The Church is the People. Exodus 36-37; Mark 3

May the mumbling commence!

Today was one of those days with my Old Testament reading.  There were two wonderful chapters of detail concerning the construction of the Tabernacle.  But there wasn’t much that caught my eye.  The biggest exclamation point on the entire reading had more to do with the people of the Tabernacle, so to speak.  Moses and the artisans had a problem that many churches wish they had.  Read from Exodus chapter thirty-six:

"Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other craftsmen whom the Lord has gifted with wisdom, skill, and intelligence will construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded." 

So Moses told Bezalel and Oholiab to begin the work, along with all those who were specially gifted by the Lord.  Moses gave them the materials donated by the people for the completion of the sanctuary. Additional gifts were brought each morning.  But finally the craftsmen left their work to meet with Moses.  "We have more than enough materials on hand now to complete the job the Lord has given us to do!" they exclaimed. 

So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: "Bring no more materials! You have already given more than enough." So the people stopped bringing their offerings.  Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project. (Verses 1-7)

The people of Israel gave more than enough for the project.  The artists were honest enough to let Moses know about the excess, and Moses told the people to stop bringing materials to the Tabernacle.  What a nice problem to have!

It makes sense, though.  Many churches who have trouble meeting a budget have wild success when they put a tangible project before the people.  Could we begin to look at regular budget items as tangible projects?  It might help bring in the tithes and offerings.

This giving of the people is a good example of who the church really is.  The church is not the building or the Tabernacle.  The church is the people in relationship with one another and in relationship with the Lord.  Read from Mark chapter three about the apostles and the true family of Jesus:

Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.  Then he selected twelve of them to be his regular companions, calling them apostles. He sent them out to preach, and he gave them authority to cast out demons.  These are the names of the twelve he chose:

Simon (he renamed him Peter), 

James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder"), 

Andrew,

Philip, Bartholomew,

Matthew, Thomas,

James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus,

Simon (the Zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). (Verses 13-19)

Being an apostle is doing the work of Jesus – preaching and healing.  And doing the work of Jesus makes you family – mother, sister and brother…

Jesus' mother and brothers arrived at the house where he was teaching. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them.  There was a crowd around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you." 

Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"  Then he looked at those around him and said, "These are my mother and brothers.  Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Verses 31-35)

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out