“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘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.’” Exodus 31:1-3

Called by Name

Has God ever called you to do something you felt totally unequipped for? It can be pretty terrifying, can’t it?

In the passage above, God called Bezalel to build the tabernacle of meeting, ark of the Testimony, mercy seat, tabernacle furnishings, altars, lampstand, ministry garments, anointing oil and sweet incense for the holy place (verses 7-11). No pressure!

Scripture doesn’t say Bezalel was the best craftsman—it says God called him by name and then equipped him with everything he needed to do the job. There may well have been more skilled or qualified men but God chose him, just like He chooses us.

In the Old Testament, as we see here, the Holy Spirit would usually fall on or fill someone for a time to enable them to do whatever God called them to do. Now, praise God, once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we are filled with the Holy Spirit and He never leaves us. We have within us everything we need to do whatever God has called us to do. By the power of the His Spirit, He fills us with wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and skill.

He also often does something else he did for Bezalel (Exodus 31:6)—He brings other people to come alongside us and He equips them as well.

This encourages me—these men were called to build the place where the glory of God would both sanctify and dwell (Exodus 29:43, 45). God gave them everything they needed to fulfill this enormous task and He will do the same for us in whatever tasks (big or small) He calls us to.

“Thank You Father God, for the honor of being called by name for the things You have chosen for us to do. Help us to remember: when You call us, You equip us. Amen.”