Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

9 February 2024

Reading From Exodus 30-32

“The Lord spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘Behold, I have chosen Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God so that he possesses wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and is expert in every kind of craft to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to know how to cut stones for settings and how to carve wood. He is expert in every craft.’”

–Exodus 31:1-5

     God is looking to include everyone in doing His work upon the Earth.[1]  Every person has been given unique talents and abilities[2] that ought to be used for His glory and for the good of humanity.  In spreading His love and message of reconciliation,[3] so much more than preachers and teachers are needed.  If the church is to make disciples of all nations, we need all hands on deck![4]  Bezalel wasn’t a prophet or priest, but he was a minister nevertheless.  God filled him with His Spirit in order to spiritually empower his natural abilities to help do God’s work among His people.  Not even Moses was a gifted orator; he had a speech impediment and his brother Aaron had to be his spokesman.  We all need each other.[5]  The church needs everyone to generously use the gifts and talents God has given them.[6]  In this way ministry is a joyful pleasure shared by many rather than a heavy burden shouldered by few.[7]

     In the New Testament we see the need for people to help the ministry of the church in practical ways.  In the distribution of food among the early believers, more assistance was needed.  The immediate need was bussing tables, and for this they needed the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is love and from love come all the other spiritual fruit of joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.[8]  It is imperative that we minister in love and it is dangerous to function in our gifts without bearing the fruit at the same time.[9]  

  Waiting on tables is not something that we normally think of as needing God to bless us with supernatural ability for, but the two qualifications in Acts 6 were to be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom.  The apostles said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”[10] 

     The result of the apostles delegating responsibilities among people God had called and qualified was amazingly fruitful.  “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.  So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”[11]  It is remarkable that for the pragmatic ministry of food distribution and hospitality, the apostles were led to pray over them and lay their hands on them, commissioning them to do so.  Every member is a minister; everyone has a vital role to fill in God’s service. 

     No matter what the job is that we do, we need the strength, power and wisdom of God to do it.[12]  If we function in our natural capacity alone, we will wear ourselves out and eventually burn out altogether.  We need to rely on God.  He is our true source of energy, understanding and refreshment.[13]  I’m always amazed and thrilled to see how the men and women of our local church come together as the Lord ministers to our community through us.  Talented craftsmen, engineers, contractors, bakers, musicians, administrators, chefs, artists, and so many others join hands in God’s work and extraordinary miracles happen.  When we work together as the Body of Christ, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.[14] 

“Thank You Jesus that Your eternal family is made up of so many talented people who bring honor and glory to Your Name!  I ask that You will reveal opportunities to me to use the abilities You’ve blessed me with to advance Your Kingdom.  I pray that You would continue to show people that their special talents and gifts are valued and needed.  Flow through us with Your love and power.  Amen.”

Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.  –Proverbs 16:3

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

–Colossians 3:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.

–Psalm 90:17

---

[1] Psalm 133:1, I Corinthians 3:9

[2] Ephesians 2:10, James 1:17

[3] II Corinthians 5:19

[4] Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:8

[5] Romans 12:4-5

[6] I Peter 4:10

[7] Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

[8] Galatians 5:22-23

[9] I Corinthians 13:3

[10] Acts 6:2-4

[11] Acts 6:6-7

[12] Zechariah 4:6

[13] Proverbs 3:5-6

[14] Matthew 11:28-30