The Finished Work

The Finished Work - Exodus 40

Exodus 40:1-38

The book of Exodus began with the children of Israel in bondage in Egypt. It ends with them, a redeemed people, who completed the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The baby boy in the bulrushes became their God-appointed leader. What a blessing to be led by someone who knows the Lord!

In this last chapter of Exodus we read, "Thus Moses did; according to all that the Lord had commanded him, so he did." Exodus 40:16. He did everything that the Lord required of him. The bottom line is found in verse 33. "So Moses finished the work." No loose ends remained for someone else to bind.

Upon the completion of the work "the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." Exodus 40:34, 35.

We're reminded of Jesus, who came to do His Father's will. See Psalm 40:6-8 and Hebrews 10:5-10. He came into the world to save sinners, to die in our place for our sins. He prayed to the Father, "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do." John 17:4. The Father was glorified through the finished work of Christ.

Upon the cross "when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." John 19:30. The work was finished, but He wasn't. He rose again! The work of our redemption was done, never to be repeated. Under the law the priests stood, "ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God." Hebrews 10:11, 12. Jesus died once for all. "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (or set apart)." Hebrews 10:14.

What is God's will for Your life? What does He want you to do? Some begin well, but don't finish the job. In running the race they never cross the finish line. In the Old Testament a handsome, young man named Saul was crowned king of Israel. He started out just fine, but fell out of favor with the Lord because he didn't obey Him. In contrast, in the New Testament a powerful, young man named Saul (later known as Paul) started out poorly, persecuting the church. Just before he died a martyr's death, he wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7. Take heed to fulfill your ministry!

Lord, You aren't glorified through compromise or work half done. We want to be numbered among those who finish the work to which we've been called. Thank You for the finished work of Christ. In His name. Amen!

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