Scripture Reading: Exodus 31:1-11, Exodus 35:30-35, Exodus 36:1-7
In the past, I’ve made an idol out of my calling in life. There were countless times when I cried out to God, asking Him to “make it clear” what He wanted me to do with this life. While it’s true that I really did want to know how to spend my days and focus my attention, what I really wanted was certainty. I thought if God could just point me in the generally right direction, I could start hustling to make something of myself. What I wanted was the assurance I wouldn’t fail. I wanted control.
But God doesn’t offer us the assurance of this kind of control. He does, however, promise His faithful love and His promise to be present with His people (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). Our God is not the means to an end—He’s the beginning, the end, and everything in between (Revelation 22:13). And so calling isn’t so much a sure destination but an invitation into a deeper relationship with our Creator God.
One of the ways God has invited me to experience Him is through the gifts He’s given me. When I read about Bezalel in Exodus 31, I see God’s same commitment to be present through both calling and gifting.
The LORD also spoke to Moses: “Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft to design artistic works.”
—Exodus 31:1–4
Bezalel was an artisan with a big calling over his life: to lead the creation of the tabernacle, the place where God would take up residence with His people. Still, God didn’t leave Bezalel to fend for himself in the face of such an enormous undertaking. He sent Himself—His Spirit.
The Hebrew word ruach is translated as “God’s Spirit,” and here it refers to God’s personal presence and power coming forth to empower God’s people to do the specific tasks He’s called us to do. The Creator of the universe called Bezalel to create something God surely could have made on His own—no doubt perfectly and far more efficiently. Instead, He gifted and called a man like Bezalel. Why?
Because our God is relational, revealing His glory through creation and those who bear His image (Genesis 1:26–28). He doesn’t need us or the work of our hands, but He wants us and He invites us to share in His work. By His Spirit He gives us gifts to do that work (1Corinthians 12:4–7). It’s a precedent He set in the garden. God is about bringing eternity here to earth now, creating space for Him to dwell—to tabernacle—with His people. For those who call Jesus Christ “Lord,” that meeting place is now within us, by His Spirit (2Corinthians 6:16).
Whatever the call, He’s already given us everything we need to accomplish it (1Peter 1:3). The gifts He gives us are a vehicle through which we can know Him better, accomplish His will, bring Him glory, and care for His creation and people.
Written by Kara Gause
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44 thoughts on "Bezalel"
Appropriate for today… tomorrow is the last day of preschool (and forever for me, as I’m retiring from that). I’ve always felt teaching preschool was my calling, so it is a bit bittersweet. I will need to seek a new calling and gift.
Oh Wow! What a bittersweet day it will be. But you will be remembered long after in the hearts of all your students, and your co-workers! I was sad to end my career five years ago, and wondered what the Lord would have for me. It doesn’t always look so great on the outside because I haven’t been physically able to “do” lots…but the Lord has put incredible opportunities in front of me. It will be fun to see what comes your way!
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“Whatever the call, He’s already given us everything we need to accomplish it (1Peter 1:3). The gifts He gives us are a vehicle through which we can know Him better, accomplish His will, bring Him glory, and care for His creation and people.”
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Exodus 36:7b is the perfect wrap up!
“There was more than enough.”
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The Biblegateway verse of the day is a perfect parallel passage. Those artisans (and the people supplying material) exemplified harmony in their work on the tabernacle.
Romans 15:5-6
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Yes and Amen! And I noted He gave them the ability to teach others. Another relational opportunity! Love that!
Yes! Love all this, I’m going to copy and paste in my pain group!
Happy Tuesday sweet She’s! THIS, is a well written (from the heart devo). I wish I had more time to expand and write out all my thoughts. My heart is encouraged, so encouraged. I didn’t sleep well the night before and yesterday my daughter needed her mom (not emotionally), but she needed me, so I was present for her but it cost me a late-night bed time. I prayed, set my alarm for later, so no exercise this morning, BUT,slept GREAT! God is good! I leave with this as we read Deut: 3:16, I know my God was reminding me to BE STRONG and He GOES with me as I anticipate the future court date coming up. In faith, I booked a trip (my son helps me fund) which will be 2 days after my court appearance. In hopes that all will go well as can be, and if it doesn’t, I already put it in my mind that we will have a GREAT time regardless.
Your gift (one of many) is to be a wonderful mom and role model, and the empathy, patience, and love you give your children! Another is to bless us daily. Another is the love and guidance you have for your kiddos.
Praying for your court date- you are strong and courageous.
“The gifts He gives us are a vehicle through which we can know Him better, accomplish His will, bring Him glory, and care for His creation and people.”
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I love that! It explains our gifting’s in a perfect way.
The gifts we are given are not random they are for a purpose and they fit each of us individually, uniquely.
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For so, so long I had struggled to know what my gifts were. I thought God had skipped over me. But just the other day we had a young dating couple over for lunch and Bible study and we were talking about cooking and baking. They were both complimenting me on the meals and desserts I’ve made. I told them I love to do it, to which she replied – “it’s a gift you have”. As I mulled over her remark I thought, “hmmm – I guess it is!” I love to bring joy to others especially through baking and I pray that it will bring God all the glory!
