And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work.

– Exodus 36:2

Have you ever heard the names Bezalel and Oholiab? [I didn’t think so.] Not quite as recognizable as David or Isaiah or Matthew or Paul. But the Church of Jesus Christ would be all the poorer without such people. As a former pastor, I wanted to create “The Holy Order of Bezalel and Oholiab.” Some churches would call this the Board of Trustees.

But not every trustee would achieve the highest level of this order. To some God has given very special gifts – not spiritual gifts, but gifts which are just as dedicated to benefiting the mission of Christ’s Church, as well as the church building in which God’s people worship, learn, serve.

To some people God has given exceptional skills that encompass areas that require craftsmanship. For some the craft is ability to fix things when they go wrong; for others, woodworking; for others it is troubleshooting.

Their work often goes unnoticed – that is, until something in the church breaks down, falls apart, or stops working.

But there is one qualification.

Just because someone has professional-grade skills or self-taught skills doesn’t mean that God’s Church benefits. What separates people is whether their hearts have been stirred – stirred by the love of God, stirred by thankfulness that God has given them unique skills, stirred by the desire to benefit God’s people.

In my lifetime I have come to know and appreciate such people. People with names like Roger, Al, Keith, Bruce, Dennis, Don, Chris. May many more follow in their train.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for providing Your Church with those who are stirred to use their skills to Your glory and the Church’s good.

Daily Reading: Luke 1

– Contributed by Rev. Paul Peckman