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.
From a Pastor's Point of View 