"He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting" (Ex. 38:8).
Once the altar of burnt offering was complete, the artists proceeded to construct the bronze laver for washing by the priests. They used mirrors given to them by serving women as part of their materials. The text tells us that these were women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting to assist in its construction. In every age of the church, there have been pious women who have forsaken their earthly employments to serve God in His temple.
Such women are highly praised for their devoted service, as was Anna in the New Testament: “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:36–37). It is likely that the women who served at the building of the tabernacle were much the same as Anna, devoted to the Lord’s service even to the point of giving up those things that were valuable to them.
It is worthwhile to note that these virtuous women gave their mirrors for the construction of the laver. Those who find it difficult to serve the Lord are usually more comfortable serving themselves. They would rather look at themselves in a mirror than give it up for the glory of God, for the building of His church, and for the edification of His people. But this is the heart of service: your willingness to take your eyes off yourself and look to others. This was what the serving women at the tabernacle were willing to do. This was what the prophetess Anna was willing to do, and this is what we need to do—and not just women, but men and children as well. To serve, we must each be willing to give of our resources, our time, and our valued possessions for the building up of Christ’s church. But to do this, we must put the needs of others first, we must consider others before we consider ourselves.
The cost of service is great because it is the cost of self. Too often we are motivated by what we will get from something rather than by what is right. May we repent of our selfishness and be like Anna and the disciple Tabitha who was always doing good (Acts 9:36).
What does God want from His people? Could you be characterized as a willing and faithful servant? How often are you more concerned about your own comfort than about the needs of others? Pray today for a willing spirit to serve, and look for specific ways that you can serve others in your church.
