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

More than Enough

"And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and they said to Moses, 'The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the Lord commanded us to perform.' So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, 'Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.' Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it." -Exodus 36.4-7

I'm not completely certain, but I think I can guess with some certainty that this is the only time this particular problem has occured. How many leaders, pastors included, do you know that would tell their people to stop giving to the project they were raising money for? Usually they have to keep asking for more and end up settling for much less than the original goal. But at this one point that isn't the case. The people were giving so much that they had more than enough, and they actually had to be restrained because they were still wanting to offer more.

If we had this problem today we wouldn't have so many single mothers. There wouldn't be so many children with workaholic fathers. Churches wouldn't be filled primarily with women. What would it look like if you personally gave more than enough?

It's not that God needs an abundance to accomplish His will. After all, He spoke the universe into existence from nothing. There is a song I found a few years ago by the Gaithers called "A Few Good Men". The song starts like this:

What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God
Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause;
A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure.

God doesn't need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.

God doesn't need a gifted orator, He was working with Moses who was slow to speak. He didn't need authorities to reason away His power, which is what Pharaoh tried to do with the magicians. He doesn't even need an army, all He needs is a few good men who are willing to stand, and offer what they have to the fight. The chorus follows:

Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.

God simply is looking for a few good men who will trust Him, and offer what they have to His service. And He calls all of us, even those who feel that they have messed up too much to be used at all. Those who feel unworthy and that they have nothing to offer:

He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed;
He calls the one who has the strength to stand up for the Truth.
Enlistment lines are open and He wants you to come in-
He just needs a Few Good Men.

And the chorus follows a few more times. God does not need an abundance, simply a willing heart to offer what it can. He takes what is offered and uses it greatly. But what would happen if we gave more than enough?

Men, what are you offering to God? Financially are you giving whatever you have left after the bills, and your hobbies, are paid, or do you give to God first? With your time, are you giving whatever you have left between work and falling asleep exhausted, or are you setting aside specific time with God, sacrificing something else to be with Him? With your families, are you investing in them above yourself, giving your strength to guide them spiritually? With your gifts, are you offering them primarily to God so that His Kingdom may grow, or are you looking simply to advance your career?

Are we giving more than enough to God, or is He standing there asking us to give more? Remember, God will not share our hearts, it's all or nothing. Are we willing to offer Him all that He requires and then some, or are we trying to see how little we can get by with giving up? God only needs a few good men to stand and fight; a few good men who will give more than enough. Are you willing to be one of them?

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

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor