Prepared Instruments

“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” (Exodus 36.1)

God given talent. But who are these guys? Artisans, or craftsman. Construction workers. God tells Moses in chapter 31 that He has put His Spirit into them to enhance their abilities. These fellows will be working on the tabernacle, where God and man will meet. In a sense they are building a tent (complete with contents) for God. Imagine what it must have been like to have God-given ability; God-given skill. You don’t have to imagine, just look inside.

We are tasked with always being prepared to make a defense for the hope of salvation. To that end we are instructed that the Word of God is the most useful tool to convey that hope to our fellow (wo)man. So? We should be the best craftsman we can be in preparation for the “call to build”. Yes, that means I contend that God chose craftsman and then made them better.

God will use us. Why are we told to “…always [be] prepared to make a defense…” (1 Peter 3:15) Because it will happen. God is not in the habit of wasting ink on filler words in His Word. If we are to be prepared and then instructed on how to proceed (“with gentleness and respect”) then we will be asked to prove it. Peter’s statement is not just an encouragement, it is also a warning. Be prepared! Be practiced and ready. You may not consider yourself the most skilled, but God has chosen you.

Therefore, start (continue) practicing! Your hand will remember its strength if it grasped His Sword. Read your Bible. Study it. Underline, highlight, circle, sticker, whatever works for you. But prepare your defense by the Word. (See James 1.5-8)

What has that got to do with B. & O.? They were craftsman, but to build up God’s tent they needed to be special. God gave them everything they needed. Intelligence, skill, whatever they needed to be sufficient for the task He picked them for. You are chosen. God supplies all you need to complete the task assigned.