Christ in all the scriptures God's work

 Christ in all the scriptures

God's work  Exodus 31v1-11

The chapter is in two parts: v1-11 God's workmen; v12-18 God's rest.

Chapters 25-30 The conception of the tabernacle: chapters 31-40 The construction of the tabernacle.  There is a similar pattern concerning the Church, the body of Christ in Ephesians 1-2...chapter 1 the conception of the church; chapter 2 the construction of the church.  This makes the tabernacle relevant to the present day, as the church is still in the building-Eph. 2v21, and the purpose of its construction is of "an habitation of God through the Spirit"- Eph.2v22.  This is the record of how God uses His redeemed people in the construction of His dwelling place among them as we shall see in v1-Bezaleel; v6a-Aholiab; and v6b all that are wise hearted.  The work of God is intricate, and requires ability beyond the natural, which only He can provide, and does so in abundance.  We remind ourselves that the gifts for the work of the church are endowed by Christ:

"He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens that He might fill all things.  And He gave some, apostles, and some, prophets, and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry (service), for the edifying of the body of Christ"-Eph. 3v10-11.

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all"-1st Corinthians 12v4-6.    

These are Divine gifts, given to the church for the variety of spiritual work in the Church.  It is a pertinent question, what am I doing for the Lord with the gift I have been given?  All of us have been spiritually gifted, in a variety of ways, as it says in 1st Corinthians 12v7, "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (or for the profit of all).  The word for every man is the Gr. hekastos, and does not apply to males only (being translated "every one" some 20/75 occurrences.  Furthermore the word is the superlative of ekas, and can only mean each and every one.  Thus, each believer is singularly gifted from above!  More attention needs to be given to this astounding truth, for the lack of it has resulted in too little activity in churches.  You are gifted, I am gifted, we all are gifted in the measure (the portion) that Christ decides.  Let us find it and use it for the benefit of all!  

We are introduced to Bezaleel and his deputy Aholiab who were the chief artisans of the Tabernacle, along with the wise hearted of the children of Israel.  There are two predominant phrases in the construction of the tabernacle-"willing hearted"-25v and "wise hearted".  In the work of God we need both qualities.  A number of important points are raised:

We are pointed to their calling; "See I have called by name Bezaleel..."Behold I have given with him Aholiab...and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom..."-v2-6. We are all called to highest service, and there should be a sense of being called to this greatest privilege.  Do we have the sense of Divine calling in our life?

We are introduced to their connections; "Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah"; Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan".   Sometimes God highlights the family/tribal backgrounds, which lends light on God's chosen servants.  Bezaleel was the grandson of Hur who stood with Moses and Aaron in the conflict with Amalek-Exodus 17v10-12, and again was present when Moses ascended Mount Sinai-Exodus 24v14.  The Chronicles reveal that Hur was the son of the union between Caleb and Ephrath, and links the family to Bethlehem-1st Chronicles 2v19-20 and 2v50, with 4v4.  Who can forget the prophecy "And thou Bethlehem Ephratah...out of thee shall He come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel"-Micah 5v2.  It is apparent that God blesses and uses some families through the generations.  Bezaleel had a good pedigree, and he was very gifted.  Interesting to trace our family history in relation to God.  Less is known of the pedigree of Aholiab, and nothing at all is said of "all the wise hearted" who contributed to the work.  These are the unknown, unsung heroes, who will be acknowledged in eternity.  Most of us belong to this latter category, but our part is no less significant.  We should note that Bezaleel is of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan.  In the history of the twelve tribes, Judah is best, and Dan the worst of the tribes.  Judah is known for loyalty, and Dan for idolatry.  Dan was last to be allocated inheritance in the land-Joshua 19;also it is is omitted from the list of tribes in Revelation 7-so bad was their departure.  God calls one from each, proclaiming that He will call His servants, regardless of pedigree.  Bad family connections is no hindrance to serving God.  God is Sovereign and chooses His workers by infinite knowledge.  It is a fact that Judah and Dan, in the early days, contributed more to the military numbers than any other tribe, being 74,600 from Judah, and 62,700 from Dan, being the highest populated tribes.  These were the most active of all the tribes.  

We consider next their calibre  The work of God is of the highest order and requires those who serve to be of high quality.  "And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.  To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones to set them, and in carving of timber in all manner of workmanship."  Concerning Aholiab-Exodus 38v23, "And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen."

No thought here of "anything will do".  The work of God requires skill and dedication to see the work through to completion, and God, Himself, supplies the ability.  His work is a noble work, which requires high standard, knowhow wisdom, practical skill, pleasing to the eye, informative to the mind, acceptable to God.  The calibre of these men was supreme and their work was quality.  

Now their commitment  "...that they may make all that I have commanded thee."  Chapter 40v33 says "And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate.  So Moses finished the work".  With the help of Bezaleel and Aholiab, and an army of helpers, everything was done to God's design.   "Bezaleel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord commanded Moses"-Ex. 38v22.   This is followed in chapters 39-40 with 16 observations that everything was "AS THE LORD COMMANDED MOSES".   Then the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle-40v34.  These men completed the work and Moses oversaw the erection of the only dwelling place of God on earth at that time.  Reminiscent of Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"-2nd Timothy 4v7.  Bezaleel and Aholiab, with the help of many others, made the tabernacle, the ark, the mercy seat and all the furniture; the table, the lampstand with all its implements; the altar of incense, the brazen altar and tools; the laver and its foot; the cloths of service, the holy garments for Aaron and his sons; the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, all as God had prescribed.

We can think of their character  This is imprinted in their names; Bezaleel means "In the shadow of God", and Aholiab means "tent of my father".  In spiritual terms Bezaleel lived close to God, and Aholiab had pilgrim character, he live in the prospect of heavenly life.  Reputation of God's workers is important enough, but character is paramount.  Reputation is what men think we are, character is what God knows us to be, and that is all important.  Life and lip in harmony, doctrine and deeds in balance.  I quote the words of Eric Alexander of the Church of Scotland ministry; he said, "God's primary concern is with the worker than with the work done", or he said, put another way, "He is more concerned with what we are, rather than what we do".  The same man said on another occasion, "God has much more to do in you than He will ever have to do through you".  I encourage readers to listen to Eric on Voices for Christ or Sermon Central-he has a unique way of presentation, and has had a huge influence on me.  God saved us to change us, our lives sometimes speak more than our lips.