June 11, 2025
Exodus 31:1–5
Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See,
I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of
Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of
God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of
skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in
gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones,
to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
Isaiah 28:24–29
When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow
continually?
Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil?
25 When he has leveled the surface,
does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?
Does he not plant wheat in its place,
barley in its plot,
and spelt in its field?
26 His God instructs him
and teaches him the right way.
27 Caraway is not
threshed with a sledge,
nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin;
caraway is beaten out with a rod,
and cumin with a stick.
28 Grain must be ground to make bread;
so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
but one does not use horses to grind grain.
29 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent.
"Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel… I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts."
Bezalel is the first person in the Bible described as being “filled with the Spirit of God.” But it’s not to preach or be a King or Priest, it is to build. He was commissioned to the task of designing the Tabernacle: the sacred place where God would dwell among His people. Bezalel had the Spirit-given skill to working with gold, silver, wood, fabric, and even gem-cutting.
The Spirit of God equips Bezalel not just with technical skill, but with wisdom and understanding. His creative skill, abilities and insight were united with God’s purposes.
I believe this reveals to us something profound! Creativity is not just a human talent; it can be a Spirit-empowered calling. God's Spirit enables people to make beauty that glorifies God and invites others into His presence.
Our graphic above is of a stained glass window that is housed in Meaford, Ontario at Christ Church Anglican. The story behind this art work is that it is constructed of glass collected by The Rev. Harold Appleyard while serving as a Military chaplain during World War 2. He retrieved glass from churches in France, Belgium, and Holland, destroyed during the war and with the assistance of Cox and Barnard Stained Glass Works made the glass window above. An example to me of skill and artistry that brings Glory to God.
God’s Spirit still fills women, men and young people with skill, not just to create art, but to create places where people meet God. As I see it, this is worship too!!
Reflect
What gifts or skills has God given you, whether artistic, practical, or relational?
How might the Spirit want to use your creativity or craftsmanship in service to others?
Can you think of a time when something beautifully made, art, song, architecture, or design, drew your heart closer to God?
Prayer
Creator Spirit, thank You for the beauty and order You bring to the world. Thank You that Your power is not just for pulpits and prophets but for painters, builders, teachers, and artisans. Inspire my hands, my mind, and my imagination. Use my work—however ordinary it may seem—to reflect Your glory. May everything I make and do point others to You. Amen.
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