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It doesn’t matter what our gifts are as long as we use them to accomplish His will and bring Him the glory.
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Father God, help me to see more clearly every gift you have given me so that I may use it to bring you glory. Forgive me when I compare my gifts to others and then think that I have been “short changed”. Your way is perfect and Your gifting is perfect and for me to complain about what I don’t have, is sin. Cleanse me Lord and use me to glorify and please You in all that I do.
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Blessings to all my sisters today!❤️
I agree, it’s definitely a gift to bake, and when/if I received homemade desserts and goodies…that would be such a blessing! My best friend used to always bring my husband stuff since I can’t bake. And funny, that everyone used to bring my dad pies because my mom didn’t bake!
I love this lesson! When thinking about Bezalel, I think about my son in-law. He know all about being a general contractor and running a job and a business. At our church, we have several campuses that He has headed up the building of each building. Because of his knowledge, he has helped to move through all the permits, delays and helps them to save on the costs. He is very humble about doing this and has a servant’s heart!
I’m going to point out this scripture to him!
The Lord also reminded me how I used to sew a lot. I had to go to work and that stopped but I’m retired now and I could sew for others. We will see how this works out.
I just remember where the Lord asked Moses “What do you have in your hand?”
“Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.”
Exodus 4:2 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.4.2.NIV
He takes what we have and will use it for His glory!
Praying for all!
Have a beautiful day!
G-d called Bezalel by name.G-d did not just tell Moses to go find a craftsman or the best one. God gave Moses a specific name because He is intimately acquainted with us. Someday it cheers me up that G-d and Jesus knows our name.
Exodus 31:3 ” I have filled him with G-d’s spirit…”
“Divine spirit. This phrase ( Ruach Elohim) also appears in Genesis 1:2) It’s use here strengthens the connection between the Tabernacle and the cosmos,and likewise between the creative work of G-d and the artisans,” Women’s Torah Commentary.
G-d created the earth for humans to dwell and now man with G-d’s directions was about to construct a place for G-d to dwell among them.
Bezalel means ” in the shadow [that is protection ] of G-d.”
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God wants to partner with us, with me! Wow! What an amazing gift!!!
It sure is! Now to keep reminding ourselves that!
Perfect lesson today. I have my Enduring Chronic Pain group today, and I have planned to talk about how we can still be used by God because he fills us with the Holy Spirit. We get so caught up in the pain, and our brokenness, and the disability. We are stuck at home on the couch or bed, barely making it through a day at a time. The last thing you think sometimes is God still wants to use me for His glory! Yet, he does. He can. He will. If we say yes, if we open our hands, if we change our attitude. We think that it means miraculous healing—we could share that miracle and people will know it was God…I would tell everyone. But no. We don’t get healing. (Yet!) But God…there is purpose in the wait. He will meet my needs, bring me close to him, dependence on him, and I can in turn be used by Him.
We can only do it through the amazing power of the Holy Spirit. He empowers us with his infilling. We need it over and over to see what he wants us to do. He gifts us. I always say- that if I felt good physically, I would be busy going paddle boarding, to the beach, bike riding..doing the things I once loved…Now my passion is teaching, sharing, and working for the Lord. It in fact is more fun than all of the things that used to top my list. Yes, the things are still good, but Jesus is my passion and all things flow through that.
It also reminds me of the months years ago that I long to serve and know my calling…and God said you want to “do” for me, but I want you to want to know me. So I started reading the Bible daily..to know God. That’s where the real journey and relationship began. It took about 9 years, then God was ready to set me loose! Boy has it been an amazing experience letting him use my calling in a new way!! Before, I knew he had gifted me with my exercise/fitness career. It was truly his Spirit that gave me the knowledge to do what I did! I am not “book” smart. The classes were super hard and challenging for me to learn every muscle, bone, organ, tissue, etc..and how the body all works and moves. But God gave me a special talent to work with people for over 30 years. I told everyone God blessed me. He gave me a crooked spine and pain to understand and work with people in a special and unique way! He is so good! But that career was done, and I was ready to start something new. I had no idea what it would be when we moved south and started a new life. I could write on and on..but trying to sum it up quick! I think we would all be floored when we see what God could have done when our life if we just leaned in and trusted.
Have a great day She’s!
!!!!! ❤️ I remember (years ago on SRT) when you shared that your heart was being pulled to the people in in jail… you felt drawn to share with the women, but we’re so scared to talk in front of them… you asked for prayer… and now we get to see how God is using your life! Isn’t our God Amazing?
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Dear Rhonda…God is definitely working in and through your life… keep preaching, Sister… with your life as well as your words!! ❤️
Amen!! That stepping forward in faith is SO hard when you feel inadequate…But God! He knows just what is perfect for us..and equips us. It won’t always go perfect. I still feel inadequate in praying out loud…BUT because of that I have decided my summer small group will be called “Practicing Prayer.!” I’ve discovered many Christians feel nervous praying out loud, and even feel like they don’t have a good prayer life! So we are going to Practice literally!
