“And Moses inspected all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the Lord commanded, so they had done it. And Moses blessed them.” (Exodus 39: 43 Amplified Bible)
Something jumped off the page this morning when I was reading the final chapters of Exodus (38-40). Last week I talked about Bezalel and Aholiab and I was even more impressed with them as I read the final chapters of this amazing book.
I would love to have these two guys on my team. They exhibited a trait that is very rare these days in that they did exactly what they were told. If that weren’t something of importance, why did the writer of Exodus repeatedly say that they did “as the Lord commanded Moses.” By the way – that phrase is used nine times – so obviously the Lord wants us to see something.
I have shared this quote from Pastor Tim Shorey on a number of occasions: “Obedience is doing everything you are told to do IN THE RIGHT WAY (with the right heart attitude inwardly), RIGHT AWAY (immediately) and ALL THE WAY (do a complete job.)”
That’s exactly what Bezalel and Aholiab demonstrated. They could have tried to do it their way – but they were obedient and God blessed the work of their hands.
But something else to note: chapter 40, which closes out the book, showed that Moses modeled what he wanted others to do. Eight times it says, Thus did Moses; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did!
If we want those who follow us to get it, then we as leaders, fathers, supervisors, must model it for those who look up to us. Good reminder, Moses.
How about you today? As you look at Pastor Tim’s definition of obedience, how are you doing? Take some time today to think about it!
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
