The Tent Of MeetingExemplo

In Exodus 31, we are presented with the story of a man named Bezalel. This man was an artisan who God had chosen to lead the construction of the place where His presence would reside. This place was called the Tent of Meeting and every detail was planned out in order that its beauty would reflect the God who dwelt within.

I am part of the creative team of our church – a group of artisans made up of singers, musicians, dancers, production engineers, designers, and so much more. If you’re part of your local church’s creative team, may I suggest the idea that we are in some way the modern-day artisans of the Tent of Meeting?

Of course, as Christians living under the New Covenant, we know that God’s presence no longer resides within the four walls of a building. That being said, I am convinced that when we use our gifts and talents within the context of our local church, we are taking part in shaping the atmosphere of a place where people can experience a personal encounter with God.

Two things that stand out to me in today’s Scripture-reading:

First of all, verse 3 says that God has filled Bezalel with His Spirit. It’s interesting to note that he is the first person in the Bible for whom this mention is made. Not Moses. Not Abraham. Not even a prophet or a priest. But a man from the tribe of Judah, an artisan that God has personally and purposefully chosen.

Secondly, God says that He gave him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge with all kinds of skills. God always provides us with the capacities we need in order to fulfill the task He places within our hands. I love the phrase that says: “God doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies those He calls.”

At this stage, you’re maybe thinking to yourself, “OK, I know God chose Bezalel. He always seems to choose certain people, but I don’t know if He chose me.” Even if Bezalel is mentioned personally in this passage, let’s not think for a moment that he fulfilled this task all by himself. In verse 6, God says, “I have given ability to all the skilled workers…" Not just a select few, but to all.

Has God gifted you with particular capacities and skills? I am convinced that the answer to this question has to be “yes!"

As creative people and artisans, let’s never underestimate the role we can play through the gifts and talents which God has entrusted us with.

Today’s question: What are the capacities God has granted me that I am not yet using to their full potential?