Exodus 31:3-5 I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God—I have given him the skill and knowledge to do all kinds of things. He is a very good designer. And he can make things from gold, silver, and bronze. He can cut and set beautiful jewels. And he can work with wood. He can do all kinds of work.
Listen: The Spirit Brings Wisdom
We each tend to take our natural gifts and abilities for granted. After all, we’ve lived with them all our lives; surely they’re nothing special; surely everyone’s capable of doing what I can do. And yet, nothing could be further from the truth.
Some people are extraordinarily gifted with a gentleness and kindness that goes way above and beyond. Yet, in comparing themselves to some of the high-flying, up-front people around them, they think to themselves ‘if only I could be as talented as them’.
Me? Sure, I try to be gentle and kind; I have to work at it because I’m more your crash through brick walls, get things done kind of guy. Do you see how this silly comparison game plays itself out?
Back when God had commanded Moses to build a tabernacle, a special tent where His Presence would dwell during Israel’s upcoming forty-year journey through the wilderness, this is what He said:
Exodus 31:3-5 I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God—I have given him the skill and knowledge to do all kinds of things. He is a very good designer. And he can make things from gold, silver, and bronze. He can cut and set beautiful jewels. And he can work with wood. He can do all kinds of work.
So, why only Bezalel? Why not every other Tom, Dick or Harry? Because Bezalel is the one whom God had thus gifted, enabled and empowered to do those special things.
And let me tell you, when He fills you with His Spirit – the Holy Spirit – your boring old gifts and abilities become incredibly special, extraordinarily powerful in His hands. No one else can do what God has gifted you, enabled you, and empowered you to do. No one.
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.