#211 Talented

31 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— 8 the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense,9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand— 10 and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.” Exodus 31:1-11 NIV

We are asked, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? I esteem the gifts of craftsman, but how much more the Maker of all, the Origin of all. Men get excited when they are called upon for their talent, but this is much higher than that of  a CEO, President or earthly king. It is a commission from the only true God, the provider of all such talent. A man might say, "but no, it is from my mother and my father, for they could both sing like angels, and that is where my gift of voice originated." It may be a very long line, but before the line starts there is Alpha and Omega. What can I give to God that is not already His? What can I honestly hold back from Him that is truly mine? We have all been blessed that ever take a breath, no matter what may happen here, there was God, Who saw me in mother's womb from eternity to past. I pray that what He has made will come to glorify Him. I pray that I should be anxious for nothing and grateful for everything.

…28Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. 29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:28&29

1A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

3A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22: 1-4