Exodus 31 - 7.14.26

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 31: 1-11

Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand— and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”

OBSERVATION

In this passage, The Lord appointed Bezalel to craft the sacred vessels for the tabernacle, His dwelling place among His people. Not only did the Lord give Bezalel the honorable position, He equipped Bezalel with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and most importantly filled him with His Spirit to complete the task. Oholiab was also blessed by helping Bezalel, and the Lord blessed others with skill and knowledge. These talents would be essential for the redemption and atonement practices for the Israelites which would draw them closer and usher in the presence of God. The Lord was redeeming His people and partnering with them to achieve His plan.

APPLICATION

1 Peter 4:10-11 says that each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

God has blessed each of us with different talents and gifts to glorify Him and to serve others. Gifts and talents are to be used and not hidden. Jesus will not only appoint us believers, but He will also equip us to serve with the gifts that He has blessed us with. What are our talents and passions? Can we use it to serve God and others in the Body of Christ? If we feel inadequate or not good enough, God can and will equip us if He is calling us. Bezalel and the other craftsmen were not experts at their craft until God blessed him.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for blessing and equipping us with various gifts and talents. I pray that You can lay it on each of our hearts and draw us closer to You to know what You are calling us to do in Your house. I pray that we can bless others but ultimately serve You with such gifts. Lastly, I want to thank You, Jesus, for blessing me with my brothers and sisters in the Church who have had a great impact on my family an me with their gifts and callings. You have appointed, equipped, blessed and filled them to edify many souls. I pray that You can strengthen us all to partner with You for the work that You have in store, Amen.

- Darrence Hamilton