We've Got Skills

On a Tuesday a few weeks ago I walked into Creekside and found the way rather blocked by tools, buckets, plastic sheeting, and yellow caution tape. But Bezalel opened the church door with a big grin and said, “Come on in!” Wow! A big project going on in the foyer! Oholiab was up on a lift dealing with wires and old insulation or something, but he still looked down with a grin and a wave from his 20 foot high perch. Oh wait, I’m getting the names mixed up. I think it was actually JD and Dan.

But, hey let me introduce you to Bezalel and Oholiab, and you’ll see why I get mixed up. The last few chapters of Exodus detail the construction of the tabernacle for the Israelite people and these two guys get mentioned several times as in this passage:

“The Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work.

He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.” Exodus 35:30-35

Here at Creekside we have our own talented Bezalels and Oholiabs (by other names), working away on our facilities team, gifted by God with wisdom, understanding and knowledge. That’s been impressing me lately. In fact we have Bezalels and Oholiabs all over the church, skilled in all kinds of things, like teaching, computer tech, music, cooking, accounting, event planning and more. And beyond that we have our pastors, skilled in theology and shepherding, who live out this exhortation that Paul gives to Timothy:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15

It seems that God gives skills and wisdom to every person for the work of the church, so we can have the joy of service and bring people to Jesus, living out Matthew 5:16 “let your life so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your father in heaven.” To God be the glory, and thanks go to Him and His faithful servants.