Saturday 6 August 2005

Aholiab and Bezeleel

“See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, 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;” - Exodus 31v2-6

Sometimes we can, subconsciously or not, give levels of importance to God’s workers. We can see pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and teachers as somehow more “special” in God’s service. We know that God does give certain people to the church to equip for service, but the story of Aholiab and Bezeleel reminds us that every aspect of service to God is important and nothing should be taken lightly.

As Moses received instructions for worship and building the tabernacle God told him that special men have been chosen to be the craftsman to do the physical work of building the tabernacle. Someone had to do the work of construction and God makes it clear who those men would be. Two of them are name, Aholiab and Bezeleel. Part of the reason they are chosen is because God had given them skill in working with stone cutting and setting, and in carpentry. These are vital skills for the work to be done.

Those physical skills alone were not enough to do God’s work. Bezeleel was Spirit filled, wise, understanding, and full of knowledge. All of the workers are called wise hearted. God cares about every aspect of His work. He sets high standards for all of His workers, not just those who are in leadership.

Churches who have a Bezeleel and an Aholiab are truly blessed. These are godly men who do the everyday work that must be done. Churches could not function without them. Some of the greatest words of wisdom I ever heard were not from pastors, but men in the church who knew what the “real world” was all about.

Praise God for the Aholiabs and Bezeleels!

No comments: