?” (17.7) What happened? My guess and hope is, prayer happened. After Israel sank so low spiritually in pressuring Aaron to “make us a god” (32.1), Moses increases his prayers (32-34). Astoundingly, there is as much or maybe a greater change in hearts after these prayers, than after witnessing God’s mighty works. Could it be prayer is more life-changing and powerful than miracles? I need to believe stiff-necks can be changed by bowed heads.
Prayer Challenge: Have we seen a change in ourselves or those for whom and with whom we have been praying? Our prayer challenge is to not doubt the power of prayer.
Excellent! Great observation! Thank you!