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Moses staid in the mountain again
forty days; he neither ate nor drank, but God had power to keep him
without food: and Moses was happy with his God, and loved to be
there. God gave him many commands about what the people must do, and
what they must not do; and He wrote again the ten commandments upon the
new tables. When God had finished speaking, Moses came down from the
mountain; and the people looked at him, and saw that his face was bright
and shining; and they feared to come near to him. What made Moses'
face shine? The bright glory of God, which rested upon him while He
talked to him in the mountain. When Moses saw that it was painful
for the people to look at him, he took a veil, and covered his face, and
then spoke to them; but when Moses spoke to God, he put off the veil. Moses
told the people all the commands of God, and showed them the new tables;
and he spoke to them about the Sabbath, the holy day of God, when they
must do no work, because it is a day of rest, holy to the Lord. Then
he told them about the tabernacle which God commanded them to make, where
they were to worship Him; and Moses asked them to bring their gold, and
silver, and brass, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and the skins of
animals, and beautiful stones; these things were to help to make the
tabernacle, and all which was to be in it. The people were glad to
bring their riches for the service of God; and many of them were very busy
and industrious in this good work. The women spun hair for the
curtains, and the men worked the stones, and the gold, and silver; all
tried to do something. There was a man named Bezaleel, who was very
wise in many curious works, in cutting stones and carving wood. This
man loved God, and he was very glad he could do something in his
service. He made all the things for the tabernacle, and taught other
men to help him, that the work might be done quicker. It
is very pleasant, as well as right, to work for God. All have
talents; all can do something. Some people are very wise and
learned; they can do much. They can teach others: and they
ought to teach them the things of God, to love and serve Him, for that
alone is true wisdom. Good ministers work for God, in His church, by
preaching and teaching the Gospel, as Bezaleel worked for God in making
the tabernacle for His worship. Women can do something: there
is no tabernacle to work for now; but they can do much for the poor, by
clothing and caring for them; and this is working for God, because He
commands us to remember the poor, and to be kind to them for His
sake. Little children, too, can do something. Perhaps the
Israelitish children helped their mothers to spin the goats' hair, and to
carry to their fathers the stones and wood which were wanted.
Children cannot do much, but they may be very useful in helping others;
and if they work always in the fear of God, and try to serve Him in all
they do, He will love and bless them. None should be idle:
remember, St. Paul tells us not to be "slothful in business, but
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11.
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