Exodus 31  The Lord "called by name Bezalel... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftmanship.."  Every thing that the Lord had described to Moses on the mountain would be made by men that the Lord equipped to do the work.  "and behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab.. and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you." (v2,6)

This is truly an amazing thing.. not only would they build the tabernacle with all its curtains and framework, but they would make the furnishings.. with wood and gold and silver and bronze. Also they would make the incense and the anointing oil.. and make the garments for the priests.  So much intricate and precise work only could be accomplished by the Spirit of God working in willing people. 

The second half of this chapter focuses on the Sabbath.  "You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you."  He calls it a celebration and a sign.  It is a holy day and a day of rest but more than that it is a gift that brings God and His people into a continual refreshing of their relationship. 

This is the same reason that we take the time to observe a day each week to worship the Lord. It is His day where we enter His house to worship Him. It helps us to deepen and refresh our relationship with our Father as well as with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are exhorted by the Scriptures to not forsake this gathering together.  And we are reminded in the psalms of David that coming to the Lord's house is to be a joyful gathering of praise and thanksgiving. "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall  seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple." ( Psalm 27:4)

Psalm 63:2 "Thus I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary, To see Thy power and Thy glory."  When David sought the Lord.. when he thirsted for Him like a man thirsts for water in a dry and weary land.. he found Him and was satisfied.  Oh that we might hunger and thirst for our God and run to His house so that we might encounter His power and glory! 

Father, draw us into Your holy Presence.. may we experience Your power and glory every time we meet in the Lord's house. May we keep this time holy and precious.. when we gather together every Sunday to praise You, to be refreshed by Your Presence.. to see Your beauty.  Thank You for this great gift. Thank You for the men and women that You have equipped for the work of making a church worthy of Your Name.  Anoint and consecrate Your servants.. our pastors.. for the ministry for the body of believers. Thank You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.