8 SeptemberExodus 39

Complete your work

Exodus 39:32 “(NIV) “So all the work on the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses”. In this verse, we are told in no uncertain terms that “the work . . . was finished.” The word “finished” means, according to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (TWOT), “to bring a process to completion. Exodus 39:42-43 (NIV) “The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them”.

At the end of the chapter, Scripture tells us that everything God had commanded the children of Israel completed. The construction went smoothly. We see no evidence of an argument or distraction. Amazingly, the people of Israel followed through with their part. Our goal is to complete our work by carefully reviewing it and aiming for recognition of our efforts. This final verse celebrates reaching that goal.

Moses praised the congregation for their obedience. He carefully reviewed their work and, seeing that it followed God's instructions, he gave it his approval. The Tabernacle was built exactly according to God's plan.

On the cross, our Lord cried out, 'It is finished.' This was a strong statement, but would it prove true? Yes, three days later, it was. God confirmed it by raising Him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31 (NIV) “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Now, we look forward to the completion of Jesus' work—a perfectly pure and sinless temple, which He calls 'the church.' That day will come, and we will celebrate that 'it is finished forever.

In the same way, the Israelites completed the work on the Tabernacle precisely as the Lord commanded; we, too, are called to follow through with our tasks with diligence and faithfulness. Their obedience was rewarded with Moses’ blessing, just as our efforts will be blessed when aligned with God’s will. Jesus’ declaration, 'It is finished,' on the cross is the ultimate fulfilment of God's plan, confirmed by His resurrection. As we await the completion of His work in establishing a holy, spotless church, we are reminded that our journey is one of faith, obedience, and hope. In the end, just as the Israelites completed their work, God will bring His work to us to perfect completion, too.