And so Moses finished the work. (Ex. 40:33)
I love decorating my home. From painting to putting up wall art, I’m passionate about creating comfortable, cozy spaces for my family and guests. Because we don’t always have the funds to go out and buy new furniture or artwork, I often repurpose what I have—a puzzle that plagues me until every piece is in exactly the right place. But when I put that last item on the bookshelf and the room instantly feels right, the struggle is worth it.
In this passage, Moses comes to the end of his own project. As I read about how Moses hung that last curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle courtyard, I can’t help but wonder what he must have felt. Did he feel relieved that the work was completed? A sense of satisfaction that he had followed God’s detailed instructions? Or was he left wondering, “What now?”
While we don’t have answers to all these questions, we can learn from Moses’ example. His efforts to complete the tabernacle—to create the perfect dwelling place for God among his people—were exemplary, his obedience remarkable. And very likely, he went to these great lengths without knowing what the final product would look like. Step by step, he followed God until he was able to step back and know that the work was complete.
Move forward in obedience, even when you can’t see the end result.
Sarah E. Westfall resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her husband Ben and their four boys. She really wants a nap.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
