Exodus 39

“The Israelites had done everything the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected all the work they had accomplished. They had done just as the Lord commanded. Then Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42-43

My wife and I built our first house in Franklin, Tennessee. You learn a lot when you build a house. Fortunately, we had a good experience. When the work was completed, we walked through and inspected everything. Then, we said, “Well done!” and wrote the builder a final check.

I call it “beginner’s luck” because almost every other home contracting experience has been nightmarish. All I can say is no matter how much a contractor begs, don’t pay them until ALL the work is done. Remember the old saying, “If you want a friend to leave you alone, give him a loan?” Sadly, the same could be said of some building contractors. Give them their money up-front, and you may never see them again!

It is safe to say that Moses was God’s “general contractor.” He was given a job and the task to bring it in on time, on budget, and with a zero-tolerance for shoddy craftsmanship.

I am amazed at how our culture is losing its work ethic. That is, we would rather play first and work later. That attitude has led to our generation being the most indebted generation in history. During the Great Depression, people may have been flat broke, but they were not as “in debt” as we are today. Consider these statistics.

* There are roughly 1.2 billion credit cards in use in the U.S.

* More than 1.5 million people file for bankruptcy every year.

* The average per-household consumer debt in the U.S. is $16,720.

Just as the Egyptians sold themselves into slavery in the days of Joseph (Genesis 47:19), so has our nation has sold itself into bondage to credit companies. In effect, we have rejected the Lord’s provision, considering it inadequate, choosing instead to indenture ourselves so we can obtain the objects of our idolatry.

Let’s take today’s passage as a challenge to 1) Ask the Lord where He wants us to labor in his Kingdom, 2) Work as unto the Lord, 3) Rest in His blessing & provision, 4) Seek His mercy in releasing us from the bonds of debt we have sold ourselves into. Do the work He has chosen and equipped you to complete. Then, seek His blessing. Not the other way around.