The Spirit and God's work

Exodus 31

"The Lord said to Moses, (2) See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, (3) and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, (4) to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, (5) in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft."

Here is Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God for the construction of the tabernacle. God had said, "Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell in the midst of them." (Exodus 25:8) All the materials for this dwelling place were to come from the people, as their hearts moved them. But the pattern for it and the power to accomplish it came from God.

God says continues to say, "And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you..." (v. 6). So it's not just to Bezalel, but God gives to each one what is necessary to accomplish the good work he's prepared beforehand for us to do.

God's desire is to dwell in our midst. This is what this whole Restoration Project is all about. And each one of us has something to bring, and each one has been given the ability to participate effectually in the process of building up the dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22), which is the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-14).