My mother taught me the basic stitches of embroidery when I was young, and I have continued doing this needlework all my life. It is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, and I glory in the colourful threads and the canvas slowly revealing the beautiful pattern. In case you think of embroidery as being merely a feminine pursuit, the Royal School of Needlework used the craft as therapy for injured World War I soldiers recuperating in hospitals across Britain. The men, many suffering mental distress and anguish after witnessing terrible battle fatalities and atrocities, were helped in rehabilitation with the intricate, careful work of embroidery. The embroidered panels of 133 servicemen from many allied countries, including our own, contributed to an elaborate altar cloth now belonging to St. Paul's Cathedral, London, England.

Embroidery was also employed in the decoration of the tabernacle in Moses' time.

Exodus 36:35,37 – He made the veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; with cherubim skillfully worked into it he made it. He also made a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework. (ESV)

The embroiderers decorated these beautiful curtains, which showed the angels worshipping, just as the priests did, before the Lord. They were the handiwork of skilled people who loved God and used the talents and abilities that He gave them in a finished artwork of love and worship. There was a special curtain around the Holy of Holies, which was accessible only by the priests and contained the ark and its cherubim, on which God's glory rested.

At the time of Jesus' crucifixion, it was the great inner curtain surrounding the Holy of Holies in the temple that was torn apart.

Mark 15:38 – And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (ESV)

Hebrews 10:19-21 – Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God … (ESV)

Once only the domain of a hereditary priesthood, access to God is available to everyone, as Jesus became the fulfillment of the law and its rituals. By His death and sacrifice, all social and spiritual distinctions were removed. With His resurrection, privilege of access and blessing are ours by faith.

Perhaps handiwork is not your skill and gift, but nonetheless, you have some gifts which you can employ to serve God today. He will stir up your heart to come and do the work of His church, if you let Him. Thank Him for the greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus, Who gave up the glory of heaven and His very life so that we could gain access to God.

Prayer: Dearest Lord, thank You for the skills and gifts with which You bless each one of us, and the privilege of using them, in gratitude and worship to You, for Your church and Your kingdom. We praise You for the greatest gift of all, our Lord Jesus, the high priest Who gives us perfect access to You. Amen.

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About the author:

Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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