Imitating Bezalel

Next Bezalel made the Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high.

Exodus 37:1

Exodus 37 mirrors earlier portions of Exodus. Compare, for example, Exodus 37:1 with Exodus 25:10: “Next Bezalel made the Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high” (37:1); " 'Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high' " (25:10). This pattern continues throughout Exodus 37. It shows in detail how Bezalel, the chief craftsman for building the Tabernacle, followed the Lord’s directions precisely. He did exactly what God had said should be done.

Thus Bezalel serves as an example for us, not in our church building projects, but in our life building projects. We too need to follow God’s directions carefully if we want to construct a fruitful life that honors him. Too often these days, people reject God’s guidance as antiquated or misdirected or simply “not nice.” Even Christians can follow their feelings rather than God’s clear instructions. Then they wonder why their life ends up in shambles.

If you want to live the best possible life, imitate Bezalel! Now, of course, God’s biblical directions for living are often not as precise as they were for the building of the Tabernacle. We are told, for example, that we’re to love our neighbors and our enemies. But Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly how we’re to do this. Nowhere can we read: encourage 45 people today; forgive 27 people; feed 27 people who are hungry. Rather, Scripture establishes the basic ethic for our lives. Our task is to put this ethic into practice each day. In this effort, we have considerable freedom in the application of God’s directives. Nevertheless, our intention should always be to honor God in all that we do by following his guidance, just like Bezalel.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: In what ways are you imitating Bezalel in your life? In what ways are you choosing not to follow God’s directives?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to imitate Bezalel, to follow your lead in every aspect of life. May I long to obey you, even and especially when it doesn’t come easily to me.

Sometimes, Lord, it’s hard to know exactly what faithfulness to you entails. The general principles are clear; the specific applications are not. So help me, I pray, not only in my desire to follow your directives, but also in my ability to discern your will in the daily challenges of my life. Amen.