In previous articles, excerpted from my book Seeking the Lord, we learned about the ancient craftsman Bezalel and the amazing skills that God gave him for an important work. One reason I like Bezalel is that my dad worked with his hands also. For over 30 years, after his 22 year Navy career, my dad did carpentry and all types of home repair work. He did lots of discounted work to help the elderly, especially for small projects that typically would have a high minimum charge. My dad was meticulous about his work and went over and above to make sure it was done properly and would stand up to scrutiny. He also did repair work for our church, so the worship services could go on without interruption. My dad never preached a sermon, but his excellent work was a testimony.
Bezalel – Serving God with His Hands – Part 3
Bezalel did not preach a sermon, but the craftsman’s excellent work helped the nation of Israel worship the Lord for hundreds of years. It also pointed to Jesus and His ministry for us. What am I talking about?
The Old Testament prophets gave clues and hints about Jesus being the sacrifice to pay for our sins. Then at the start of the New Testament, John the Baptist declared,
Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29b)
Later, we learn that Jesus is our High Priest, the One who went to God on our behalf with a sacrifice that paid for our sins. (Hebrews 7:22-27)
How does this relate to Bezalel? The Bible tells us his tabernacle was a copy or shadow of the one in Heaven. (Hebrews 8:2,5) (Bezalel means “in the shadow of God”, implying under God’s protection.[1] Is this a coincidence? Hmm…) The ceremonies that took place in Bezalel’s tabernacle were a picture of what Jesus would do in Heaven after He died to pay for our sins. The earthly sacrifices of lambs and bulls did not take away sin (Hebrews10:1-6) but were an act of faith that the Lord would provide the real sacrifice one day.
And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood…Therefore it was necessary that the [earthly] copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another…but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:22-26)
Jesus literally entered into the Most Holy Place in Heaven to present His blood and finally pay for our sins, once and for all. (Hebrews 9:26b)
Could you imagine the Lord using the work of your hands to foreshadow something Jesus would do? Well, how about God using your hands to do something Jesus wants you to do, like helping a neighbor or elderly person with yard or housework? Maybe you can feed the hungry, either by volunteering, growing food and giving it, or working to earn money and buying food for the needy. Maybe you can teach a child a craft, gardening, or a trade to keep him or her off the street, out of jail, and in a Bible club. Yes, there is something each of us can do with our hands or talents to seek and serve the Lord. So, say goodbye to excuses and hello to action!
Think About It
The Lord gave Bezalel amazing skills. He used those talents to do God’s work and blessed a nation for centuries. Take a minute to think about the talents and abilities God has given you.
1. What did you find interesting about Bezalel’s life?
2. Based on his example, is it possible to seek God by doing?
3. What skills has God given you? Have you thanked Him for them?
4. Why do you think the Lord gave you talents?
5. What are some ways you can use your skills for God’s purposes?
Using skills to earn a living, support a family, etc. are normal and legitimate uses of talents. However, you can pray for guidance in going beyond the norm. You may leave an amazing legacy for your family, church, and nation just as Bezalel did!
[1] Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, by James Strong. Hebrew and Chaldee dictionary definition #1212