What other biblical examples show skilled work offered for God's purposes? The Spinners of Exodus 35:26 “All the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun goat hair.” (Exodus 35:26) Their hands moved, hearts aflame, because God’s dwelling needed fabric. From the start, Scripture ties Spirit-inspired skill to worship. Why Skill Matters to God • The Creator Himself worked six days, calling His handiwork “very good.” • We image Him when we craft with excellence (Genesis 1:26-31). • When we dedicate that excellence back to Him, ordinary labor turns sacred (Colossians 3:23-24). Old-Testament Vignettes of Holy Craft • Bezalel & Oholiab – “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship.” (Exodus 31:3-5) • Tabernacle Artisans – “Everyone whose heart stirred and everyone whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work.” (Exodus 35:21) • Hiram of Tyre (Huram-Abi) – a master in bronze, gold, stone, and fabric for Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 2:13-14). • Temple Musicians – David appointed “men who should prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals” (1 Chronicles 25:1). Psalm 33:3 urges, “Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” • Goldsmiths & Perfumers on Jerusalem’s Wall – Nehemiah 3:8, 31 notes craftsmen laying stones and mixing spices for God’s city. • Ezra the Scribe – “a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6) who taught and reformed the nation. New-Testament Snapshots of Gifted Service • Dorcas (Tabitha) – “making robes and garments” for needy widows (Acts 9:39). • Lydia – a seller of purple cloth who opened her home to the church (Acts 16:14-15). • Paul the Tentmaker – “he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade” (Acts 18:3), funding mission while modeling diligence. • Artisan-Evangelists – believers urged to “employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Patterns We Trace • Skill is a gift from God’s Spirit. • He calls people by name, assigns specific tasks, and equips them. • Work becomes worship when aimed at His glory and the good of His people. Taking It Home Every talent—whether weaving yarn, shaping metal, composing music, coding software, or cooking supper—can mirror the goat-hair spinners of Exodus. Offered willingly, done skillfully, our work continues the chorus: “To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” |
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