Not Disqualified

"All the skillful men among those who were performing the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material, with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman, Bezalel made them." Exodus 36.8

The construction of the Tabernacle and its articles is underway, and we see that Bezalel, the skillful workman God called and appointed to oversee the building process is hard at work in the service of God. The reason this stands out to me is because we don't know of Bezalel's actions with the Golden Calf.

We don't know if he took part in the worship of the idol Aaron made for the people. I'm sure there were those who did not, but we don't know, he very well may have been heavily involved in the day's festivities. If we look ahead to 1 Chronicles 2.20 we see that he is part of the tribe of Judah. Even after Moses' return, when he calls for those who were for the Lord, only the Levites come to him, so Bezalel wasn't part of that group.

Bezales' actions during this event will forever be a mystery to us. He could have gathered with other faithful followers away from the idol, refusing to take place in the idolatry. But maybe he was an active worshiper who fell into disobedience and sin. For the sake of this post, let's say the second option is true. Let's say he bought into what everyone else was doing and went along with it, worshiping a gold cow as God. Even this didn't disqualify him from the service of God. After Moses has spoken on behalf of the people and sought restoration with God, we find Bezalel hard at work building the the Tabernacle.

Men, your past does not disqualify you from serving God. No matter what you have done, no matter what your sins may be, there is grace and forgiveness. The events of your past life, your old life if you have received forgiveness, have been erased from God's mind. He does not remember them, and He does not hold them against you. When we receive new life in Christ, we are made fit for His service.

In the song "A Few Good Men" I shared yesterday it says, "He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed". When God forgives us, we are fit and called to serve Him. The past is forgiven and forgotten, and we are able to participate as skillful workmen in the service of God.

Forgiven men are not disqualified.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor