Thursday, March 31, 2011

Two Craftsman, God's Glory

Other than the priests of God, the first people mentioned, and, in many ways, anointed by God for His work in Exodus are two craftsmen. They are set apart by God for His work to make the things that He commands His people to have in order to worship Him. These men, Bezalel and Oholiab, are appointed by God to do His work in the area of craftsmanship. As Exodus 31:1-6 reads,

The LORD said to Moses, "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you..."

These men are given the Spirit of God specifically for the purposes of creating things that will bring God worship and glory. This is where we can learn from this. God's Spirit rests upon these men in the work that they do. It's not priestly or pastoral work. It's not working as a church musician. It's not working in the Christian publishing industry. It's making tables, tents, utensils, lampstands, etc. Sure, these items will be used in the worship of God. But these items are built by two men with God-given ability for making these items. They do it to the best of their potential. And ultimately they do it for God.

No matter what our area of expertise or work, if done well, it brings glory to God and shows where our treasure is. Some people may work as "common" laborers their entire life, but if they do so honestly and whole-heartedly, they serve the Lord, if they are indeed the Lord's. It matters not what we do (other than sin), but whom we do it for.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -Colossians 3:17

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