Date: 02-10-2021

Title: Gifted Workers

(S) cripture:
    Exodus 31:1-11 (NLT2) Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft! 6 “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: 7 the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle; 8 the table and its utensils; the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories; the incense altar; 9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils; the washbasin with its stand; 10 the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests; 11 the anointing oil; the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.”

(O) bservation:
    God has given specific instructions on how each part of the tabernacle and priest’s clothing is to be made. God then tells Moses that he had given Moses workers gifted in all the crafts needed to complete all God has prescribed. The workers were there and Moses needed to use them and their skills to accomplish what God had set before him.

(A) pplication:
    Too often we as pastors overlook or neglect the gifted people that God has placed around us. In so doing we take on too much and rob them of the joy of serving using their strengths and skills to help accomplish what God has set before us. Sometimes it seems easier to do something ourselves, but the result is frustration and fatigue or burn-out and we leave others feeling ungifted, under-used and unappreciated. Today I again commit myself to seek out the gifts in others and encourage them to use them in helping the church fulfill its calling in the community.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me recognize the gifts and skills in others. Let me encourage them to use their gifts to bring glory to you. Amen