Anointed for service

"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 skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - 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 craftmanship...."

Exodus 31: 2-5

I wrote a post on the anointing a few years ago and I defined the anointing as being 'empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out a certain task.' It is not for people to accord us with titles, it is not for notoriety or popularity, it is not to create a gap between the 'anointed' and those we feel are not, for we are all anointed just that we have been anointed to do different things. I think we church folk really need to learn this.

Moses was anointed to be a leader. God gave him clear, specific instructions regarding how the tabernacle should be built, I mean it doesn't get more specific than this and I thought I was a perfectionist...lol! However when it came to the actual work, God anointed and thus appointed someone else. I believe this is another example of godly leadership, freeing people to serve God with their God given ability and not trying to stifle their creativity.

The most important point for me to reflect on in this passage was the balance. God says I have filled this man with the Spirit of God but He didn't end there, He also gave him skill, ability and knowledge. Our anointing comes to ignite our natural skills, abilities and knowledge. Its isn't an either/or, either the Spirit or ability but a both/and both the Spirit and ability. The Spirit just makes our talents go into high definition! All these factors need to work together and I believe this is what makes believers relevant, especially in the times we live. We can speak in tongues and we can also make artistic designs, sing, teach, manage the church's accounts, clean, cook a meal, give elderly folks in church a ride to church. Outside the tabernacle we can also be relevant and show the world that our God is great by providing excellent customer service, meeting deadlines, getting work done, writing great reports etc.

I believe that just like Bezalel, God has chosen each and every one of us to do something. Something special, something unique. Whatever it is, it was given that we may bless others with it. And in blessing others, we ourselves will be blessed. Blessing others doesn't have to mean doing work for free but meeting needs in people lives, some needs which they will happily pay you top dollar for but that is another post.

I am filled with the Spirit of God and will bless the world with the skills, abilities and knowledge He has given me.

ZoeB

Lenten Reflections: More for me

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my Lord , what shall we do?" the servant asked. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:16-17

Today I prayed and asked God to open my eyes so that I can see. Just like Elisha's servant my vision is usually shortsighted. I can see the 'army' with 'horses' and 'chariots.' I don't see beyond them to see hills full of horses and chariots of fire. You can't compare chariots with chariots of fire and guess what, those chariots of fire are all on my side. They're all on the home team!

It is such a refreshing thought, 'if God be for me, who can be against me?' It is reassuring to know that when all hell is breaking loose in different areas in my life, there are more for me than against me. David understood this about God when he said 

"He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though MANY oppose me." 

Psalm 55:16

God is bigger than any situation I may face. God is on my side and no matter what comes against me, I am already in the majority. It doesn't matter how hard the storm rages, how hard the boat is rocking, what is of utmost importance is that Jesus, the One who stills all storms is here in this boat. 

Lord, open my eyes that I may see.

ZoeB