"An Artisan for God"
JOY IN THE JOURNEY - THROUGH THE YEAR
July 3rd, 2019
"See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,
and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge
in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,
to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship."
Exodus 31:2-5
A remarkable feature of the tabernacle is the attention to detail: the precious metal for the post sockets, even the way knots were to be tied. Scholars have observed that the tabernacle contained every type of representational art: painting, woodworking, sculpting, weaving, metallurgy, ceramics and more.
The little-known individual named Bezalel is the first person in Scripture who is said to be filled with the Spirit. Bezalel becomes an artisan for God, equipped by the Spirit to create a place for God to dwell among his people. Bezalel thereby played a part in fulfilling the deepest desire in the heart of God.
Bezalel's experience is summed up in the two phrases God uses of him: "I have chosen" and "I have filled." His chosenness affirms the call of God on his life. His being filled indicates that God gave him the gifts required to fulfill that call.
PRAY: Do you feel inadequate for your responsibilities? Pray that God's Spirit will equip you with all that you need, and trust him to do so at the right time.