Dear Ones:
A most significant figure in the Old Testament, but one that we almost never talk about, is a man by the name of Bezaleel. In Exodus 31:1-1-6, we find that God had called him by name, and said, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship…” The purpose of his calling, and the equipping “by the Spirit,” was to construct the tabernacle, and the items within it. It would take a man singularly called, and equipped, to perform such a monumental, and divine task. He is not alone in this quest, but is accompanied by Aholiab, and “…all that are wise hearted, in whom I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded.” (v.6) So, here we have a man who is not a preacher, but yet, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom, so that he can accomplish the task, and answer the call of God.
We often fall into the trap of believing that if we are not like other folk in our vocations, and gifts, then we cannot expect the full blessing of God. We forget that God is NOT in the business of making photocopies, but master-pieces. Each person is called individually, and equipped with gifts that are irrevocable, specific to that which is according to the purpose of God. But in that sphere of His calling and purpose, there is great potential for knowing the blessing, provision, and intervention of God. For we are ALL called to know Him, and the “power of His resurrection.”
Listen to what the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SPIRIT…is given to EVERY MAN to profit withal.” What are we to deduce from this declaration? Is is simply that God has called us all to KNOW Christ, but in that calling is a specific calling with regard to mission, and purpose. Coupled with that calling are gifts which make that calling one that can be realized. And so, it is a matter of the Eternal God calling us individually, dividing His gifts “severally as He will,” and this for the purpose of realizing His purposes in and through us as we are filled with the Spirit.
So, today, let us remember that we are all His masterpieces…individually called “by our name,” equipped perfectly with the gifts and capacities that He gives us, so that by the Spirit He can work in and through us to accomplish His blessed will and purpose. Let us remember that every one of us has access to this fresh anointing of the Spirit every day, and that we can KNOW His quickening and blessing where we are, believing Him for the full outworking of His will in and through our lives. Bezaleel was NOT a preacher, but in the sphere of influence of where God placed him, and with the gifts God had given him, the Lord by the Spirit, accomplished a monumental work for the ages, the testimony of which remains until this day.
Love, Dad