Exodus 31

Devotional:
You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. (Exodus 31:15).

This chapter reminds us that there is a time for work and a time for rest.

This work can take different forms, as shown here by the inclusion of Oholiab and Bezalel. Some people think that Aaron and the priests were more important than the others; this thinking leads to people believing they are “less than.” But in discussing these two men who were unbelievable craftsmen, we see that all people have gifts and are equally important. May we celebrate everyone’s gifts equally in the body of Christ! There is plenty of work for all of us.

But there also needs to be intentional times of rest. Do you schedule your rest? Is it important to you? God reminds Moses of the call to the Sabbath. We would be wise to heed the same call and make sure there are regular times of rest in our schedules.

Pray it:
Father, thank you for the gifts of work and of rest. Help me recognize that my daily tasks can be done for your name and for your glory. In a world that never seems to stop, help me find rest each week so that I can realize my need for you and that you offer rest for my weary soul. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?