Holy to the Lord
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, this day and this week, I want to serve You with all that I am and have.
Read EXODUS 31:1-11
[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, [2] “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, [3] and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- [4] to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, [5] to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. [6] Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you: [7] the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent- [8] the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, [9] the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand- [10] and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, [11] and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why were these craftsmen able to do such important work?What skills, talents and attributes has God given you? What has he called you to do? God had given Moses the plans for the tabernacle (11). And he had equipped Moses’ team with the necessary gifts to carry them out. Although Bezalel’s and Oholiab’s talents were the artistic, physical skills of craftsmen, they were the result of being filled with God’s Spirit (3)—and hence no less “spiritual” than healing or speaking in tongues.
Should it surprise us that God, the divine craftsman, the Creator of the universe, regards such activity as special and holy? Many intricate details are listed here—work in precious stones and metals, working with wood, the making of artifacts for the tabernacle worship, the sewing of the priestly robes.
What plans has God put on our hearts for our churches, our communities, our families, our own lives? It’s all too easy to regard some talents as “ordinary,” nothing to do with our holy God. But in these verses we see that it’s not just the prophet whose words and work are from the Lord. Everything Bezalel and Oholiab did in God’s service was “Holy to the Lord” (28:36).
Apply
Bring your talents and abilities to the Lord, asking how he wants you to use this particular gift in his service.
Closing prayer
Lord, I know that You’ve given me good gifts and talents. Help me to use them well in Your service.
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