Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Training One Another For God's Service

Exodus 35:30-35:
30 Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all [a]craftsmanship; 
32 [b]to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in [c]bronze,
33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work.
34 He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
35 He has filled them with [d]skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in [e]blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

Footnotes:

  1. Exodus 35:31 Or work
  2. Exodus 35:32 Lit devise devices
  3. Exodus 35:32 Or copper
  4. Exodus 35:35 Lit wisdom of heart
  5. Exodus 35:35 Or violet
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Thoughts on the Passage
What we have here is an excellent example of how God works with man and then brother works with brother to accomplish the work of the Lord.
First, Moses shares with Israel the encouraging news that God called Bezalel to design the gold, silver, and bronze aspects of the Tabernacle.  God called him by name. He filled him with His Own Spirit.  He gave him the necessary wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and the skills he needed in his craftsmanship. That’s complete work on God’s part. Everything Bezalel needed was provided by God. We can be assured that when God calls us, especially by name, He will provide us with everything we need to do the job He intends for us to do.
To me, this passage reinforces the thinking that a) skill in secular employment is God’s gift and comes from above (as Matthew Henry points out), and b) secular skills can be used in God’s work.
Second, God gave Bezalel one more thing – his heart’s desire to teach others what he knows, so they can help in the work or continue the work after he is gone. In so doing, God’s Tabernacle was to be completed. Similarly, today, as we teach those that God has given us what He has taught us, the work of His Kingdom and can continue, and one day, be completed.
If Moses were to be the General Contractor for this project, because of the importance of all the work in precious metals, the stonework, and the wood carvings involved, Bezalel could well be thought of us the Senior Foreman or perhaps the tradesperson with the highest journeyman’s ticket.
Bezalel was indeed appointed by God to be a Working Foreman – that is, not only did he plan the work and designs, and teach others, but in verse 33 we are told he did this so he too could perform in these areas. If we are to lead God’s workers, we are to get our hands dirty and share in the labor involved.
Everyone working on the Tabernacle had been stirred by God to approach the work with a willing heart. That made the work easier. The positive attitudes of all contributed to a more jovial atmosphere on the work site. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our workplaces were all filled with men and women who had been stirred by God to do their work with a willing heart? More specifically, would it not be great if all our church or mission staff actually satisfied this description of the desired workplace?
Matthew Henry points out that when God makes these appointments, it minimizes the strife that normally occurs, and it increases the support given by others to the individual appointed.

So, what has God called you to, by name? Is He stirring your heart to do it? How are you responding? Are you prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? Will you teach others what God has blessed you with?

If this short blog has made you think about something differently today, will you share that with me? I'd love to hear about it. Or if you disagree with my thoughts, please share yours. 

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

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