We’re privileged to have Kalee Bernard join us today for this beautiful guest post.
Enjoy her article, and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!
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“Bezalel made the bronze washbasin and its bronze stand from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle” (Exodus 38:8 NLT).
The construction of the Tabernacle, detailed in Exodus 25-31 and 35-40, was one of the greatest architectural marvels in history. The ornate detail, the grandeur of its size, and the fact that it was portable required an unbelievable amount of planning, craftsmanship, and teamwork. Everyone that worshiped contributed something to fulfill the Lord’s instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 38:8 tells us of one contribution I find very interesting. The women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle donated their bronze mirrors so one of the constructors could forge the bronze washbasin and its stand. These women are the only ones mentioned specifically in this chapter. The rest of the contributions listed were given by “the people” in general.
“The people brought 5,310 pounds of bronze.”
“The whole community gave 7,545 pounds of silver.”
“The people brought special offerings of gold.”
Why did God inspire this author to specifically mention that the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle donated their mirrors for the construction of the washbasin?
I believe there is a profound lesson in this verse for all of us. Their bronze mirrors — their pursuit of beauty and vanity, the outward opinions of the world, the glamour of possession — they gave up for the glory of His tabernacle.
As they served at the entrance of the Tabernacle, they would no longer be holding their mirrors up so they could see themselves, but they would now have both hands open for His service and eyes looking toward their Maker.
As they served at the entrance of the Tabernacle, they would no longer be holding their mirrors up so they could see themselves, but they would now have both hands open for His service and eyes looking toward their Maker. As people entered the Tabernacle, no longer would they associate those women with the glitz of their riches, but they would become synonymous with His presence. When people looked on their faces, no longer would they recognize them individualistically, but now their identity would be rooted in their service to Him.
These women, who I believe were left unnamed purposefully, teach us the valuable lesson of giving up the pointed pursuit of earthly beauty with the eternal pursuit of finding your beauty in Him. As they gave up their mirrors for the washbasin, I am reminded that I need to “wash” my heart in prayer, wash my mind in His Word, and wash my spirit in His service so that I can more fully find myself in His purpose and point people to His presence.
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Photo courtesy @STXYouth
This isn’t Kalee’s first time to join us on the blog! Click here for her gorgeous wedding feature from our archives. Kalee Bernard is student leader at Royalwood Church in Houston, TX, along with her husband, Daniel. She also serves at Royalwood as small groups director. Kalee assists Daniel in his duties as district youth secretary of the South Texas District of the UPCI and is also actively involved in music and singing, including leading worship at district conventions. Most importantly, Kalee is a new momma to her pride and joy, Claire!