35:1 Moses gathers everyone together, he's ready to pass onto them all of the instruction he has been receiving from God on their behalf.
35:2-3 God's first instruction is for His followers to reserve the seventh day of working as a holy day, "a Sabbath of rest to the Lord." God is serious about this commandment. Consider that this faith is new to the earth. The children of Israel are surrounded by polytheism (belief in multiple gods) and corruption. God needs this group of people to be focused and faithful in developing its traditions. The foundation of this faith is being established; it is imperative that its followers stop abandoning it so frequently.
35:4-9 The next commandment is for the children of Israel to make offerings to the Lord of the things that are most earthly-valuable to them. This practice would produce true faith inside of them. By giving to God the treasures of this world, they will actively show that He is the true treasure. They only thing they will not give away.
It sounds easy right? When is the last time any of us emptied our house of everything monetarily valuable just to show God the He is what we need and want? These practices enable us to grow and strengthen our faith. They are a proclamation to God that we understand and agree with Him.
35:10-19 Moses calls back all of the gifted artisans. Remember that God specifically gifted them for the divinely-appointed task of building the tabernacle. God created an artist for every detail of the tabernacle: from the clothing of the priests to the lights, utensils and altar... and more. God continues to administer gifts and opportunities for us to use them, 1 Corinthians 12.
35:20-21 The people move into active faith: "Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing,..." God's word reaches the ears, eyes and hearts of His compassionate children. We hear His truth and our hearts are stirred to follow Him. Our spirits are willing! We listen and follow Him because we trust Him and are inspired by Him. We live as His fellow workers, 1 Corinthians 3:9, because we want to.
35:22-29 Every willing heart, according to their gift, begins to do the work God appointed them for. This productive, mutual, faithful effort is evidence of God's goodness. His love and guidance inspires, draws the best out of us.
35:30-35 Moses points out the artisans appointed by God. He explains that they are filled with the Holy Spirit. So are you!
Romans 8 is devoted to explaining the advocacy the Holy Spirit does on your behalf.
- 8:26 In the same way, the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak. We don’t know what we should pray for. But the Spirit himself prays for us.
We also receive this blessing in Ephesians 1:13-14
- 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
