Read to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Exodus 30-32
Exodus 31:2-3
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
Bezaleel is introduced today. What a man! He was not a ruler, a priest, a prophet, or a noble. He was a workman, but what a workman he was! So much so that later in Exodus God’s Holy Word says of him, And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses. (38:22) What a testimony from God! Amazing!! A man called of God to a place of servile work fulfilled that work to the Glory of God. Wow!
These kinds of men are true heroes of the faith. They serve, build, work, sweat, plan, and finish. Every church needs men like Bezaleel. He was an overseer and principal builder of the tabernacle, the place where God dwelled. He had helpers, one that is named in Scripture was Aholiab, but there were others …and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; (31:6b) There were many helpers in the work, but Bezaleel was over all the work.
This is an Old Testament story that reinforces a New Testament truth found in I Thessalonians 5:24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. There is no explanation in the Bible as to why God called Bezaleel to this special service, other than the truth found in I Corinthians 12:11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. The Holy Spirit of God gives gifts to individuals according to His will and His purposes. God calls, God enables, and folks either obey and finish, or they fail in that call.
No, Bezaleel was not called to lead Israel, that was Moses’ calling. But he was called to a vitally important task and divinely equipped to finish that task, which He did. Many are called to special tasks, even today, many are equipped, but how many obey the call and finish the task? Years ago in our church there was a very talented individual who could mimic any sound. He had a great sense of humor, an outgoing personality, and looked the part of any character he would pretend to be. As his pastor, I could see the talent he had, and encouraged him in the area of growing in knowledge of the Bible with an eye toward becoming a children’s preacher and young person leader. He would have been outstanding. Yet, nothing came of his talent and to this day I don’t know where he is. Such obvious talent, a true gift, not used.
Builders of buildings, remodelers of auditoriums, and helpers in the construction trades are needed. In a day and age in which the mega churches have so much money, there seems to be a sense of needlessness on the part of rank-and-file men and women doing things, great things, in and for their church. Not all churches have the money to hire everything done by professionals, and in fact, those professionals seldom do the great job, that special job, that complete and perfect job that smaller and less well funded churches need.
To all the Bezaleels, Aholiabs, and all the unnamed talented workers of different crafts, you are needed. God has given you great wisdom and skill, determine to use those gifts in and through a Bible believing church to help some struggling pastor or missionary. They have their gifts and calling, and so do you!
William T. Howe Ph.D.
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