Exodus 35:30-36:1

“Then Moses said to the Israelites: See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; he has filled him with divine spirit, with skill, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do every kind of work done by an artisan or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and in fine linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of artisan or skilled designer.

Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful one to whom the Lord has given skill and understanding to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded” (Exodus 35:30-36:1).

Comment:

Moses has led the people in a renewal of their covenant with the Lord and is calling them together to build a tabernacle. He is calling them to use their God-given talents to express their spiritual purpose. The Spirit of God expresses in all of us as “ability, intelligence, knowledge and craftsmanship” to do that which is our creative purpose. It may be as artistic as working in gold and bronze, or as apparently routine as parenting, earning a living, or enjoying a hobby. When what we are doing feels like an intrinsic joy, we can be sure that we are using the gifts of the Spirit to further our spiritual purpose.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed