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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15 thoughts on "Bezalel"
“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.
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
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
❤️