By Stephen F. Olford
It is evident from these verses that when God appoints His workmen He does so with their suitability in mind. God never would have chosen Moses to lead the children of Israel unless he were naturally and spiritually equipped for such a task. The Bible tells us that "... Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds" (
Acts 7:22). Such a background proved to be what was needed to fulfill the purpose of God. What was true of Moses was equally true of Bezaleel and Aholiab.
W.E. Griffis pointed out that under Jehovah's merciful providence even the Captivity had a sunny side. Not all the Hebrew sons and daughters toiled in clay, or ate cheap bread and onions. Many were house and body servants to Egyptian ladies and gentlemen. The smarter and more dexterous slaves learned trades. Others secured first-class knowledge in all manner of workmanship that had to do with gold, silver, bronze, stones and wood. It is reasonable to suppose that Bezaleel and Aholiab were in this category. An omniscient God not only sovereignly, but suitably, appointed them.
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It is inconceivable to believe that God would call a man to be a preacher who had no ability whatsoever to speak in public; or a woman to be a soloist who was hopelessly tone deaf. How reassuring to know that when God appoints His servants He does so with a sovereignty and suitability that never makes a mistake. This is why it is so serious for an individual to refuse the divine call and commission.
II. How God Anoints His Workmen
"... I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship" (
vv. 3-5).
Whatever natural gift a person may have, he is not ready for the service of God until he knows the divine anointing. Consecrated workmen are not only appointed, but anointed. Such anointing implies, first of all, the filling of the Spirit for divine service -- "... I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (
v. 3).
It is significant that the writers of the New Testament often speak of the filling of the Spirit when anointing and empowering are also implied. Jesus told the disciples to wait "in the city of Jerusalem until (they were) endued with power from on high" (
Luke 24:49); and again He said: "you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me ..." (
Acts 1:8).