He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it. And there were six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms… (43:17-19).
In this chapter we again see the utter beauty of the articles in the tabernacle. The ark, the table, and the altar of incense were all made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. All the plates, dishes for incense, bowls and flagons for drink offerings were made of pure gold, as well as the lampstand.
In the above verses, we see how the cups of the lampstand in which the oil would burn for light, were made like almond blossoms – they were both serviceable and beautiful.
God is glorious, His creation is beautiful, and it is only fitting that the service to Him be beautiful!
As God’s children, all that we do should reflect God’s glory. I have visited a rural Christian community, where they make and sell many different kinds of wares – everything from candles to woodwork, to woven cloth, to glass, to chocolate, to cheese, and so much more. Everything is excellently made and beautiful. I am sure those who create these things didn’t make something perfect on their first try, but they pursued excellence to the glory of God. The quality of their music also reflects that same standard of beauty and excellence.
This is a powerful example to me. And I want to not only pursue beauty and excellence in the things I make, but in who I am as a child of God – reflecting God by His beautiful qualities, such the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Ephesians 5:22-23).
I am a long way from this kind of beauty, from this godly excellence, but I can pursue it and grow towards it.
Prayer: Thank You, God, for Your beautiful creation! Thank You for the example of the beauty in the tabernacle that I have read about. May You help me strive for beauty and excellence in the things that I make, in the things that I do, and not the least in my character as I seek both to serve You and to reflect You to others. Amen.
