Skilled Labor

Read Exodus 35:1–40:38

30. Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
31. The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.
32. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.
33. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft.
34. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others.
35. The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. . . . .
36:1. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded.” Exodus 35:30–36:1

Ican (check all that apply) paint; talk to people; make something out of cloth, paper, wood, metal, or plastic; mow grass; cut hair; grocery shop; hammer nails; vacuum; pick up trash; rearrange tables and chairs; read aloud. If you checked even one of those abilities, you can serve God in the church.

This section of Scripture tells how the Israelites carried out God’s instructions for building the Tabernacle, God’s mobile house of worship. The passage includes some Sabbath regulations, descriptions of materials used for the Tabernacle, and many miscellaneous anecdotes. Everyone pitches in.

As you read, you will learn about giving freely and generously, being helpful, and delegating responsibilities to others—a whole host of practical advice for ordinary believers who are ready to use their skills for God.

Moses asked people with various abilities to help with the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:10-19). Those who could spin cloth made an important contribution—cloth. Bezalel and Oholiab, men with artistic skills, lent their expertise in cutting jewels, carving wood, and other areas (Exodus 36:1-2). Moses laid out the steps, while Ithamar served as scribe for the project. God didn’t ask Moses to build the Tabernacle alone, but to motivate others to do it. Once the Tabernacle was built, its physical care required a long list of important tasks (Exodus 40:17-33).

Every one of God’s people has been given special talents and gifts. We are responsible to develop these abilities—even those not considered religious—and use them for God’s glory. This principle is important to remember today, when God’s house is not a building but a body of people—the real church. Many seemingly unimportant tasks must be done to keep your local church functioning. Washing dishes, painting walls, or printing bulletins may not seem very spiritual, but these tasks are vital to the ministry of the church and have an important role in worship.