"They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high... You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold... You shall make a table of acacia wood, two cubits long and one cubit wide and one and a half cubits high... You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried." -Exodus 25.10, 13, 23, and 28
As God begins to give instructions for His earthly dwelling place, we notice that a certain type of wood is used, acacia wood. Do you know why acacia wood was used? Because it was available. God instructed the people to use the wood that was at hand for the construction of the Tabernacle and some of its artifacts. They are traveling through the desert at this point, not a forest with choice pine or cedar. Acacia is what was there, and so acacia is what God used.
But He doesn't leave it as it is. He takes this wood that had great qualities, strength and resistance to insects and water, and then makes it fit for Himself. The wood is covered with gold. God takes the common, the available, and uses them for His service. He takes an oridinary branch and turns it into a gold covered pole that will carry a sacred chest. He takes a common tree and has it turned into a gold chest that will hold the mercy seat where He will meet with His people.
Men, are you available? God has given you gifts that make use ideal for service. Acacia wood is strong, and therefore good for construction. It resists insects and water making it durable and long lasting. But those properties do no good if the tree is 1,000 miles away. Your gifts are of no use to God if they aren't available. If you aren't willing to be used by Him then what good is your gift of speaking, or leadership?
You may feel that your skills aren't ready for service, that they are underdeveloped. Don't worry, God takes what is available, and makes it ready to serve Him. He had the wood covered with gold, and He will take your gifts and develop them. He will cover you with the Holy Spirit, making you fit to serve Him.
God uses what is available, are you?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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