Scripture: Exodus 34:1-2
“Bezalel and Oholiab, along with everyone whom God has given the skill and know-how for making everything involved in the worship of the Sanctuary as commanded by God, are to start to work.” Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab along with all whom God had gifted with the ability to work skillfully with their hands. The men were eager to get started and engage in the work.
Thought for the Day: I have such respect for plumbers! That’s actually how I started a sermon a few years ago, and though it sounded like a rather random thought at the beginning of that message, it actually made sense by the time I got to the end. But I echo those words after spending some seven hours under my kitchen sink yesterday. Let me start by saying that I am not the most handy person in the world, but when someone has used what I call “Plumber’s Cement” (it probably has a more technical name) on things that were never intended to be coated with a permanent adhesive, I think even the most skilled individual would have been frustrated. The additional disadvantage I had was a lack of proper tools. I can be fairly creative when it comes to discovering an alternative use for a flathead screwdriver and a pair of jaw locking pliers, but it often requires me to purchase a new flathead screwdriver to replace the one I bent. This short pity-seeking confessional has a genuine, and hopefully, useful purpose. Though maybe not profound, it is good to be reminded of the skills others have. Too often our society has little respect for certain skills (it varies based upon people’s perspective), yet how many things do we use daily without appreciating their masterful beauty. How many systems and structures make our lives better without us ever really noticing the people who designed, built or repaired those systems and structures? Today, I am going to try to show respect for those whose skills are too often under-appreciated.
Prayer: You have gifted so many, Gracious Lord, and we are thankful and blessed because of it. Amen.
This Thursday at 7:30pm
…and a Good Friday Service also at 7:30pm.
