This chapter covers two major subjects – the spiritual gifts of craftsmanship given to those who will help with the tabernacle, and keeping the Sabbaths.
“The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.’ ” (v1-11)
One of my favorite subjects to study and discuss is spiritual gifts, and the unique roles God have created for each of us in the Body of Christ (the church). I could spend hours dissecting passages like this one, or others including (but not limited to) Rom 12, 1 Cor 12, Eph 4:11-16, or 1 Cor 14. Unfortunately, delving into all of those in detail would require writing (and then reading) an entire book, so we’ll have to keep it at a high level.
In the OT, spiritual gifts were only given to specific people at specific times (eg. prophets, leaders, and craftsmen for special projects). Since Jesus died on the cross and the Holy Spirit can now dwell within us, spiritual gifts are freely available and given to anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior.
Spiritual gifts are not primarily for our benefit, but for the benefit of those around us. This passage really summarizes the purpose of spiritual gifts: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Pet 4:8-11) I further summarize these gifts as “supernaturally enhanced abilities we use to edify and assist the body of believers, while bringing glory to God”.
God designed spiritual gifts in order to help us fulfill the two greatest commandments: to love our neighbors as ourselves (edifying and serving them) and to love (glorify) God with all that we have (ie. all God has given us – our “gifts”).
I am constantly exploring and learning about the gifts God gives others and myself – not only because can they sometimes change from season to season (especially as we grow in our walk with Jesus), but also because they can be fantastic ways through which we can build relationship and community (they are others-focused, not self-focused after all).
Though I haven’t helped build a tabernacle or temple, I have helped build some very good relationships through spiritual gifts. If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, I’d love to have a conversation with you.
Father God, all praise, honor and glory be to You, the Creator God who designed each and every one of us. Each of us is as unique as You are creative – as Your wisdom and knowledge are infinite, so too are the unique combinations of personalities and gifts You set in motion. Father thank you for giving each of us Your spirit, and Your heart to serve others. As we seek to obey You, would You please guide our paths of exploration as we discover the talents and abilities You have given us. May we experience the joy You experience as we use our gifts to edify others, and may we glorify You in the process. Thank you for making this possible through Your death on the cross, and Your gift of the indwelling Spirit. Amen.