Exodus 31:1-3 “The LORD said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship.”
As the Lord instructed Moses on the preparation for the Tent of Meeting and all the utensils that were to be used, the Lord mentioned by name the men He had prepared to carry out the sacred rite.
Bezalel was given the honor of heading up the process of fashioning and molding the articles to be used before God and so the Lord equipped him by first filling him with the Spirit of God. The Lord was careful to ensure that Bezalel would follow all of the details the Lord had instructed. He would be lead by God’s Spirit in ensuring it was done exactly as was planned. Bezalel was given a great charge and so the Lord equipped him for the task. Not only was God’s spirit with Bezalel, but the Lord also equipped him with helpers for the task.
Exodus 31:6 “And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you”
The Lord knows our capabilities and He supplies us with help from those He has raised up.
How else do we see the Lord equipping people for such important tasks?
Ancient prophecy: 2 Peter 1:20-21 “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
For every inspired word prophesied in the Bible, each was given by God. The prophets were ordained by God to carry the word to the people, it was an important role that brought instructions for living, calls to repentance, and reminders of God’s hand working among the nations. Throughout time the Bible has shown itself to be true and accurate for a reason…the Lord ensured its accuracy.
New Testament scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:13 “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.”
Not only did the apostles declare the words of Jesus, they expounded upon ancient text and revealed how it was fulfilled in Christ. The epistles and prophesies written in New Testament revelation were given through men filled with the Spirit so that the word would be given exactly as God professed.
Equipping believers today: Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Every true believer is filled with the Spirit of God. The evidence of salvation is given by the fruit of the Spirit that is manifest through the obedience of God’s people. When God’s people walk according to His leading, they profess His name before the world in holiness, and the world sees Jesus through them.
Walking in the Spirit is essential for joy, strength, and the ability to love others unconditionally. Each element of God’s abiding presence manifests in and through the life of God’s anointed. Peace abides no matter what the circumstance. In trials or in triumphs, God’s people know His peace, it never departs. As the Lord expresses His power through their lives, God’s people reveal elements of God’s nature….gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and even self-control.
Practicing Self-Control
When Moses was meeting with the Lord on the mountain, the Lord was observing the nation of Israel rebelling in idolatry. Moses made an appeal to the Lord to restraint from wiping them off the face of the earth and so the Lord relented from His anger.
The Lord demonstrated self-control by not bringing judgement down upon all the people, instead He equipped the Levites to exact judgment against those who continued in rebellion.
Initially Moses couldn’t appreciate the magnitude of Israels sin, but when he came down and witnessed it for himself, he threw the stone covenant to the ground and they shattered before the people. It was then that Moses’ anger burned against the treachery of their treason for it was against God’s rule and authority.
What happened next is a type and shadow of what is to come in the last days.
Exodus 32:25-27 “And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies), then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the LORD’s side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him. And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’”
The holiness of God does not look over sin, He doesn’t shove it under the rug and pretend it didn’t happen. Atonement had to be made, and the consequences for the sin was to be rendered. The people didn’t suddenly decide to rebel against God’s authority just because Moses had been on the mountain for 6 weeks, they simply had an excuse to practice what was already in their hearts.
And so the Lord commissioned the priesthood to go forth and execute God’s judgment. They had been equipped with swords, no longer for protection but to purify the people. What we witness from ancient Israel, we can expect to see once again upon the Lord’s return.
Revelation 19:11-16 “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
God demands holiness. For those who choose to remain in the camp of the idolators, their judgement will be complete. God gave Jesus for one, to equip His people in holiness, and for those who put Him on, they are sanctified in His sight.
God’s people choose to remain with Him. Like the priests of old, they have been made Holy as unto the Lord and bear His name.
Which camp will you find yourself in?
Every person who has ever lived has found themselves in violation of God’s commandments, there is no-one who is absolved of guilt. But the Lord made a way by redeeming the repentant with His blood, they are now made holy before Him.
When Jesus returns, and all His people with Him, a Kingdom of priests will come to conquer. The Lord will rule and reign over His creation and the whole earth will be purified before Him.
The Earth will once again be equipped in holiness, and God’s people will dwell with Him forever.
U.T. 