Exodus Chapter 36: verse 1
“The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded.”
Exodus Chapter 38: verse 22
Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Hebrews Chapter 8: verse 5
They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”
God had given Bezalel, Oholiab and their team the skills and abilities to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly as the He had shown Moses, because it was God’s design after the pattern of what was in heaven. But these craftsmen then had to use their gifts and set to work to make everything as they had been told. And when we read of all that went into the work, we only get a glimpse of the time and effort that went into making everything.
For me it’s a reminder that we have to make use of the gifts and talents we are given. We are not meant to work relying on our own strength and ideas, and even abilities. When we do anything for God it should only be as He directs. But He does expect us to put the skills and gifts He has given us to good use, and sometimes that means putting in a good deal of effort.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that the skills and abilities You have given should be used as You direct and intend. Help me not to do anything for You that is half-hearted or grudgingly. You have withheld no good thing from us, so I should not withhold anything from You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.