Exodus 37-38

Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, was in charge of the whole project, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. He was assisted by Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, a craftsman expert at engraving, designing, and embroidering blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine linen cloth. – Exodus 38:22-23 NLT

Have you ever made anything you were really proud of? I remember in high school the time I made a Colonial-style hutch in wood shop. It was the biggest and most ambitious project I had ever taken on. Tongue-and-groove joints, scroll work, beaded paneling, beautiful antique staining – it was gorgeous and I could not have been prouder. Especially because my dad was a man who loved to work with wood and I knew he would be proud of me. They still have it in their house to this day. Well, can you imagine how proud Bezalel and Oholiab must have been as they began the construction of the various pieces of the Tabernacle. They were making these things for God and according to His plans! What a privilege, but what a responsibility. God had handpicked these two men for this job. "The LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The LORD has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts. He is able to create beautiful objects from gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in cutting and setting gemstones and in carving wood. In fact, he has every necessary skill. And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The LORD has given them special skills as jewelers, designers, weavers, and embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine linen cloth. They excel in all the crafts needed for the work" (Exodus 35:30-35 NLT).

These two men were chosen by God, equipped by God, and given the responsibility of teaching their God-given skills to others. They were filled with the Spirit of God and were endowed with wisdom, intelligence, and skills. But that is exactly what has happened to every one of us as Christ-followers. We have His Spirit living within us and we have each been given a gift by God for use within His body. We are uniquely equipped to serve God in special ways. We are to serve one another with the abilities and gifts He has given us. Paul reminds us, "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church" (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT). We are to use our gifts to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). We are to minister, using our gifts and abilities, teaching others how to do the same. The result will be a unified body of Christ that is pleasing to God. It is His plan and His will. Bezalel and Oholiab knew what they were supposed to build, so do we. They were equipped for the job, so are we. But are we doing our job? We have no excuse. We have work to do. Let's get busy doing it for the Lord.

Father, You've called us and equipped us. Now give us the strength to do what we have been set aside to do. To build up the body of Christ, so that You might be honored here on earth through us. Amen.