April 28

Read: Exodus 35:30-35

See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel… and hath filled him with the spirit of God… in all manner of workmanship (Exodus 35:30-31).

A Consecrated Life’s Work

God calls every man to consecrate his daily task — but He does not call every man to preach. A friend decided that he had been called to the ministry. After serving his first pastorate, he reached a sincere conclusion that he had been mistaken about his call. Though he gave up the ministry he maintained his consecration. Said he, “I decided if I could not make the ministry my business, I would make my business my ministry.” And he has done that.

God called Moses by name to be the spiritual leader of Israel. But Moses was not the only one called by name, and spiritual leadership is not the only lifework where our Lord needs consecrated men.

God needed skilled workmen to construct a place of worship. Moses was quick to see the talent of a layman; and he was equally alert to recognize true spiritual consecration in devoted manual skill. He said to the children of Israel: “See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel… and he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship… And he hath put in his heart that he may teach.”

Bezaleel was not the only efficient craftsman in Israel but his skill was consecrated. His name means “In the Shadow of God.” Every man who performs his daily task in the shadow of God may share in the Bible’s testimony to this sainted layman, “The Lord… hath filled him with the spirit of God.”

These hands I give to Thee, my blessed Saviour, To do Thy will — whatever love demands; Redeemed and sanctified and in Thy favor, I gladly yield to Thee this pair of hands.*

— Floyd Hawkins

*Copyright 1963 by Lillenas Publishing Co. All rights reserved.