Shared Burdens, Multiplied Anointing: Building God's Kingdom Together

Shabbat Shalom, everyone! What a beautiful day to gather and reflect on the profound truths embedded in this week's Torah portion. As we delve into Exodus 35-38, focusing on the building of the Tabernacle, a powerful theme emerges for us today: **shared burden, shared responsibility, shared anointing, and equal strength.** This isn't just ancient history; it's the very blueprint for building the Kingdom of God in our lives and communities right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sULiaM_1WDQ

**The Divine Blueprint for Fruitfulness**

Moses begins by re-emphasizing the Sabbath. At first, it might seem odd – why reiterate the Sabbath commandment immediately after the Golden Calf incident? But consider this: human beings are biologically and spiritually wired for a rhythm of six days of labor and one day of rest. History proves this truth. Attempts to defy this divine pattern, like the French Revolution's 10-day week or the Soviet Union's 5/6-day cycles, invariably led to plummeting productivity and societal chaos.

God’s design for the Sabbath is not merely a rule; it’s a pathway to **fruitfulness and productivity**. When we align ourselves with His divine rhythm, we open ourselves to His blessings, enabling us to produce good fruit in every area of our lives.

**Unity: A Force to Be Reckoned With**

The principle of unity is a potent force, capable of multiplying outcomes for good or for ill. Think of the Tower of Babel, where people united for a rebellious purpose, or contrast it with the collective effort required for the Tabernacle. When we choose to unite for righteous causes, to serve Messiah and His Kingdom, our efforts become incredibly fruitful and multiply beyond what we could achieve alone.

However, it's crucial to understand that **showing up is not stepping up.** When Moses called for contributions to build the Tabernacle, the people brought much more than enough. They didn't just appear; they poured out their resources, their skills, and their hearts. This begs the question for us today: Are we bringing more than enough to accomplish what God has asked, or are we simply checking a box?

**Learning from Moses' Burden**

Even a great leader like Moses struggled with the weight of sole responsibility. We see this pattern repeated: when his arms grew heavy during battle, Aaron and Hur stepped in to support him. Yet, Moses seemed to miss the deeper lesson of shared responsibility. Later, at his breaking point, when the people grumbled about water, God instructed him to *speak* to the rock. But Moses, in his frustration, struck it twice.

This act carried deep prophetic significance. The Rock, representing Messiah, was to be struck once for our salvation. Thereafter, we are to *speak* to Him. Moses, burdened and looking at his own wretchedness, blurred this divine picture, denying himself and the people a powerful revelation. His cry in Numbers 11:14-15 reveals his exhaustion: The burden is too heavy for me... kill me at once... His identity was wrapped in his own strength, not God’s provision. This struggle with pride and the need to prove ourselves worthy is one we often share.

**God's Solution: Shared Leadership, Multiplied Anointing**

God’s response to Moses’ plea was not to remove the burden entirely, but to share it. He instructed Moses to gather seventy elders, promising to take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. And they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you do not bear it yourself alone (Numbers 11:17).

This is a powerful lesson: when we choose to relinquish control, to incorporate and include one another in the work of the Kingdom, we don't diminish the anointing; we **multiply** it. Like Bezalel and Aholiab, filled with the Spirit of God for skill and craftsmanship to build the Tabernacle, we too receive a supernatural dose of the Holy Spirit when we share burdens. This brings forth skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship in abundance.

**Our Call to Serve and Share**

In times of negativity and discouragement, it’s vital to encourage ourselves in the Lord and each other. We need to actively step up, not just show up. Lift each other's hands, pray for one another, and share the load. When we do, God shows up in mighty ways, because He sees our hungry hearts eager to serve.

Remember Yeshua, the King of Glory, who came not to be served, but to serve. He willingly bore our burdens, carried our sin, and multiplied our anointing. This is the pattern we are called to follow: to serve, to share, and to build His eternal Kingdom together, knowing that in Him, our identity is secure, and our efforts, united in His Spirit, will always be fruitful.