Some times in the Book of Exodus, the same word (aw-bad) is used both
for worship and for work. (For example, look at Exodus 5:18).
Although that is not always the case, it does suggest that the Hebrew
mind saw a close connection between the two—worship and work.
In this week’s focal text, the work to build the tabernacle was paid
for by the freewill offerings brought by the worshippers. Note that
the workers whose elaborate design was used to construct the
tabernacle were divinely inspired (Exodus 25:31). The gifts and
abilities for work came from God. It is as if worship and work are in
dialogue.
It may be relatively easy for someone who works in religious settings
to think of her or his work as worship. But, what about those who
labor and toil in other kinds of work? If what I can do is the best I
can do it, I have worshipped God. A teacher, a farmer, a police
officer, a storekeeper, a factory worker, an architect, a caregiver, a
babysitter, a student, a road worker, a basketball coach, a
manufacturer of toothpicks, a chef----what do they all have in common?
If each has made use of the way God has equipped them for life, they
have, in their work, worshipped God.
Usually, I think of worship as a pleasant, even comforting,
experience. Usually, I think of worship as filled with beauty and
peacefulness. Usually, I think of worship as an intentional
acknowledgment of God. And, worship can well be all of that. But
worship can also be caring for a crying baby, reaching the top shelf
for a “vertically challenged” customer, mowing the lawn on a hot day,
advising a client how to invest money, or cleaning the teeth of a
dental patient.
One thing that jumped out at me in this week’s focal text is the way
the people came forward with voluntary gifts to pay for the work to
build the tabernacle (Exodus 36:3). My mind goes to the financial
offerings we bring for the work of God’s people. I can’t be in El
Salvador, but I can give funds to pay for those who are there. I
can’t be at our church colleges and universities, but I can give funds
for those who study and teach there. I can’t spend a summer at camps
created for the Christian journey, but I can give funds for those who
staff those camps. I can’t administer the complicated work of church
life, but I can give funds to support those who do that ministry.
Worship. Work. It all comes together.
What Someone Else Has Said:
In Lutheran Questions, Lutheran Answers
(Augsburg Books), Martin E. Marty has said: “For God to call to be
worshipped is not a divine ego trip but somehow the expression of the
love of God, which also means that worship is good for human
creatures, the result of God’s activity.”
Prayer:
As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Thank You,
Lord, for work...”
