2008-06-04 11:53:00
“And He has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others” (Exodus 35:34).
Mr. Simmons was my wood shop teacher at Truman High School in Independence, Missouri. I enjoyed wood shop and still have a bookcase that I made from his class. I can still see Mr. Simmons moving from machine to machine as he taught the students how to properly operate them adding a special emphasis on safety. He had an ability to teach others. I also remember Mr. Simmons because he was a Christian and allowed a group of students to use his room to gather for prayer before school started.
All through my life I have been blessed by those who are knowledgeable and have a wide variety of skills with the ability to teach others. However the noun “teacher” in my view does not necessarily convey having the ability to teach. I have had many untrained teachers who have taught me very well and frankly I have had several certified “teachers” who did not!
Today’s verse is set during the construction of the tabernacle under Moses’ leadership. God had gifted many skilled workers who participated in this project. However our verse describes a special gift held by two of them. A bit of explanation of pronouns is needed here due to the limited context I have used. “He” refers to our God, the One who ultimately gives this ability. The reference to “him” is a fellow by the name of Bezalel, who was the principal designer and general contractor in the project. These men were imparted with a wonderful and much needed gift: “the ability to teach others.”
Now the specific skills they had to teach were technical and likely they managed as well, but what a fine job they did. At the conclusion of the project we find this word of acclamation: “The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:42, 43). I especially note the phrase “just as” indicating full obedience. Consider the role that the obedience of Bezalel and Oholiab had in this outcome. Their teaching was a vital link in the chain of the project’s success and also in transmitting information that can be duplicated or honed in a different setting for a different project.
For many of you I ask that you consider your calling to teach. I know that a good number of you who receive this devotional teach God’s Word in some capacity. For many it is the students in your Sunday school class. It may be to a group of prisoners, like Rick Masciantonio, who has done this weekly for nearly fifteen years. I think of Darrel Martin, a dedicated young man, who carefully prepares lesson materials each Sunday morning for the young teens of our church. I consider a dear couple who for many years has conducted services in several nursing homes in North Carolina. For still others it’s that small, faithful remnant you have Bible study with at work. And for so many others you have opportunity to influence people for Jesus as you diligently apply your gift for teaching in a secular setting!
Paul urged Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). You and I are included in this verse. We are many generations removed from the original statement, but we are indebted to the countless spiritual Bezalels and Oholiabs who have faithfully taught us and those before us, using the ability and “heart to teach” given by God.
Keep passing God’s truth on today, my brothers and sisters, in whatever capacity God has called you. One day we will also hear a word of acclamation from our Lord Himself as He speaks forth these familiar words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us to be teachable even as we teach others; whether it is Your holy truths, life’s skills, or a particular occupation. Grant patience, clarity, and purpose in the way we conduct ourselves and in the way we are perceived by those we instruct. May the spirit in which we teach honor You and contribute to a wholesome learning environment. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
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