Tuesday, February 17, 2015

SOAP 02/17/2015; Exodus 35:34

Today's reading: Exodus 35

S) " 34 He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan."

Exodus 35:34 (NASB)

O) Moses was referring to Bezalel, who was the head craftsman overseeing the construction of the components that would be assembled for the tabernacle, alter, ark, and everything to do with it all. The preceding few verses outline how God had given Bezalel these skills and knowledge, "so as to perform in every inventive work." Not only had God empowered these men to create all of this beauty, but He also made them to be teachers. In many ways, this is even more important because it allowed for all of this work to be reproduced. After Bezalel and Oholiab passed away, the work was able to continue.

A) Many times, I hear men called to emulate the character of God as a warrior, or a provider, or even a lover. I do not often hear men called to emulate the character of God the Creator. That is exactly what we see at work here, though. Men called to create beauty, exactly as God intended them to create it. Not only are they creating, but they are reproducing. God is a teacher, and they are teaching. I know some men will argue that they "just aren't creative," and I suppose some people have more God-given skill than others. I would also argue that there are many, many expressions of creativity and reproducing beauty. For myself, God has given me some creativity. It is a blessing to create for God, to put my hands to work, crafting things for His glory. Even more applicable, though, is that I am using the abilities He gave me as a teacher. It will always start at home, that I am teaching my wife (if possible), and my children (as often as possible), then it extends outward. I need to be faithful to the abilities and call that God has placed within me.

P) Father, Your beauty overtakes me. I cannot escape the wonderful things You have made, I am happy to be overcome. By grace, You have put in me skills and knowledge for certain things, but I confess that I have not been faithful in using them for Your glory. Forgive me, Father God. Discipline me to action, to create and teach for You, to glorify Your name. Help me start by being faithful at home, in sharing beauty with my wife and kids, and teaching them to reproduce it. Then, help me be faithful over the skills You have given me as a teacher, and help me refocus to live my life to Your glory. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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