See, the LORD has called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri . . . and He has filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom and understanding v30, 31
We often hear of Christians who are filled with the Spirit, who show great talents in the Church when exercising the gifts of the Spirit. Some are skilful administrators while others are far-sighted leaders. Then there are evangelists full of courage and preachers full of persuasion. We are also familiar with teachers who patiently bring across difficult lessons in life, sometimes over many years.
And let's not forget the humble brothers and sisters who are gifted servants, who excel in showing kindness, alongside those great men and women of prayer who bring about supply, healing and miraculous deliverance by their intercession!
This morning, however, I realise from this passage in Exodus that there are yet other people through whom the Spirit of God works, people who are neither apostles nor prophets, teachers nor preachers nor workers of healing. Nor are they gifted in helps and administration, nor varieties of tongues nor interpretations. Instead they are gifted artistic workmen. Or, as some would call them, artisans.
. . . in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship. v31-33
In those times, people like Bezaleel and Aholiab were filled with the Spirit. They were "filled with skill to do all manner of work . . ." (v35). These artistic works ranged from engraving to design, from tapestry to weaving, from carving wood to cutting jewels.
Filled with the Spirit? To do what?
Perhaps, that's our question in today's Church too. The Lord may fill us with the Spirit to do work skilfully, work which may not have anything to do with teaching, praying, or evangelism. Just skilful working for His own purpose.
Notice in Exodus 36:1 the purpose of the Spirit filled skills of Bezaleel, Aholiab and all the other gifted artisans:
And Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the LORD has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that the LORD has commanded.
It was for the building of the elaborate tabernacle of God, and it had to be done exactly in the way the LORD has commanded. Likewise, let us walk with God like Bezaleel and Aholiab, and all the other artisans.
When God fills us with His wisdom and understanding, to do "all manner of work", let us do it skilfully in obedience to his will.
