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The Lord Chooses
(Exodus 35.30—36.1)
1The Lord said to Moses:
2I have chosen Bezalel from the Judah tribe to make the sacred tent and its furnishings. 3-5Not only have I filled him with my Spirit, but I have given him wisdom and made him a skilled craftsman who can create objects of art with gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and wood. 6I have appointed Oholiab from the tribe of Dan to work with him, and I have also given skills to those who will help them make everything exactly as I have commanded you: 7-11the sacred tent with its furnishings, the sacred chest with its place of mercy, the table with all that is on it, the lamp with its equipment, the incense altar, the altar for sacrifices with its equipment, the bronze bowl with its stand, the beautiful priestly clothes for Aaron and his sons, the oil for dedication and ordination services, and the sweet-smelling incense for the holy place.
Reflect
Every activity, when a response of obedience, is an act of worship and calling. Although we may distinguish between spiritual gifts and natural talents, God claims both and calls both.
After having given instructions for the building of the sanctuary, God then assembled the work force. Bezalel was identified by name and filled with the Spirit of God to serve as a craftsman. Oholiab was appointed as his helper. From the setting of precious stones to the sewing of Aaron’s garments and the fashioning of utensils, God called skills and talents into action. In obedience, each person exercised his talents and applied his skills. Physical exertion became an expression of praise. The work site became a worship service.
This is a good reminder for each occupational activity. Every skill and talent is a gift from God and a resource for God’s purposes. No skill is ignored. No talent is taken for granted. Each is a potential for God’s use. While our skills and talents may not be called into action to build a sanctuary, they can still be used for God’s purposes.
Each day it is a good thing to offer your hands to the purposes of God. God is active in every place of activity. When we seek to offer our skills and talents to the activity of God, we transform every day activity into worshipful obedience.
Look at your hands. Notice the unique features. Imagine their activity today. What skills have they learned? What talent will they exercise? Offer them and the activity they represent to the purposes of God and enjoy the worship of the day.
Respond
Lord, I offer my hands to you and the activity they will embrace. Receive my work today as an expression of worship to you.
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