May 20, 2026
Exodus 31:1–5
But, the unexpected is described for us in Exodus 31. Here
we are introduced to the first person in Scripture who was specifically
described as being “filled with the Spirit of God.” He is not a Prophet, not a King, not a Priest, he is none of those things. He is a craftsman by the name
of Bezalel.
Bezalel is such an exciting part of the Story of God’s
people. He was not called to deliver sermons or lead armies into battle. He was
called, are you ready for this(?), He was called to work with his hands. God
filled him with the Spirit to design, build, carve, shape, sew, and create
beauty for the tabernacle. Amazing right!!
Bezalel’s calling matters profoundly. Because it reminds us
that the Spirit of God is not only present in dramatic moments or public
ministry. The Spirit is also present in workshops, kitchens, offices,
classrooms, farms, studios, garages, and everyday acts of faithful work.
God says that He filled Bezalel with wisdom, understanding,
knowledge, and craftsmanship.
What I want us to notice in the language here is that creativity,
craftsmanship, is not treated as
separate from spirituality. The skill of a craftsman is not viewed as less holy,
or less spiritual than preaching or prayer.
The Spirit empowers imagination. The Spirit inspires
excellence. The Spirit delights in beauty, order, detail, and meaningful work.
I feel that sometimes we wrongly divide life into “sacred” and
“ordinary” or "secular" categories, as though God only cares about what happens in church
buildings. But Exodus 31teaches us something different. God cares about the work
of human hands. He values artistry, craftsmanship, and creativity because these
things reflect the work of the Creator Himself.
I find this passage holds something important and encouraging for us. So often, I hear people wondering about what they have to offer to God. They say “my gifts are just ordinary, I’m not a Prophet, Priest, or King, I’m not a leader." Yet this story about Bezalel reminds us that the Spirit delights in filling ordinary people for unexpected and extremely meaningful purposes.
Some people build.
Some organize.
Some encourage.
Some teach
children.
Some repair
broken things.
Some cook
meals.
Some create
music.
Some care for
the hurting.
Some work
behind the scenes where few people notice.
As we move toward the season of Pentecost, we see this same
truth expanding into the life of the church. At Pentecost, the Spirit is poured
out not on one gifted individual, but on the whole community of believers. The
Spirit equips ordinary people with diverse gifts for one shared mission.
Some speak. Some serve. Some lead. Some create. Some show mercy. Some offer wisdom. Some strengthen others quietly and faithfully.
Let me ask you to think about the following today, “What
gifts, skills, or passions has God placed in your life?”
Could it be that God’s Spirit wants to use those very things,
not just in extraordinary situations, but in your everyday work, relationships,
and acts of service?
Let’s Pray
Holy Spirit,thank You for working through ordinary people.
Fill us with wisdom, creativity, faithfulness, and joy in the work You have given us to do. Teach us to see our gifts as opportunities to serve Your kingdom.
Use our hands, our minds, our words, and our daily lives for Your glory.
Amen.
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