God Works That Way

Daily Reading: Exodus 38

Scripture Focus: Bezalel... of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord commanded Moses ... and with him was Oholiab, of the tribe of Dan. (Exodus 38.22-23)

Devotional Thought: God gave me and the church I pastored a vision to open a daycare. "A daycare? But God, I can't do that"! I still vividly remember the meeting when the board gathered around me, fervently praying for God to accomplish his purpose through us. I didn't do it alone. We hired a director. The director hired staff. The staff opened the daycare. God works that way.

God gave Moses a vision for the tabernacle. It was up to Moses to get the tabernacle built. But he didn't have to do it alone. God had a plan for that, too. I'm glad God works that way.

The vision began with the Lord. He knew what kind of worship facility the people needed - grandeur with portability, transcendence with immanence. He helped Moses flesh it out first in his mind, then in the offerings given by the people!

From the Lord, the work was passed on to Moses. Moses was the leader. Every cause needs a leader, someone to champion the cause and rally the people. Moses spoke with confidence and humility for he had been with the Lord.

From Moses, the vision went to Bezalel. He was of the tribe of Judah. (Moses was a Levite.) God gave Bezalel skills that he hadn't given Moses. Moses was wise enough to know he couldn't do what needed to be done. Bezalel was wise enough to follow the plan of his leader.

Even Bezalel was not alone. God gave him a helper, Oholiab, a Danite. (God likes to spread the responsibility around!) Oholiab was a quick study, adopting the wisdom of Bezalel in serving within his capacity and authority.

I'm glad God works that way!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for working the way you do. You not only give us vision, but you give us skills and helpers to get the job done. Help us to follow you where you lead us and depend on you to help us. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4 For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. 5 How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! 6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: 7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; 8 but you, O LORD, are on high forever. 9 For behold, your enemies, O LORD, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. (Psalms 92:1-9)