Exodus 35:30-35 - Equipped for Vocation

Exodus 35:30-35 - 30 Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; 32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, 33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. 34 He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

Message: Equipped for Vocation

Time: Moses is the most likely author of this book. His education and early tradition make him the likely author and it says in Exodus 24:4 that he wrote what the Lord said. The title Exodus means departure of Israel from Egypt by the hand of God. The book covers 80 years, from 1526 to 1446 with the events at Mount Sinai. God fulfilling promises and his story of redemption are the central ideas. 

What the Lord is Saying: The Word of God is amazing to me. If it is true and I believe it is because my mind was formed by God to be a reasonable creature and in matters of living and belief, this is the only belief that makes sense. God is the author of all creation, but also of created things and the other of our lives in what we do. He works in us in the right way at the right time to equip us for the work of His kingdom. And yet as His people we can still get in the way of His great work. 

There are many ways we can serve our creator. I Corinthians 7:21-24 says, "Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called." And I Peter 2:9 speaks, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

The Lord calls us and the Lord equips us for the vocation He has called us into. Today's passage is a great example of this. I could restate this entire passage, but it is evident that the Spirit of God has given us ability. God has granted this to all people. Some recognize it and give Him glory of it and others do not but the reality is He has gifted every person. Some of are using the gifts selfishly, for their own glory, while others are giving God the glory and working in a way that honors Him. I think we need to not lose focus that God has gifted all people for we are all made in His image. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

The Exodus passage is so clear. I've never noticed it before. It is the Spirit of God that equips us with craftmanship, design, ability to cut and carve, to teach and filled us with every work. Praise God for His hand of providence not only in food but in knowing how to do what we do. Yes, he uses school to teach us and train us but ultimately our ability to even learn is defined by God. I am not a quick learner. It takes me time to dive in and I have great job in learning, but I must do it in my way, according to the way He has designed me. I thank Him for the gifts He has given me. I am blessed indeed. 

Summary: All good gifts are from God and our aptitudes and abilities to work are a gift from God as well. 

Promise: From Tabletalk - Even though God gifts us with particular talents for particular tasks, that does not mean we put in no effort to grow in those talents. We are stewards of the gifts God has given, and as good stewards, we should be striving continually to improve our skills for the sake of glorifying God in our vocations.

Prayer: O God, you are not only the giver of life, but you are the giver of all the skills and aptitudes and abilities we have in this life to live. Thank you O Great God for your great gifts and knitting us all in a way that is ultimately for our good. Continue to equip me and help me to be a good steward of that which you have given.