Daily Devotion | Exodus 35:20–35 |January 6, 2026

Title: Daily Devotion

Scripture: Exodus 35:20–35 (ESV)

Date: January 6, 2026

Speaker: Rev. John Chen
Transcribed, translated & edited by: Joseph Wang (Yufan)

Dear brothers and sisters, peace to you. By the grace of God, we come to a new day to study our Daily Devotion. Today we are looking at Exodus 35:20–35. Let us first give thanks to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to guide us and to teach us how we ought to walk before Him, for this guidance itself is a gift of His grace.

In the earlier portion of this chapter, which we reflected on previously, Moses conveyed God’s command to the people of Israel. God had given His instructions concerning the tabernacle, and Moses called the people to bring their offerings so that the work might be done. In verses 20–35, we now see how the people respond to God’s call and to His revealed will.

Scripture tells us that all whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were willing brought the Lord’s offering, to be used for the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. What we see here is a clear pattern that runs throughout Scripture. God gives His word and His design; God’s people respond with willing hearts; and then God’s people labor diligently according to what He has revealed.

This pattern is not accidental. It reflects how God ordinarily works among His covenant people. God does not merely command externally; He also works internally. As His people receive His word, He moves their hearts so that they respond not out of compulsion, but out of willing obedience. In this passage, the people of Israel are beginning to walk on a path that is truly blessed, as they learn to respond rightly to the Lord.

One word in this passage deserves our special attention: the heart being stirred or moved. In verse 21 we read that their hearts were stirred. In verse 22 we are told that their hearts were willing. In verse 25 we see that there were those who were wise-hearted. In verse 26, again, those whose hearts were stirred with wisdom came forward. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes what is happening in the heart.

What does this teach us? When we read this passage within the context of the whole Bible, and especially in light of the New Testament and the guidance of the Reformed confessions, it becomes clear that this is the work of the Holy Spirit. God not only gives the blueprint and the commandments; He also works in the hearts of His people so that they are willing to give and to serve.

As believers, we know that everything we have comes from God. We rely entirely on the blood of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we come to know God’s love toward us. In Christ, we enjoy true peace. And in Christ, we come to recognize that all we possess has been given to us by God. Therefore, we willingly offer back to God what He has first given to us. This is not extraordinary; it is simply our reasonable response.

In this section, we can observe two aspects of the Spirit’s work. The first may be described as more passive in character. The Holy Spirit moves God’s people to give willingly, loosening their attachment to material things. Gold ornaments, jewelry, silver, fine materials, wood, and yarn are all brought forward. This reflects the Spirit’s work in subduing our sinful tendencies and teaching us to let go.

The second aspect of the Spirit’s work is more active and positive. Scripture tells us that wise-hearted women spun yarn with their own hands and brought what they produced. Those whose hearts were stirred with wisdom worked diligently. This shows us that the Spirit not only moves us to give, but also equips and guides us to serve with skill, wisdom, and understanding in the work of God.

The passage also reminds us of the important role of women in God’s holy work. Scripture affirms their service and participation in the construction of the tabernacle. This is not a matter of assigning value based on gender, nor does it suggest that certain skills belong exclusively to women. Rather, it demonstrates that God delights in the faithful service of His daughters and gladly uses them in His work.

Historically, in many cultures without the influence of biblical faith, women have been consistently marginalized and devalued. By contrast, where biblical truth has shaped a civilization, the dignity and value of women have been profoundly affirmed. Scripture makes clear that while there is order in roles, there is no hierarchy of worth. God is pleased with the service of women, and their labor is fully accepted by Him.

The passage then turns our attention to Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God specially called and filled with His Spirit. They were given wisdom, understanding, and skill to carry out the work according to God’s design. Importantly, they were also given the ability to teach others. They were not merely craftsmen, but leaders who guided the community so that the work would be done rightly.

This wisdom does not originate from human ability alone. It comes from God. In a deeper sense, Bezalel and Oholiab point us to Christ Himself. All holy work is ultimately accomplished by the Triune God. The Father plans, the Son accomplishes redemption through His obedient life and sacrificial death, and the Holy Spirit applies that redemption to God’s people.

Jesus Christ, like a master craftsman, perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will. Through His active obedience and His passive obedience, He completed the work of redemption so that God’s people might receive forgiveness of sins and be clothed with perfect righteousness. On this foundation, the church is built as the body of Christ.

Finally, we must reflect on what it truly means to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit. The filling of the Spirit is not a mystical experience, nor is it an emotional or supernatural sensation. It is not about hearing mysterious voices or possessing extraordinary insights. Rather, true fullness of the Spirit comes through a deep and growing knowledge of God’s Word.

As believers, we are called to understand God’s will as revealed in Scripture and to strive earnestly to obey His commandments in daily life. This involves both inward and outward work. Inwardly, we must examine our hearts, identify our particular sins and idols, and put them to death by the power of Christ. Outwardly, we are called to walk in obedience and to live holy lives before God.

This is not legalism. We do not pursue holiness in order to earn salvation. We pursue holiness because we have already been redeemed by the blood of Christ. As we deal seriously with sin and grow in obedience, the Spirit’s work becomes increasingly evident in our lives. God’s Word fills us more deeply, His love shapes us more fully, and His wisdom becomes more apparent in us.

May the Lord grant us hearts that are willing, minds that are renewed, and lives that are devoted to His glory. May He lead us by His Spirit to live holy lives and to build up the church, the body of Jesus Christ. May God bless you all.