KEEP Sunday special. Of course, we keep the first day of the week and not the last, but the principle is the same. Let’s not forget that the first part of this command is not “Don’t” but “Do.” We are to be diligent in our everyday work, whatever that may be. A lazy Christian is a bad witness. The command about not lighting the fire was tied in with the earlier instruction not to cook on the Sabbath (Ch 16 v 23). The point to remember is that worship was to take priority over everything else.
The tabernacle was to be furnished from the gifts of the people and it was to be a colourful spectacle with fine materials and pleasant odours. It was to be put together from precious metals. There was to be nothing shoddy or second rate in the tabernacle, all provided by the people themselves. The idea of cutting corners in order to save money just wouldn’t wash. To our shame this is often the attitude in Churches today. Certainly, the Church should not be overly rich when the people are poor, but that is not what God is asking here.
Notice the different skills needed to produce the end result. There had to be weavers, metalworkers, woodworkers, strong men to manhandle the huge tent, and people skilled in carving and baking. The oil had to be pressed from the olive. The incense needed to be prepared and the dyes for the priests’ garments. There was work for needlewomen and… and…. and so on. There was no one who couldn’t be involved somehow or other. Don’t ever think there is nothing that you can do for the Lord. Just go to Him. He will tell you what to do!
