Skills For Service

[Exodus 31:1–11]

1) And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

2) See, I have called by name Bez-a-le-el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

3) And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

4) To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

5) And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

6) And I, behold, I have given with him A-ho-li-ab, the son of A-his-a-mach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

7)  The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,

8) And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,

9) And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,

10) And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office,

11)  And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.

God never calls anyone into service without giving him the necessary abilities to perform the service.

If you do not evidence to show the abilities for some field of service, you probably have not been called into that particular field of service.

A man by the name of Bez-a-le-el was called by God to build the Tabernacle.

His name Means “In the Shadow of God.”

The text deals with his talent for the job.

It speaks of codes of service that apply to all.

1. The Richness Of His Gifts

“Filled him”

When God provides for a task, He will provide a person sufficiently to perform the task.

God gives plenty ability for service.

The word “filled” emphasizes this truth.

The task may seem very difficult but if God has called you, He will give you all the ability you need to do the task regardless of its difficulty.

2. The Repository Of His Gifts

“I have filled him with the spirit of God”

The birthplace of the gift is the spirit of God.

Man does not enable one to serve God by parental desire or by ordinations etc.

Paul emphasized this truth when he said,

[Galatians 1:1]

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

There are a number of people in positions of service today because of their degrees, ordinations, or human favor, but who are not called or gifted by God.

3. The Range Of His Gifts

Bezaleel’s particular abilities listed here are fourfold.

A. Directing Abilities.

“Wisdom.”

The Hebrew word here which is translated “wisdom” refers to decision making and is used to denote the proper ability of the ruler.

Bez-a-le-el was not the only one to work on the Tabernacle but was the chief one.

He was in charge of the others so would need much supervisory skill which God gifted him with for this task.

B. Discerning Abilities.

“Understanding.”

The word refers to discernment, perception of the mind.

Bez-a-le-el needed lots of that.

He needed to know when something was done right and when something was complete and finished.

C. Disciplined Abilities.

“Knowledge.”

This word refers to experience.

Training and preparation are involved here.

Bez-a-le-el was not a novice, but had much experience and training for his task.

God will provide the necessary experience to fit us for every task to which He has called us.

Some of the preparation may be humbling but it is necessary.

D. Dexterity Abilities.

“Workmanship”

This refers to physical skill, to the work of the hands.

Be-zal-e-el was gifted physically to do his work.

He was able to do with his hands what few were able to do because he was Divinely enabled for his task.

Do not envy the gifted man but rather assess you own ability and use it to serve God as He directs.