Devotional

Gold-Plated Purpose: The Lesson of Shittim Wood

“And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.” — Exodus 37:28

As we delve into the intricate details of the construction of the Tabernacle, we arrive at a seemingly simple yet profoundly symbolic verse found in Exodus 37:28: "And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold." Here, the craftsmanship involved in making the staves, or poles, for the Ark of the Covenant is not merely a historical account; it serves as an invitation for us to reflect on the deep-seated significance behind what might initially appear as mundane wood and gold.

Consider first the materials chosen – shittim wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay. This wood represents humanity—our raw, unrefined state. Like shittim wood, much of life is filled with imperfections, struggles, and vulnerabilities. We often find ourselves rooted in the earthly, grappling with the flesh and its tendencies. However, the act of overlaying this wood with gold reveals a beautiful truth about our identity and potential before God. Gold, throughout Scripture, symbolizes divinity, purity, and value. It is a reminder that, although we are human and frail, it is God’s intention to cover our weaknesses with His divine glory.

This brings us to an essential lesson about the relationship we have with God. The staves were crafted for a specific purpose: to carry the Ark of the Covenant, the very presence of God. The poles were essential in the transport of the Holy of Holies, an intimate and holy communion with God. In our lives, we too are called to bear His presence. Just as the staves were overlaid with gold for this incredible task—making them not just functional but also a reflection of glory—we are called to allow God to overlay our lives with His grace and righteousness.

Engaging with our personal growth, we can ask ourselves: In what ways are we allowing God to transform the wood of our lives? Each day, we encounter opportunities to present our ‘staves’—our actions, thoughts, and intentions—to Him so He can cover them with gold. When we allow God’s truth to permeate our lives, we join with the psalmist in declaring,

"Thou art my God; early will I seek thee..." (Psalm 63:1, KJV).

God’s mission for us is amazing! He does not see us merely in our human limitations; rather, He views us through the lens of who we can become in Him. Layers of sin, doubt, and shame can be covered by the golden grace of God, allowing us to rise above our earthly forms and embrace our divine calling. Each pole was anointed and prepared for something far greater than its humble origin.

Moreover, we should not overlook the community aspect of the Tabernacle. The staves were meant to work alongside the Ark, within the framework of a larger body—the Israelites moving as one, bearing the presence of God wherever they went. We too are called to embody this unity in the Body of Christ. Just as those staves worked together to transport the glory of God, we must recognize the significance of our contributions within the church community. We are to uplift and encourage each other to shine in the gold overlay—the divine presence and purpose God has for each of us.

In conclusion, let the essence of Exodus 37:28 ignite a desire within us to be both grounded in the earth, like shittim wood, while simultaneously reaching for the gold of God’s glory in our lives. Let’s embrace the transformation He offers and seek, above all, to carry His presence wherever we may go.