TUESDAY
This week we are coming off of our serve Sunday food pack event. Since the devotionals are usually themed towards the sermon from Sunday, we are going to tie the two themes of service and the presence of God together this week. Let’s look at a few biblical characters who were divinely empowered to accomplish the missions that God calls them to .
The big idea is simple—to serve God and others we need to be familiar with the presence of God.
In keeping with the Exodus narrative in the later chapters, we read of the specific requirements for the building of the tabernacle and the sacred pieces to be used in the ceremonial worship of God. In chapter 31 we come across a most interesting passage:
Exodus 31:1–6 1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:
Masonry, woodworking, and metalworking hardly seem like religious callings. Yet Scripture reveals that these guys have been equipped by God to perform these acts of service.
God’s call and his divine enablement don’t only include the “religious” duties of the church like preaching, prayer, and leading worship. They include divine enablement to work the trades, make meals, care for children, and many other “common” tasks we can think of. Among the Gifts of Spirit are serving, giving, and mercy (Rom. 12:6-8).