Worship Leads to Working with God

/ revjblane

Reflections from Exodus 35

In Exodus 35, the people of Israel are invited to do something incredible: work alongside God in building the Tabernacle—a holy place where He would dwell among them. But what makes this chapter truly remarkable isn’t just the construction project; it’s the heart transformation that comes with it.

After failure in the past—particularly the golden calf incident—the people are given another opportunity. This shows us a profound truth:

“Failure cannot cancel the words God has spoken over your life. His purposes may yet live through you, even if there has been a season of failure in between.”

The Presence of God: A New Beginning

God Almighty, El Shaddai, was prepared to dwell among His people. Wherever they would go, His presence would be with them—a premonition of the coming of Christ and the promise He would later make:

“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

The building of the Tabernacle was not a human idea. It was God’s plan—something no man could have conceived on his own. But God invites His people to cooperate with Him in this sacred work. What a glory! What a privilege!

The Call to Participate: Giving and Building

In Exodus 35, the people gave spontaneously and willingly. The materials for the Tabernacle weren’t demanded—they were offered freely. The people heard the Word, departed, and returned with gifts, acknowledging:

“From Thee all things come, and of Thine own we give Thee.”

This becomes a pattern for us as well: true worship naturally leads to a desire to work with God in His purposes.

What God Requires: Rested, Willing, and Wise Hearts

The work that God desires to do through His people requires specific kinds of hearts:

1. A Rested Heart

(Exodus 35:2)

“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD.”

Our work for God must come from a place of rest—not striving. This Sabbath rest is a type and shadow of the rest found in Christ.

Jesus said:

“Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Working with God requires a heart that has learned to trust, surrender, and find fulfillment in Christ.

Ask yourself:

  • Have I allowed my life to be a place of fellowship and worship?
  • Am I living from a place of resting in Christ?

2. A Willing Heart

(Exodus 35:5)

“Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it.”

Willingness is born from worship. A willing heart is a heart transformed by seeing who God is and understanding where He is—dwelling among His people.

Jesus told His disciples:

“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

How do we cultivate a willing heart?

  • Receive His Word: His Word cleanses, renews, and directs.
  • Receive His Spirit: His Spirit empowers us to overcome the pull of the flesh and pursue His desires.

3. A Wise Heart

(Exodus 35:10, 31-32)

“And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded.”
“He hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.”

Wisdom here isn’t just intellect—it’s Spirit-empowered skill and sensitivity to God’s purpose.

The Israelites’ past experiences, even the hard labor of slavery in Egypt, were training grounds for the work of building the Tabernacle. Likewise, God uses our pasts—both joys and struggles—to equip us for what He calls us to do.

Each of us has gifts to offer. Scripture reminds us:

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Working with God means releasing the gifts He’s placed in your hands and trusting Him to multiply the impact.

Overflowing Generosity

The people gave more than enough for the work of the Tabernacle:

“The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.” (Exodus 36:5)

When hearts are rested, willing, and wise, generosity overflows.

Are You Ready to Work with God?

Ask yourself these three simple but life-changing questions:

  1. Have I rested in the Lord?
    Have I placed my faith fully in Christ and allowed my life to be a place of worship and fellowship?
  2. Am I willing to do what God has instructed?
    Am I giving myself—my time, my treasure, and my talents—freely and joyfully?
  3. Am I using my gifts for His purposes?
    Am I releasing my skills and abilities so God can work through me to accomplish His mission?

Final Thought

Working with God is not a duty—it’s a delight. It is the natural outflow of a life that has encountered His presence. Worship leads to work, and work becomes worship when it’s done for His glory.

Let’s be the kind of people who build what God has called us to build.

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