Only the Holy Spirit can determine the place of gold in our lives. In the tabernacle, the gold symbolized the contemplation of God in all the wonder of His being, nature, and power. The focal point of all worship was the mercy seat made of pure gold. How seldom we are engaged in the contemplation of God, and yet this is man's chief end!

Only the Holy Spirit can determine the place of silver in our lives. In the tabernacle, the silver symbolized the proclamation of Christ. Every informed Jew would know that silver was the price of redemption (see Exod. 30:12-16). Our gospel is of the Christ who died to redeem us from all iniquity, and this is the message that all the world must hear. To make this Good News known is of utmost importance.

Only the Holy Spirit can determine the place of bronze in our lives. In the tabernacle, the bronze symbolized the dedication of gifts. The great altar was made of bronze or brass and only gifts laid upon that altar were truly sanctified to God. Even Jesus reminded the Pharisees of His day that the altar sanctified the gift (see Matt. 23:19). What priority are we setting upon the dedication of our lives, our talents, and our tithes?

Only the Holy Spirit can determine the place of stones in our lives. In the tabernacle, these stones symbolized the valuation of souls. Upon those precious stones were inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Even more significantly, the stones were worn over the heart and upon the shoulders of the high priest. What prayerful concern and strength do we invest in the great task of winning souls to Christ?

Only the Holy Spirit can determine the place of wood in our lives. In the tabernacle, the wood symbolized the consecration of work. Wood undergirded most of the structure of the tabernacle, and so speaks of the multitudinous tasks that need to be done in the life of the church. What these jobs are and how they are to be performed must be determined by the Holy Spirit. He alone can fit and guide us.

But notice again that the Holy Spirit fitted Bezaleel and Aholiab to develop abilities in the work of God. Now while the Spirit filled them to "design artistic works" (v. 4) this does not contradict the point we have made already concerning their natural endowments. On the contrary, God used what was natural and enhanced it by that which was spiritual.

We have only to read the intricate and complicated instructions concerning the building of the tabernacle to realize what an impossible task these men had to perform. Remember, they had no model or pattern to follow, except such instructions as were given them by Moses. They had seen nothing like this in Egypt; yet they finished their work with absolute perfection.

This same miracle happens every day on the mission field, and in other areas of Christian service. My father, who was a missionary for thirty-five years in the heart of Angola (West Africa) never imagined that he could construct buildings, decarbonize car engines, extract teeth, suture leopard wounds, reduce a tribal language into writing, translate the New Testament, and establish an indigenous church. But what Bezaleel and Aholiab proved my father also experienced. The Spirit of God not only fills for service, but also fits for service. This is consecrated workmanship.

We have seen that God's purpose in every age is to erect the gospel tabernacle so that the glory of our wonderful Savior, Sanctifier and Sovereign may be displayed to men and women. In order to do this, however, He must have consecrated workmen. Such workmen must be appointed and anointed.

Are you a consecrated workman? Have you been appointed and anointed by God? If not, God is calling you by name. In Scripture, the name stands for all that you are -- your background, disposition, potentiality, and even weaknesses; but God knows your name, knows your nature, and He wants to appoint and anoint you. Will you respond to His call to become a workman approved unto God? If so, say to Him now, "Lord, here am I; send me."

With the calling of God will you accept the filling of God? Remember, God not only appoints, He anoints. To appoint to His service He must have your total obedience of faith. To anoint with His Spirit He must have your total dependence of faith. I invite you to pray.

Lord, here and now, I do obey

Thy call to serve Thee all the way;

And claim Thy Spirit's mighty power

To fit me for each day and hour.