Exodus 31:1–11 “The Inspiration of the Holy Spirit and Human Effort”

Exodus 31:1-11 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli
• Jesus Culture – Set A Fire
• Speak O Lord – Keith & Kristyn Getty

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• God’s Story: Fruit of the Spirit – Lesson for Kids
• Fruit of the Spirit | Full Preview | Uncle Charlie Songs – Song for Kids
• My God Is Powerful | True North VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• He Is the Light | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After giving all the instructions concerning the structure of the Tabernacle, the sacred furnishings, and the priests who would serve there, God speaks about the people who are to construct the Tabernacle and make the furnishings and accompanying items according to His commands.

First, the Lord states that He has already chosen and called Bezalel, a man from the tribe of Judah (v. 2). God promises to fill him with His Spirit, granting him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of craftsmanship (v. 3). Under the guidance of the Spirit of God, Bezalel will design what is to be made and then create the items according to that design (v. 4).

Furthermore, the Lord says He has also called Oholiab, a man from the tribe of Dan, to assist Bezalel (v. 6). Under the leadership of these two men, the Lord will pour out wisdom on all the skilled workers, so they may construct everything He has commanded (vv. 7–11).

Meditation:

God promises to pour out His Spirit on Bezalel and Oholiab. Then, He says, they will be “filled with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (v. 3). This means that the source of all human creative activity—expressed through skill and culture—is the Holy Spirit. Every creative act by humans is an extension of God’s own creative work. God is the original artist and the supreme Creator. Therefore, when His Spirit comes upon a person, a passion for creation is awakened, and that person receives the wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill needed to express it.

However, being filled with God’s Spirit does not mean creative work will happen automatically. We must pay attention to the phrase “to make artistic designs” (v. 4). This means one must concretely envision, devise, and design based on God’s inspiration. Creative work begins with the Spirit of God, but it requires human effort and diligence to be realized. Labor must involve measuring, cutting, hammering, and shaping—according to what has been envisioned and designed.

This applies to everything. All meaningful and valuable work begins with God. But nothing will come into being if we do not reflect deeply, think concretely, and work hard based on His inspiration. Work done without seeking God’s inspiration may harm ourselves and others. On the other hand, if there is no human effort, God’s inspiration evaporates.

Prayer:

Lord, please pour out Your Spirit upon us abundantly. May everything, we do flow from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and may we work diligently according to the Spirit’s inspiration. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us create and serve with wisdom and skill. But God also wants us to work hard and use our talents faithfully. When we follow God’s inspiration and put in effort, beautiful things happen for His glory.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Who gave Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to make the Tabernacle?
  • What do you think God wants you to make or do with your hands?
  • Can you think of a time when you worked hard on something? How did it feel?
    
• For Youth
  • Why do you think God chose specific people to help build the Tabernacle?
  • What gifts or talents do you think the Holy Spirit has given you?
  • How can you combine God’s inspiration and your effort in school, church, or home life?