harehemot (Exodus) 30:11-34:35

In our Scripture portion this week, we can see that whatever God asks or requires of us, He will also give us the tools through which to do it. When we read the amazing description of what God required of Moses and the Children of Israel in the construction of His sanctuary in which He would dwell, it’s easy to think that meeting all of the requirements would be impossible! But that is not how God works…He always provides a way:

“ Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship. “And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, and the ark of testimony, and the mercy seat upon it, and all the furniture of the tent, the table also and its utensils, and the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering also with all its utensils, and the laver and its stand, the woven garments as well, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, with which to carry on their priesthood; the anointing oil also, and the fragrant incense for the holy place, they are to make them according to all that I have commanded you.” Exodus 31:1-11

From the verses above we can see that God chose a man named Bezalel to accomplish the task, and that God Himself equipped Bezalel with all that he needed. He filled him with His Spirit, which brought wisdom, insight, knowledge, and the talent needed to fulfill all that God required. Not only that, but God also provided helpers for Bezalel, Oholiab and other skilled workers, so that he would not “burn out” from the responsibility.

When I reflect upon the great call that God had for Moses and the Children of Israel, I can’t help but think about the great call that God has given us, His followers, in building His Kingdom. It is no doubt a call which is greater than us; however, we can be encouraged that in the same way God provided His Spirit of wisdom, insight, knowledge, and talent in the past, He also provides for us today.

But we also need one another to fulfill the call! Bezalel could not accomplish the task on his own, but needed the help and support of others. We are foolish to think we can accomplish what God asks of us by ourselves, in our own strength. This is what it means to operate as a body! We each have gifts and talents that the Lord has bestowed on us, with which we use to encourage and edify one another, for the building of His Kingdom.

With what talent did God bless you? Are you using it for the glory of His Kingdom?

Shabbat Shalom,

Moran