They Made

Exodus 38:2-3 They made a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar were of one piece, and they overlaid the altar with bronze. 3 They made all its utensils of bronze — its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans.  
 
MANY words are used to describe Jesus’ church. Scripture declares it as “God’s people” and “body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12) and “the saints” (Romans 1:7). Another is, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
     Exodus 38 is certainly about a group of God’s people working together for the common good. The phrase “they made” threads its way through this scripture to form a tapestry of gifted craftsmen working in unison. They obeyed God’s precise instructions to form the utensils and furniture of God’s tabernacle.
     “They made” also indicates the workers’ spirit of worship as they obediently worked in God’s will. There is no indication of arguing over control, what to use for the building or who had a particular responsibility. This is working as one body to the glory of God.
     Yes, God’s glory is in this tabernacle. He has designed it to point to himself and to the future salvation through Jesus Christ. His people didn’t understand that, but they did understand, “God said make it.” So they made it.
     God has called the church to keep “making” his kingdom on earth. He has designed a plan of salvation through the blood of his Savior. In Jesus’ blood, he calls us to be the body of Christ. Together the saints must work for the common good to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to the world. Put aside any desires for self. Work where you are able. Listen to God. Be a kingdom builder because Jesus said, “Make disciples.”
     Wouldn’t it be good one day if someone writes the story of Jesus’ church by saying, “The saints were the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
 
LIFE Link: God’s plan requires his church to make disciples of all nations.