Devotional - Skillz

Skillz

October 21, 2012

Exodus 31:1-6

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.  I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.  He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.  He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft! “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make

God gives people talents and abilities.  Some we are born with.  God built them deeply into us.  Others we learn as we go along.  Still others are given to us when we fully embrace the salvation of Jesus and follow him.  God actively works in us to help us develop and grow.  God wants us to put these skills to use.  Have you ever had the joy of watching a child develop skills before your eyes (music, athletics, etc)?  Imagine how God might feel watch us use the skills he has given us.  It honors him.  It is a form of praise.

For Moses, the task God had given him was huge.  He could not do it alone.  He needed the leadership, talents, and abilities of others.  God provided those others.  He surrounded Moses with a master craftsman to build all that was needed to worship.  He provided a skilled organizer to assist him.  He gave special skill to all the craftsmen that would do the Lord’s work.  God took the raw talent in each individual and magnified it to do His work.  Together they created a means of worship that would last generations. 

What talents, abilities, and skills has God given you?  God gives the church everything it needs to do His work.  When people use what God gives, the church has all the resources it needs and those people are healthier and more in tune with God.  Are we using all that God has given us?  Are you?  How can we change this?