Connect Exodus 31:1 with other instances of God appointing individuals for tasks. Bezalel: An Appointment of Skill and Spirit “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘See, I have appointed 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 craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, to carve wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.’ ” (Exodus 31:1-5) • God Himself identifies Bezalel by name. • The task is specific: build and beautify the tabernacle. • The equipping is supernatural: “filled him with the Spirit of God.” • The appointment is purposeful: artistic excellence that reflects God’s glory. Old Testament Echoes of Divine Appointment • Moses – “I will send you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10) • Joshua – “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit.” (Numbers 27:18) • Joseph – Pharaoh recognizes, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom is the Spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38-39) • David – “Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.” (1 Samuel 16:13) • Solomon – “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” (1 Kings 3:12) • Isaiah – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?’… And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ ” (Isaiah 6:8-9) • Jeremiah – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) • Zerubbabel & Jeshua – “The LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel… and the spirit of all the remnant.” (Haggai 1:14) New Testament Continuation of the Pattern • John the Baptist – “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.” (Luke 1:15-17) • Jesus – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me.” (Luke 4:18-19) • The Twelve – “He appointed twelve to be with Him and to send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:13-14) • Paul – “He is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name.” (Acts 9:15) • Barnabas & Saul – “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2) Gifts Matched to Assignments • God never calls without equipping (1 Thessalonians 5:24). • Spiritual gifts are diverse but sourced in one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Every believer is “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) Key Takeaways for Today • God still appoints individuals for specific tasks that advance His redemptive plan. • The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people with extraordinary skill, wisdom, or courage. • Calling can be artistic (like Bezalel), leadership-oriented (Moses), prophetic (Jeremiah), or missionary (Paul). • Recognizing and stewarding God-given gifts honors the One who bestows them. |
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