The Glory of Chores

Scripture: Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord commanded Moses. Exodus 38:22
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Observation: Exodus 37 and 38 go into great detail to describe the construction of the tabernacle, especially the ark, the furniture, and the décor of the room. All of this seemed to be crafted by Bezalel.

Application: When I first saw today’s reading, I thought, “What can God say to me through a description of a room?” As I read, I saw the detail, the care, the craftsmanship that Bezalel displayed in his work. His work was not merely a job; it was for the Lord. His handiwork proclaimed his belief in the glory of the Lord.
How I work with my hands can honor and proclaim God. While I work hard at my job, the chores I do around my house don’t get the same attention. But viewed the right way, even these acts can be a way for me to honor God. And it can be something I teach my kids—the simple value of a job well done, done for the Lord. I think specifically of our back porch, covered with leaves for months now. There is a way for me to clean that as unto the Lord. As I work with care, I can do a good job because my God appreciates craftsmanship and work done for him. You can tell by looking at the sky above. I’m doing the porch this weekend.

Prayer: God, I want to learn the value of work well done, and instill that in my kids. Help me to joyfully embrace chores around my house, especially those cleaning days that seem to cause so much friction in our home. Let me work with the detail and care of Bezalel.

I'm Counting on God

Scripture: You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. James 2:22-24

Observation: True faith is not simply about belief, but acting on that belief. By being not only hearers, but doers of the word. Yet some people seem afraid that one might taint and ruin the other if they are allowed to mix. I guess the fear is faith by works—that we would fall back into trying to become God’s friends by doing enough works, i.e. legalism. But if we step back and just read the passage, James is pretty clear that he is not teaching faith by works, but faith demonstrated through works. If Abraham had claimed to have faith in God, but refused to sacrifice Isaac, we would assume he really was not living by faith. There is a worship song out there right now called “I’m Counting On God.” Counting on God, living by faith, is not just a song we sing, but a life we live. Bottom line: How does offering a starving and shivering person warm words, without the action of food and blankets, helpful? It is not. How are claims of faith, without living a life that shows you are counting on God helpful? They are not. If we claim faith, we will act.

Application: God, this is a growing passion in my life. For us to be doers of the word and not hearers only. Not a return to legalism as described in Galatians. But a return to obedience as a demonstration of true faith. That we count on God by the way we live and not the way we say. For 60 years, Pulpit Rock has been known as a church that knows the Word of God. I’d like to change that. I’d like us to be known as a church that by faith, does the word of God. I need to more clearly connect faith and works from the word in the hearts of our people. I need to help people read the word, hear from God, walk by the Spirit, and do it by faith. This means to me that I need to begin discipling people using the S.O.A.P. devotional method so they can hear and obey God.

Prayer: God, help me knit faith and works together in my heart. Show me that counting on you is more than a line; it is a life. Give me wisdom to figure out how best to disciple others using S.O.A.P. And keep me ever mindful of the danger of legalism, yet the freedom of obedience. Amen