Exodus 38:22 “Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord had commanded Moses.” Six times in Exodus we read of a man named Bezalel, and five times of Aholiab. These men are recipients of the highest of all honors; their names and accomplishments are recorded in the eternal Word of God. When heaven and earth have passed away, and all of this life is but a distant memory, the accomplishments of these two men will remain forever chronicled alongside Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel and Paul. They are honored even though there is no reference to them ever wielding a sword like Joshua, having a face to face encounter with God, like Moses, writing worship songs like David, or winning others to Christ, like Paul. These men are honored because they took the talents they had received from the Lord and used them for His kingdom, and His glory. In order for the Tabernacle to be built, talented men must give of their time, effort and energy. Bezalel and Aholiab rose to the call. We read, Exodus 36:2 “Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work.” Notice that “gifted men” were called. One of the ways we can recognize the call of God on our lives, is to look at the need and the gifts we have. If a need arises for plumbing and you are a plumber, you have an opportunity to respond to the call of God. Notice also, their hearts were stirred. Sometimes, even before an opportunity arises, a desire is birthed within us; that can be the call of God. The important thing is, they responded and offered their talents to be used for the kingdom.. Exodus 31:2-3 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” Once these men responded to the call of God, they received the enabling of God. Their natural gifts, while important, must be met with the power of the Spirit. Often we neglect to make ourselves available to God because we feel powerless. It was in response to the call of God that they received the Spirit of God. Just as Moses’ staff parted the Red Sea after it went into the water, so these men were equipped, once they responded to the call. Exodus 35:34 “And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.” Finally, their service was an opportunity to make disciples. They were called to serve and to teach others. The building of the Tabernacle was not a one man job. If it was to be accomplished, others must be taught and given opportunity to serve. Bezalel and Aholiab were given the task of training others to be part of the work of God. Don’t think because you are not an evangelist, pastor, missionary or worship leader, that there is no place for you in the church. There are a multitude of ministry opportunities for people who are gifted artisans. Much of what happens in the ministry today is because faithful men and woman take their talents and give them back to the Lord. Pastor Jim