Gift of Craftsman?

by Rev. Alan R. Wolcott

What comes to mind when you think of spiritual gifts? Probably it has something to do with preaching, or prophesy, or wisdom, or miracles, or administration. These are indeed gifts that the Holy Spirit bestows on individuals for the good of the church. How about “craftsmanship”? This was a gift of God’s Spirit to enable Bezalel to execute the various designs God gave Moses for the Tabernacle. Exodus 31.3,4: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze” (RSV).

A couple thoughts are worth considering here. First, notice that God provides both the people and the skills to accomplish the tasks he desires. Since they needed a skilled craftsman, God gave them Bezalel. Second, it’s worth observing that this man’s ministry was in making things. God enabled him to be a skilled artisan, not a preacher, not a healer, etc. Too often we pigeon hole spiritual gifts to the leading, teaching, and intellectual sort. Here is one that is almost entirely working with the hands. And without it, the Tabernacle could not have been completed according to the pattern God intended.

Perhaps you have felt that because you don’t have gifts of teaching, singing, administration or the like you are not as important to the local community of faith. Bezalel says, “Not so!” Gifts of serving, gifts of craftsmanship, gifts of listening, gifts of keeping the books—things that get done out of the public eye matter, a lot! In the same way that Israel needed him, today the church needs Bezalels.

If you’re one of them, thank you.

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VT-Mustard Seed

Gift of Craftsman?

by Rev. Alan R. Wolcott