Crafty Women

Crafty Women

Sewing For The Tabernacle

Read: Exodus 35:20-29

When God gave Moses detailed instructions for building a house of worship, the Israelite community came together to offer the needed materials and services. Women took an active part in preparing the special place where God’s glory would reside. Those skilled in sewing and spinning made yarn from goat hair, and they made cloth from fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet thread. Eager to help in this important work, these craftswomen offered their talents as gifts to God. Imagine their joy when they saw the completed Tabernacle and knew that their very own hands had contributed to its beauty and glory!

Women have always used their handiwork to make their homes, work environments, and churches more beautiful. Even pioneer women who had few resources found ways to make basic necessities such as quilts and clothing beautiful. Today, interest in knitting, weaving, and spinning has revived. Many women enjoy hobbies such as sewing handmade clothes, doing needlework, and making jewelry. Although any of these items can easily be purchased at stores, women take pleasure in making them with their own hands. Another popular craft that women are enjoying is compiling gorgeous scrapbooks of family photos and mementos for their children.

All the beauty in the world around us is part of God’s handiwork, but our own bodies display his most awesome craft. Before we were born, God “knit” together (literally “embroidered”) all the intricate parts of our bodies. But even if we are handmade, we are not yet finished projects. Although it doesn’t always seem like it with untidy ends dangling, God is busy crafting our lives into a reflection of his glory. Handmade projects can get messy, but when God finishes his work one day, we will see that his hands have made our lives beautiful.

You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:13 (NIV)