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21.4.09

The Source of Gifts and Talents

Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. 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. The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers..." [Exodus 35:3-35 NLT]



The Story
God wanted the building of His tabernacle to commence. Being one that loves things to be done in perfection, He chose people that had the gift and talent to do it. He chose craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab [Exodus 31: 1 -11]. He knew they could do the job because He had filled them with His spirit. 1 Corinthians 12: 4 teaches us that there are diversities of gifts but the same spirit.

Three important things we can draw from this story are: -
1. God is the source of gifts and talents
2. Gifts and talents are purposefully used when they bring glory to God. Many gifted people use their gifts and talents to bring glory to other gods such as money, sex, etc.
3. Skills can be taught and learnt. Even those who have certain gifts and talents need to practice and learn more to bring out more value in their gifts and talents.

Modern Application
Today we have goldsmiths, sculptors and skilled craftsmen. An important part of the body they use is their hands. You may not be a craftsman but you may have gifts or talents that you can use your hand to implement.

Questions to think on
1. What gift of hand do you have?
2. How are you using your gift of hand?
3. Is there someone you can encourage today to use their gift of hand?

Remain gifted.

6 Enriching Comments:

ShonaVixen said...

My gift is that of writing and I use it as much as possible!and am truly blessed with it and grateful too!!!
As always love the post!!!

ShonaVixen said...

OOOps forgot to scream FIRST!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I think you are incorrect in that "Of course he cannot do it himself." GOD can create anything HE pleasese. His power goes beyond your puny brain could ever comprehend.

Nwa Chi said...

@ ShonaVixen: I like your gift of writing, including most of the things I know you are working on (from your blog). And yes, you are the first.

@ Anonymous: Thank you for the correction. Because the statement may be misconstrued, I have removed it. I guess I was thinking along the lines of for God to operate physically on earth, HE has to take the human form. Since we are all here to learn pls correct me if I am wrong.

I will also appreciate you leaving constructive comments here as the statement "...your puny brain..." does not appear nice. Thanks.

David C Brown said...

This is good; it is wonderful that God pleases to work through weak creatures like us. It shows the wisdom of His working.

David C Brown said...

Ho! Happy New Year - we're awaiting the next study! You okay?