Good Morning.
See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship…and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you. (Exodus 31:2-3,6)
When it came to making the Sanctuary a reality, everyone had to do their part. The people had to bring the contributions of gold, silver, bronze, wood, animal hides, etc. that were needed to construct the tabernacle. Of course, none of these people are known by name and yet they played their part in the process. All of those materials were then handed over to the different artisans and craftsmen, some of whom are called by name. Betzalel means “in the shadow of God.” The name of his counterpart, Oholiab (named in verse 6), means “tent of his father.” Together these names speak to what they were to be part of — they were to make it possible for Israel to dwell in the shadow of the Almighty, in the tent of their Heavenly Father.
All those who participated in this manner were given the wisdom and understanding to fashion what God had designed, not an easy task mind you. For instance, how does one form a seven branched candelabra from one ingot of gold? In other words, wisdom from on high was needed to ensure that the Tabernacle would be exactly has God had intended it to be. Filled with the Spirit of God, they took raw materials from the earth and shaped them into what God described and commanded, in order that His dwelling on earth might be a reality.
For us the point is this: if God gives us something to do — even if it seems nearly impossible — He will also give us the tools we need to get the job done. From the beginning, He has imparted unto His people the wisdom and strength to accomplish the tasks He has charged us to do. Put simply, He doesn’t ask us to something unless He empowers us to do it. In this day, He has, indeed, asked us to do something — to build Him a greater sanctuary comprised, not of animal skins, hooks and beams, but of people.
According to Peter, we are to build up this “spiritual house” of living stones that He might dwell among us and that we might abide under His shadow. It is also fallen to us to tell others of the glory of His house that they might escape the darkness of this world and come into “our Father’s tent.” Therefore, let us seek Him for the wisdom we need to play our part in His design and be true to our responsibility in the matter. May we all be filled with the Spirit of God and overcome every obstacle, even that which seems impossible, that His purpose for us and others might become a reality.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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