Empowering Spirit
Scripture Reading — Exodus 31:1-11
"See, I have chosen Bezalel . . . and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.”
Do you know who Bezalel is? When reading the instructions for building the tabernacle, it’s easy to miss him. Indeed, it’s easy to skim through these detailed chapters to get to more “interesting” stories. But these chapters remind us of two very important things.
First, building the tabernacle, fitting the priestly robes, and fashioning the ark of the covenant reminded Israel of God’s holiness. These things should also remind us of God’s holiness, and that God calls his people to devote their best to him.
Second, these accounts remind us of the work of the Holy Spirit. God chose Bezalel, the great grandson of Caleb, to supervise these projects (see 1 Chronicles 2:19-20). God also empowered Bezalel by filling him with the Spirit of God, who blessed him with wisdom and all kinds of skills. Bezalel then led a group of artisans to carry out their work, using the very best materials the people could bring (see Exodus 25:1-9).
If we skim over these “construction” passages too quickly, we miss something about God and his Holy Spirit. God has called and gifted each of us with many different talents to be used for his glory. Keep your calling in mind today as you go about your work, whatever it is, to give him glory.
Creator God, you have made us for your glory. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can glorify you in our tasks today and always. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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