To say the Lord has an eye for detail makes for a massive understatement. God created the world and all that it contains. The intricacies of a leaf, or the makeup of the human eye point to exquisite levels of design.

So when God gave Moses instructions on constructing a temple, details should not surprise us. But I was impressed with how a craftsman fashioned a lampstand for this worship center:

He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it…three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch…the whole of it was a single piece of hammered work of pure gold.

I looked up the definition of calyx, which is the base of a flower that holds the petals. Almond blossoms were a symbol of hope, renewal and diligence (Aaron’s rod later sprouted almond blossoms as a sign of God’s favor). These blossoms were worked throughout the design of the lampstand.

God’s instructions are thoughtful and detailed. Using these blueprints, craftsmen formed each lampstand with hammer and heat. Beautiful pieces of art graced the temple and served in worship for years and years.

The Lord’s plans for us show similar consideration. The Scriptures that guide us are thoughtful and detailed. If we pay practice what they teach, our lives take on a new form. Heat and hammers are involved as well. With his eye for detail, the Lord hopes to fashion you and me into graceful people who serve others for years and years—if we allow Him to work his designs upon us.

Exodus 37:17-24

Photo of an almond blossom by Vera De