“Excellence”

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

BIBLE READING: Exodus 35-36

“Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel …, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.’” (Exodus 35.30-31)

YHWH had given Moses intricate designs His tabernacle. Even as a temporary structure, the tabernacle was to be created with ‘artistic designs,’ ‘for glory and for beauty’ (Exodus 28.2). Scripture suggests that the aesthetic dimension of life exists ‘for glory’—to glorify God and to give humans a faint glimpse of God’s splendor; and ‘for beauty’—so that mere creation of beauty is an appropriate end in itself.”

Into this context we are introduced to Bezalel. He was not a priest or a prophet, but a craftsman, selected by YHWH for the task of building the tabernacle (Exodus 31.1-5). Interestingly, Bezalel is the first person in Scripture to be described as filled with the Spirit of God. He was specifically empowered to use his artistic and construction skills to build the tabernacle—a structure that would be used for the next 400+ years as God’s dwelling among the people. Bezalel was talented because YHWH had prepared him for this task. God equipped Bezalel to make intricate, amazing designs of the highest quality and visual beauty. Nothing of “ho-hum” or inferior quality. Bezalel’s artistry would set the tone for an even greater glory to fill this tent for generations to come.

However, in the shadow of Moses’ enormous role in Exodus, Bezalel’s ability can seem a bit less spiritual. He’s not making atonement or instructing people in the laws of YHWH. And yet, twice he is called by name for this task (Exodus 31.1-5; 35.30-ff). Why the emphasis on his role here? Two things stand out to me.

1. The excellence of his efforts (Exodus 35.31-33). God never does things half-way and neither should we. In our jobs, families, in the community, and especially in the church, we should pursue excellence with the gifts we are given. “Having gifts that differ, let us use them… if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12.6, 8, NIV). Every activity may not have an overt spiritual purpose (consider Acts 9.36-41), but our excellence honors God. We should work hard in whatever we do, as for the Lord (Colossians 3.23) knowing that this reflects the nature and glory of God.
2. His God-given ability to teach others how to do things well (Exodus 35.34). This wasn’t a one-man show, so it wasn’t enough for Bezalel to be good at his work. The whole structure needed to be built with excellence. YHWH gave Bezalel to teach others to build this place for God. God has done the same for the church today. “…he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for… the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4.11-12). The church is being built up in love as a house for God to dwell among his people today (Ephesians 4.16; 1 Peter 2.5).

There have always been various roles among God’s people. He doesn’t expect more out of us than we are able. But he does expect excellence in what we can do. And so, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9.10)and as for the Lord, “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3.23)”

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