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Bezalel and Oholiab
(Exodus 31.1-11)
30Moses said to the people of Israel:
The Lord has chosen Bezalel of the Judah tribe. 31-33Not only has the Lord filled him with his Spirit, but he has given him wisdom and made him a skilled craftsman who can create objects of art with gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and wood. 34The Lord is urging him and Oholiab from the tribe of Dan to teach others. 35And he has given them all kinds of artistic skills, including the ability to design and embroider with blue, purple, and red wool and to weave fine linen.
1The Lord has given to Bezalel, Oholiab, and others the skills needed for building a place of worship, and they will follow the Lord's instructions.
2Then Moses brought together these workers who were eager to work, 3and he gave them the gifts that the people of Israel had donated for building the place of worship. In fact, so much was being given each morning, 4that finally everyone stopped working 5and said, “Moses, there is already more than we need for what the Lord has assigned us to do.” 6So Moses sent word for the people to stop giving, and they did. 7But there was already more than enough to do what needed to be done.
Reflect
The people of God have everything they need to accomplish what God requires. When God gave instructions for the building of the temple, the furnishings, art work and embroidery, all the necessary resources were also supplied. The Spirit of God filled Bezalel with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and all kinds of skills (v 31). God also gave Oholiab and Bezalel the skill to teach others (v 34). God freely extended ability to everyone who was willing to come and do the work (36:2).
In the economy of God, everything needed is available to be shared. Every skill, resource and gift required to achieve God’s purposes can be found within the community of God’s people. But God also spread them out among the community. In this way, the fullness of God’s resource is only realized when all God’s people bring their gifts together. Each offers what they have. Each offers what is needed.
When nothing is withheld the resources are more than enough. The generosity of the people overwhelmed the workers so that Moses had to ask them to stop bringing offerings. What a glorious display of the goodness of God!
It is good to be reminded that all we have is a gift of God. It is even better to be reminded that all we have is a resource of God and for God’s purposes. There is no greater joy than being part of God’s plan and activity. We know that when we cheerfully bring to God that which has been entrusted to us.
This is a good day to take stock. What resource has God entrusted to you? What are the gifts and talents that God has given you?
Respond
Lord, help me be open to experience the wonder of your faithfulness and to offer to your church what you have entrusted to me for your purposes.
Willard Metzger
Willard Metzger has 18 years experience as a pastor with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) and served as National Director of Church Relations for World Vision Canada. He began his current role as Executive Director with Mennonite Church Canada in 2010. Willard has earned a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Theological Studies and a Doctor of Ministry degree. He loves travel and the outdoors. Publications: 2010, Stiller, Karen & Metzger, Willard. Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian churches who have embraced missional life. Word Alive Press