Bezalel is mentioned multiple times throughout the book of Exodus. Who was Bezalel again? What was his role in the Bible story?
Stuck in the heart of the book of Exodus and among the uninteresting chapters giving instructions about the tabernacle, the furnishing, and the priestly garments (and even a recipe for incense) is the introduction of a craftsman named Bezalel (Exodus 31). According to the text, Bezalel was quite the artisan, working in mediums of gold, silver, bronze, the cutting of stone, and the carving of wood. And God used him to construct some of the most sacred pieces in Israel’s history (The Ark of the Covenant, lampstands, altars). This guy was talented!
This brief mention of Bezalel is a good reminder of how God used a spirit-empowered construction worker to display His glory, beauty, and faithfulness.
I love seeing God use ordinary people with talents that are often overlooked in ministry circles to make a significant kingdom impact. For me, it’s a reminder that every talent can be used to reveal God’s glory.
How are you using your God-given skills to display His glory, beauty, and faithfulness?
Here are 3 encouragements that come from this story of Bezalel.
1.God gave skills to Bezalel that He didn’t give to Moses.
It’s easy to remember and appreciate all that Moses brought to the table of leadership. But God needed a Bezalel to accomplish His purposes for Israel as well. I’m sure that when Moses heard he would not be the one doing the actual building of the tabernacle, he let out a big sigh of relief, and perhaps the people did too. Moses had been a shepherd and he had grown up in Pharaoh’s house. Craftsmanship probably was not one of his chief skills. If the tabernacle were going to be built, it would require more than what Moses had to give. It would require people with skills that he did not possess. [1]
1 Peter 4:10 comes to mind, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
As pastors and leaders, let’s be people who push to celebrate the diversity of gifts among us and remind others that each has been gifted uniquely for kingdom building purposes.
2.Moses wasn’t the only Spirit empowered leader
When we think of Spirit-empowered people, we often think of prophets, pastors, and other spiritual leaders. But here it was a construction worker who was being chosen and filled with the Spirit. Bezalel was a Spirit-anointed contractor, a Spirit-empowered craftsman.
As we work and serve people of various professions and occupations, we mustn’t forget that God can also place the call and authority of the Holy Spirit on people of every vocation. We should be leaders who promote a vision for Godly ministry wherever God directs people to use their talent. The rural farmer, the urban engineer, and the hardworking house maid can all be used by God to reflect His glory.
3.Every talent, when surrendered in obedience to God, can help people see the beauty and presence of God in this world.
The 12th century Christian writer Hildegard of Bingen once said that we humans, gifted with talents from God, are “called to co-create” with God in the world. Our work is to join God in creating beauty, hope, justice, peace, and well-being for others. [2]
Who was Bezalel? An obscure person whose name we have long forgotten. But Israel remembered him. He was an ordinary person like you and me, through whom God did extraordinary things. Like him, whatever the nature of your daily work, you are called and gifted to do work that reflects the glory of God. [2]
Celebrating your gifts
When I consider our staff at RW I see obvious gifts like teaching, training, and pastoral leadership. But I also see artists, chefs, novelists, farmers, photographers, engineers, lawyers, dancers, and designers. God has blessed each of us in marvelous ways, and I love seeing you use those gifts for His glory! As we continue to serve the Lord in our various roles, I also want to encourage you to keep using the non-pastoral gifts you have been given to bless, encourage, and proclaim the beauty of God to the world around you.
Growth Point:
Every talent, accompanied by the Spirit, can be used to build and display the kingdom and glory of God.
Scripture Point:
Read Colossians 3:17. Reflect on the challenge given here in this passage.
Action Point:
Do you have a skill that you aren’t using for God’s glory? Maybe something you don’t have time to share? How might God desire to use this talent for His glory?
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