Thank you for always praying for me sweet Carol (we need another “coffee chat”!} and keep them coming. I need Holy Spirit power to keep me going and refreshing.
Thank you for this testimony. I am learning to lean on Jesus. My grandmother used to sing a hymn called,Learning to Lean,”
I remember one line in particular,” Finding more power than I ever dreamed. I am learning to lean on Jesus.”
Oh I love when people talk of their grandmothers with love and pointing to Jesus because my grandkids don’t have Jesus in their homes and I worry about them but try to create memories like that!
My great grandmother used to sing hymns as well by her great window looking outside. One of my only memories of her! My other grandmother was a wonderful person but never talked about her faith…which has always left me wondering about her salvation…
I will have to look up that hymn, I don’t think I know it!
It is so easy to overlook less familiar or little known names in the Bible. But, todays passages reading reminds us just how very significant these are. What a calling Bezelal had – a great responsibility and honor, no doubt. This is a great reminder that stewarding and using our God given talents and gifts well is important. Knowing what my gifts and being sure I am using them is something I really struggle with. It is both helpful and encouraging to be reminded that in seeking the Lord and pursuing Him, the calling He has for me will become more clear and more easily understood. Lord, give me the ability and wisdom to see and pursue what you have for me. ❤️
Oh..I know what your gifting is Wendy! You are a such a gift to me/us with your comments and wisdom daily, and telling us your testimony! I am sure you need to share it more and in unique avenues! Social media and blogging has really made a perfect way for us to reach more people!!
❤️ Yes! Let’s take over social media with God’s message! ❤️. What satan meant for evil… God WILL use for His Good!!
Love how God is relational. Never leaving us or abandoning us. But gifting us with wisdom and talents to accomplish His purpose.
“Our God is not the means to an end—He’s the beginning, the end, and everything In between.” This is an important reminder which changes our focus.
God is so good!
We have a calling-uniquely shaped for each of us. We are to be willing vessels, not perfect, just willing.
Holy Spirit fill me today so that my work reflects your wisdom and glory.
Help me to see the work of my hands as part of your greater plan.
Fill me with your Spirit-give me wisdom, understanding and a willing heart.
Show me how to use what You have given to serve, glorify You and build what matters most.
“Called to Create”
You called him by name, gave skill to his hand,
To shape holy beauty from wood, cloth, and sand.
Not for his glory, but all for Your name—
A craftsman anointed, his work not in vain.
So call me today, with the gifts that I bear,
To serve with my hands and show that You care.
Fill me with purpose, with wisdom and grace—
That I, too, may build in Your sacred place.
Such a beautiful poem/prayer.
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Lord, I confess my need for control vs letting go and letting You. Forgive me. Tears my faith, forgive my doubt. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen
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God, when following my call to steward the gifts you’ve given to me would you help me to see more of you and know you better, to glorify you, to teach others, and to care for your creation?
I think it is amazing that the Israelites carried the Egyptian plunder with them while wandering in the desert. God knew what they would need for constructing the tabernacle—less the gold wasted on a golden calf—and provided lots of treasures as they hastily left Egypt.
God gifted Bezalel and emowered him not only to do the work but to teach others. This showed me that God’s gifts (giftings) are to be shared. They are not for ourselves. A little shadow of disciple making?
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MARGARET W. – thangs for the update on how the meeting went. Praying for you and your heart to healnfrom the wound.
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Ladies, praying your find ways to share your giftings today
Yes! In all the times I’ve read this passage I hadn’t really noticed it, but today the part about teaching others stood out.
I am fascinated by the gifts given to others by God, and how those gifts were revealed to them. Family members & friends who can draw or play instruments – when/how did it come into their minds to try? Cousins who can repair anything and even as children they were fixing things, public speakers, wordsmiths, even number crunchers… pick any vocation and ponder how they knew. And to think, God equipped every single one of them to be who He created them to be. We serve an amazing God, may I seek His wisdom and knowledge daily.
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And the obedience and generosity of the Israelites with their freewill offerings, so much that it was too much! Lord, may I be obedient and trusting in my giving.
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Love yesterday’s comments! Imperfect, forgiven, used by God …. Thank you, Lord.
This was such an encouragement to be reminded God not only equips and calls the leaders (Abraham, Moses, etc.) but the “workers” as well. Loved the reminder that the gifts He gives us are a vehicle to know and glorify Him, not just a means of making a living on this earth.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
He will provide everything we need to follow Him and do His will, whatever it is. I also struggle with wanting to know exactly what my calling is. You know, many of us want to be in control and know what is going on all the time. Say you don’t. Haha.
I am thankful for the reminder that as long as I trust in the Lord and His process, He will provide everything I need, when I need it, for what He has called me to do.
I too have struggled to know what my calling is. Thank you for sharing that it’s not about a destination but an invitation into a deeper relationship with my Creator.
I really needed this word today to remind myself that God has given me the abilities needed for His calling on my life
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