Ordinary People: Lessons From Little Known Bible CharactersIhe Atụ

Bezalel: the artist

I don’t know about you, but I have always hated being in those discussion groups where we are meant to share with other people what our gifts are. I find it very difficult to know. Added to that, I have always wanted the floor to open up and swallow me when I have found myself somewhere I had to sew, draw, paint, or produce pottery. I can’t even draw stick people! I used to say to people that I did not have a creative bone in my body. It is only in the last few years that I have discovered a love of photography. I will never be highly skilled, but trying to capture an image makes me look at the beauty of God’s creation, like this puffin I managed to get a picture of on the island of Skomer.

It is easy to think we are not artistic, yet all of us are made by an incredible Creator and carry His spark inside us. Bezalel was the main artist involved in building the Tabernacle, the place of God’s special presence during the time when the Israelites were in the wilderness, and he made the Ark of the Covenant in which the stones with the Ten Commandments written upon them were kept. The description in Exodus makes clear that his creative abilities were given to him by God. Although most of us would not know his name, he had these special gifts and was directed by the Spirit in using them. God has given each of us a gift to use. It might be baking cakes, writing encouraging cards, helping others practically, doing administration well – whatever it is, it is God’s special gift to you and it gives Him joy when you use it.

Reflect: Think for a few moments about the gifts God has given you. Ask God to help you see what you may not have noticed, and if it would help you, ask a trusted friend which gifts they see in you.

Prayer: Loving God, thank You that You have made me special and with gifts and abilities that are unique to me. Help me to use them as You want me to, directed by Your Spirit. Amen