March 9th 2014
God Is More Interested In My Availability Than In My Ability!
Exodus 31:2-6 (NIV)
See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.
The gifts of the Spirit are given to the people who believe in the God of the Bible, so they can make good spiritual decisions, and so they can worship God and assist the body of Christ on this earth. You could very likely add to this description of the gifts of the Spirit, but this commentary is actually not honing in on these virtues. This commentary is meant to offer some opinions related to knowledge, and how it is obtained.
In the selected verses God is expounding on how He is giving knowledge and skills to two men who will be responsible for crafting most to the intricate items God desires be put in the Tent of Meeting, which God has already informed Moses about. God says He has chosen someone to craft many, many items to be created for use in worshiping God. Notice God did not select someone who had developed the skills needed, instead God selected someone who is available, and then, God said about Bezalel, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.” Most people today believe they have developed the skills they have by education and/or training.
Then God says about the other man He selected” I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him.” Next God mentions all of the other people who will help, by saying, “Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you. Notice here God did not mention any kind of training period for all of the builders, God just says “I have chosen,” “I have filled,” “I have appointed” and “I have given skill.” It makes me wonder if whatever skills we have were really developed or where these skills really given to (us) you by God?
It is easy to notice that certain people have certain abilities, and/or they catch on easily to how to do certain things. There does seem to be some evidence that God blesses some people with specific abilities. We usually reserve the term calling and apply it only to people who are called to the service of the Lord through becoming some form of clergy! Many reading this would possibly ascribe wisdom, as coming from God, but it is not likely we would attribute knowledge as a gift or calling from God. We have all likely marveled at the abilities of some people who are in some way physically handicapped yet they proceeded with their lives and seem to not miss a beat.
We have also heard that when someone losses some physical ability the remaining senses seem to intensify to pick up the slack, so to speak. Some people of course, do not respond well when they are stricken with some loss of natural abilities. Paul wrote about such temptations in this lifetime, and how we are somehow given a way out when Satan temps us. And here Paul is writing this to believers and indicating God always supplies a way out for believers who are tempted. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)
I do not know about you, but this always annoyed me some to read, as it did not really seem to be true in all cases. It still makes me wonder a bit, but then God also give each of us other believers who share in our salvation. That is of course, if you choose to attend a church of your choice, and to become involved in the ministries of said church. Your way out could be through confessing your temptations, especially those you have fallen into, to someone with whom you are in relation with. John may have written about this unbounded forgiveness available to us, if we confess our sin to God. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Not only are we forgiven, but we are also purified “from all unrighteousness.” Grace is given to us in abundance by God. We must also forgive ourselves, and sometimes that is the hardest task. We have such great hope, as Paul again reminds us, For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13, NLT)
Salvation is greatest free gift you will ever receive! You do not have to deserve it, you only have to make yourself available to receive salvation, and have knowledge added to you also at no cost! What a bargain faith in Jesus is!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
If you enjoy Verse of the Week and want to share it with others feel free to forward it. You may subscribe to Verse Of the Week by sending an email to rlmoak@fuse.net.
Exodus 31:2-6 (NIV)
See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.
The gifts of the Spirit are given to the people who believe in the God of the Bible, so they can make good spiritual decisions, and so they can worship God and assist the body of Christ on this earth. You could very likely add to this description of the gifts of the Spirit, but this commentary is actually not honing in on these virtues. This commentary is meant to offer some opinions related to knowledge, and how it is obtained.
In the selected verses God is expounding on how He is giving knowledge and skills to two men who will be responsible for crafting most to the intricate items God desires be put in the Tent of Meeting, which God has already informed Moses about. God says He has chosen someone to craft many, many items to be created for use in worshiping God. Notice God did not select someone who had developed the skills needed, instead God selected someone who is available, and then, God said about Bezalel, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.” Most people today believe they have developed the skills they have by education and/or training.
Then God says about the other man He selected” I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him.” Next God mentions all of the other people who will help, by saying, “Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you. Notice here God did not mention any kind of training period for all of the builders, God just says “I have chosen,” “I have filled,” “I have appointed” and “I have given skill.” It makes me wonder if whatever skills we have were really developed or where these skills really given to (us) you by God?
It is easy to notice that certain people have certain abilities, and/or they catch on easily to how to do certain things. There does seem to be some evidence that God blesses some people with specific abilities. We usually reserve the term calling and apply it only to people who are called to the service of the Lord through becoming some form of clergy! Many reading this would possibly ascribe wisdom, as coming from God, but it is not likely we would attribute knowledge as a gift or calling from God. We have all likely marveled at the abilities of some people who are in some way physically handicapped yet they proceeded with their lives and seem to not miss a beat.
We have also heard that when someone losses some physical ability the remaining senses seem to intensify to pick up the slack, so to speak. Some people of course, do not respond well when they are stricken with some loss of natural abilities. Paul wrote about such temptations in this lifetime, and how we are somehow given a way out when Satan temps us. And here Paul is writing this to believers and indicating God always supplies a way out for believers who are tempted. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)
I do not know about you, but this always annoyed me some to read, as it did not really seem to be true in all cases. It still makes me wonder a bit, but then God also give each of us other believers who share in our salvation. That is of course, if you choose to attend a church of your choice, and to become involved in the ministries of said church. Your way out could be through confessing your temptations, especially those you have fallen into, to someone with whom you are in relation with. John may have written about this unbounded forgiveness available to us, if we confess our sin to God. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Not only are we forgiven, but we are also purified “from all unrighteousness.” Grace is given to us in abundance by God. We must also forgive ourselves, and sometimes that is the hardest task. We have such great hope, as Paul again reminds us, For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13, NLT)
Salvation is greatest free gift you will ever receive! You do not have to deserve it, you only have to make yourself available to receive salvation, and have knowledge added to you also at no cost! What a bargain faith in Jesus is!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
If you enjoy Verse of the Week and want to share it with others feel free to forward it. You may subscribe to Verse Of the Week by sending an email to rlmoak@fuse.net.