“Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills...”
Sometimes I get dizzy trying to make sense of the intricacies surrounding the tabernacle and the priestly garments worn by Aaron and his sons. All that talk about clasps and clips and brass plates and chains and basins and golden utensils . . . and poles of acacia wood, bronze grating on the altar, incense and incense burners, molding and rings and bowls and articles . . .
And all this while what I really have on my mind is the day in front of me. A day, not of clasps and clips, but of recording, meetings, deadlines, and presentations.
Sometimes reading Exodus 26 to 30 I feel like I am traversing a desert of details, like I’m wandering Aisle 14 in Home Depot, but Aisle 14 has no bearing on why I am in the store in the first place — the problem I am facing today.
But then I turn the page. I come to Exodus 31 and Bezalel and all the other individuals God provides, and I discover that Aisle 14 is right where I needed to be after all:
Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 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 . . .” Exodus 31:1-6, NIV
I awoke early as usual this morning, heart beating quickly, mind racing feverishly. I knew I needed to go slow with God before getting after my day, but honestly, I felt like I was going through the motions as I read Exodus 27-30. It was Aisle 14 and not speaking to the world of problems I was facing.
But then I came chapter 31 and God did what he so often does — he opened my eyes. Moses’ world was really not so different from mine — projects, people, and a myriad of details AND . . . God provided just the right people for all those projects — gifted people, wise people, skilled people, collaborative people, and most-importantly, Spirit-filled people so necessary to accomplish the work.
I needed that reminder as I began today and thought about where we are in the life of Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School. Covid days are always challenging days. A growing institution is a delightfully complicated adventure. Opportunities arrive daily . . . usually clothed as problems to be solved.
At times, these challenges feel like I’m trying to makes sense of Exodus 26 to 30. It’s complicated, a bit boring, and at times overwhelming. But then I read Exodus 31 and God reminds me he always comes through with the help necessary to accomplish the task he assigns.
Are troubles presenting? Is work overwhelming? Do you feel stuck in Aisle 14? Don’t forget to turn the page. God has the help you need and it is coming your way in the form of some wonderful people.
When it comes to walking with God, you are never “lost” on Aisle 14.