READ: Exodus 31 (Focus vs. 1-11)
MEMORY VERSE
“I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.” Exodus 31:6
BACKGROUND
Virtuoso composer Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most celebrated musicians in history. Nearly two centuries after his death in 1827, his compositions are still among the most performed pieces.
A study of Beethoven’s DNA, however, indicates he may not have been born with some of his abilities—as we might assume. When his genes were compared to those of 14,500 other people who’d shown an ability to keep rhythm (merely one aspect of musical talent), Beethoven ranked surprisingly low.
Beethoven also had ample opportunity and exposure to music (which developed the aptitude he did have). Yet neither talent nor opportunity fully account for God’s role in endowing us with the abilities we have.
Our Creator equipped two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, with specific skills to be used in building the tabernacle. God filled Bezalel “with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs” and appointed Oholiab “to help him” (Exodus 31:3-6).
God gave “ability to all the skilled workers to make everything [He] commanded” (v. 6).
Few of us will work on projects as significant as God’s tabernacle. And our abilities may never be recorded in history’s annals. Yet God has equipped us with the skills, aptitudes, and experiences He wants us to share with the world. May we serve Him faithfully, in His strength and for His glory.
Kirsten Holmberg
INSIGHT
Bezalel and Oholiab are mentioned again in Exodus 35-38, as the Israelites prepared to put into action the instructions God had given them. But the construction of the “tent of meeting” (31:7) wasn’t just for those specially gifted by God (v. 6).
The entire nation had the opportunity to participate. Moses said, “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord” (35:5). Notice that the command was to give “from what you have.”
Then Moses said, “All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded” (v. 10). The record says, “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting” (v. 21).
God has equipped each of us to contribute something, whether skill or time or material.
Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
What skills and abilities has God given you? How might you serve Him with them?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…our abilities may never be recorded in history’s annals. Yet God has equipped us with the skills, aptitudes, and experiences He wants us to share with the world.
PR’s TAKE
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10
“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” Leo Buscaglia
“You will flourish when you nourish the gift of God in you” Gugu Mona
PRAYER
“Thank You, Father, for the abilities You’ve given me. Please help me use them for Your glory.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“WHEN WE USE OUR TALENTS” E.D. Elliot
O the great¬est joy is found along the way,
And the heart is hap¬py, sing¬ing all the day,
For the Lord with rich¬est bless¬ing doth re¬pay,
When we use our ta¬lents for the Mas¬ter!
O the joy that serv¬ice for the Sav¬ior brings,
How the heart re¬joic¬ing at its du¬ty sings!
In some oth¬er heart the joy-bell sweet¬ly rings,
When we use our ta¬lents for the Mas¬ter!
Some may have a voice to speak a cheer¬ing word,
Let the Gos¬pel news o’er all the world be heard,
Other souls to bet¬ter liv¬ing can be stirred,
When we use our ta¬lents for the Mas¬ter!
Some may have a will¬ing hand to lend and aid,
Helping those who by their bur¬dens are dis¬mayed,
Richly will the lit¬tle ef¬forts be re¬paid,
When we use our ta¬lents for the Mas¬ter!
Let us then be up and do¬ing all the while,
Helping one ano¬ther meet the dai¬ly tri¬al,
For some wea¬ry soul with hope will bright¬ly smile,
When we use our ta¬lents for the Mas¬ter!
