The notes from Exodus 38:1-31 of The Complete Jewish Bible informs us that “This entire chapter is laid out in a specific poetic fashion.  Every first word of a verse uses the same structure.  It is formed from the word asah, meaning ‘to make,’ ‘form,’ or ‘fashion.’  To the Semitic ear, reciting verses with such a continual and rhythmic structure helps greatly in the memorization of Scripture.”

We lose the poetic order in English.  To me, the text is mired down in details, and I struggle to keep up with the flow of the writing.  This should be that high and remember to build the altar this high:  Weave fabric together that is this color while sewing this color to cover the holy place.  Do what?  Build what?  I get confused.

Perhaps the message to remember is the importance of intentionality.  God’s grand design for us is created in order; taking that which is chaos in weaving and building together beauty.  All of what we do should be sweet smelling incense to the Lord.  Fashioned as he designs.

I hope to structure my life in such a way that my worship be filled with purpose and meaning.  It is not sporadic as if I am giving God my leftovers.  No, my time is my offering to the Holy One, carefully fashioned in a way that calls me to be still and know that God is God.  Out of commitment, a sacred relationship grows.  We renew the promise to seek the divine presence out, discovering the eternal while in the presence of the mundane.