Exodus 31 … Consider His How

Originally posted: 03/21/2019

Explicit directions had been given; the details for every article of the tabernacle, sacrifices, offerings, and the priests’ garments had been meticulously defined. And at this point, the LORD explains, conclusively, His How.

I wondered if Moses hadn’t been anxiously awaiting for specifics as the intricacies of each item were introduced. Did he find himself wondering, How? How was this gigantic task looming ahead to be accomplished? With each new instruction given, did that one word continually assault his thoughts… How? How LORD?

Perhaps after the ten plagues, the Red Sea, the manna and the water from a rock, Moses wasn’t dogged by doubt. But it is interesting that His How was not explained until after His comprehensive directives had been fully described. Perhaps the LORD was still strengthening the faith of His faithful servant, Moses, with each subsequent detailed assignment.

Consider His How

His How: The LORD had called by name those to complete His assignment.
“See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,” (31:2).

His How: The LORD had provided, by His Holy Spirit, all wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and craftsmanship needed.
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, ⁴ to make artistic designs…” (31:3-4).

His How: The LORD had appointed the assistance of others to use their skills He had given them.  
“And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:” (31:6)

His How: The LORD had established the Sabbath, a rest from the call of labor, as a sign of faith in Him and His sanctifying work.
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘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,‘” (31:12-13).

His How: The LORD gave His Word, written by the finger of God.
When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God, (31:18).

How do we respond to His How?

His call often comes before His How. When we find ourselves wondering how, let us be quick to consider His How.

• How can we be without purpose? Let us respond in faith to His How.
  • He has called us by name and set us apart for His purposes.
    • “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;” (Jeremiah 1:5).
    • “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day,” (John 6:44).

• How can we be deficient in His wisdom? By faith, let us depend on His How.
  • He has given us His Holy Spirit Who abides in us forever.
    • “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come,” (John 16:13).
      

• How can we be self-serving? Let us submit in faith to His How.
  • He gives us His gifts to use in assisting His body.
    • But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills, (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11).

• How can we rely on ourselves? By faith, let us rest in His How.
  • He calls us to rest in Him for our sanctification.
    • This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? ³ Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? (Galatians 3:2-3).

• How can we lack understanding? Let us seek His wisdom through faith in His written Word.
  • We can trust His Word to train and equip us in His righteousness.
    • All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work, (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Oh, let us apply our hearts to seek Him, confident that He will faithfully work in us for His good pleasure, as He steadily strengthens us to trust His How.

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure, (Philippians 2:13).

Let’s Grow Together!