Empowered to Serve: The Value of Every Contribution
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound lessons embedded in the Old Testament, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked figures who played crucial roles in God's plans. We began by examining the life of Bezalel, the first person in the Old Testament explicitly mentioned as being filled with the Holy Spirit. Unlike the apostles at Pentecost, Bezalel was not a preacher but a craftsman, filled with the Spirit to create the intricate designs of the tabernacle. His story teaches us that the Holy Spirit empowers us for all kinds of work, not just preaching or teaching. Bezalel's willingness to teach others his craft, even at the risk of losing his unique position, exemplifies the selflessness and humility that come with being Spirit-filled.
We also revisited the story of Hur, Bezalel's grandfather, who supported Moses during the battle against Amalek by holding up his hands in prayer. This seemingly small act was pivotal for Israel's victory, illustrating the power of prayer and support. Hur's story reminds us that even the most unassuming roles can have significant impacts in God's kingdom.
Furthermore, we reflected on Jesus' words in Matthew 10, where He promises a prophet's reward to those who receive a prophet. This extends to the simplest acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water to a child. These acts, though small, are significant in God's eyes and will be rewarded.
Finally, we delved into Galatians 6, emphasizing the principle of sowing and reaping. While this is often seen as a warning of judgment, it also holds a promise of eternal life for those who sow to the Spirit. We are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we persevere. Life is fleeting, and we must seize every opportunity to do good, especially to those in the household of faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Empowerment for All Work: Bezalel's story shows that the Holy Spirit empowers us for various tasks, not just spiritual ones. Whether crafting or teaching, every work done in the Spirit is valuable and significant. This challenges us to see our daily tasks as opportunities for divine empowerment. [00:39]
2. The Power of Support: Hur's role in supporting Moses during battle highlights the importance of prayer and support. Even if our contributions seem small, they can lead to great victories. This teaches us that our unseen acts of support are crucial in God's work. [03:55]
3. Reward in Simplicity: Jesus' promise of a prophet's reward for simple acts of kindness, like giving water to a child, underscores the value God places on small deeds. It encourages us to look for everyday opportunities to serve others, knowing that God sees and rewards our efforts. [07:17]
4. Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6 reminds us that we will reap what we sow, not just in judgment but in eternal life. This principle encourages us to sow to the Spirit by doing good, trusting that our efforts will yield eternal rewards. [09:12]
5. Perseverance in Doing Good: We are urged not to grow weary in doing good, for we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This calls us to persist in kindness and service, recognizing that our time is limited and every opportunity to do good is precious. [10:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Old Testament Insights
- [00:27] - Bezalel: Filled with the Spirit
- [00:53] - The Spirit's Empowerment for Craftsmanship
- [01:24] - Bezalel's Heart to Teach
- [02:18] - The Legacy of Hur
- [03:08] - The Power of Prayer and Support
- [04:28] - Imagination in Scripture Reading
- [05:16] - The Unseen Work of God
- [06:09] - Receiving a Prophet's Reward
- [07:17] - The Value of Simple Acts
- [08:28] - Sowing and Reaping: A Dual Perspective
- [09:45] - Perseverance in Doing Good
- [11:07] - Seizing Opportunities to Do Good
- [12:03] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 31:1-5
2. Exodus 17:8-13
3. Galatians 6:7-10
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific task was Bezalel filled with the Holy Spirit to accomplish, and how does this differ from the apostles' experience at Pentecost? [00:39]
2. How did Hur support Moses during the battle against Amalek, and what was the outcome of his actions? [03:55]
3. According to Matthew 10, what reward is promised to those who perform simple acts of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water? [07:17]
4. What does Galatians 6:7-10 say about the principle of sowing and reaping, and how is this principle presented in both a positive and negative light? [09:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Bezalel's willingness to teach others his craft reflect the characteristics of a Spirit-filled person, and what can this teach us about sharing our own skills and talents? [01:50]
2. In what ways does Hur's role in supporting Moses illustrate the power of prayer and support in achieving victory, and how might this apply to our own lives? [04:11]
3. How does Jesus' promise of a prophet's reward for simple acts of kindness challenge our understanding of what is valuable in God's eyes? [06:38]
4. What does the principle of sowing to the Spirit and reaping eternal life in Galatians 6 suggest about the long-term impact of our actions? [09:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Bezalel was empowered by the Holy Spirit for craftsmanship. What is one area of your life where you feel the Holy Spirit might be empowering you, and how can you use this empowerment to serve others? [00:53]
2. Hur's support of Moses was crucial for victory. Who in your life could use your support right now, and what practical steps can you take to offer that support? [03:55]
3. Reflect on a recent small act of kindness you performed. How did it make you feel, and how might you be more intentional about seeking out these opportunities in the future? [07:17]
4. Galatians 6 encourages perseverance in doing good. Identify a situation where you feel weary of doing good. What encouragement can you draw from this passage to continue? [10:18]
5. The sermon emphasized the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seizing opportunities to do good. What is one opportunity you have this week to do good, and how will you act on it? [11:07]
6. Consider the idea of receiving a prophet's reward for simple acts. How does this perspective change the way you view your daily interactions and the potential impact they can have? [06:49]
7. How can you incorporate the principle of sowing to the Spirit into your daily routine, and what specific actions will you take to ensure you are sowing seeds that lead to eternal life? [09:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Empowerment in Everyday Tasks
The story of Bezalel in the Old Testament reveals a profound truth about the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. Bezalel was the first person mentioned in the Bible as being filled with the Holy Spirit, not for preaching or teaching, but for craftsmanship. This highlights that the Spirit empowers us for all kinds of work, not just those traditionally seen as spiritual. Bezalel's work on the tabernacle was a divine task, showing that our daily tasks, when done in the Spirit, hold significant value. His willingness to teach others his craft, even at the risk of losing his unique position, exemplifies the selflessness and humility that come with being Spirit-filled. This challenges us to see our daily tasks as opportunities for divine empowerment and to approach them with a heart willing to share and uplift others. [00:39]
Exodus 31:2-5 (ESV): "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze."
Reflection: What is one task you do regularly that you can invite the Holy Spirit to empower today, and how might that change your approach to it?
Day 2: The Unseen Power of Support
Hur's role in supporting Moses during the battle against Amalek is a testament to the power of prayer and support. While Moses held up his hands in prayer, it was Hur's support that enabled him to persevere, leading to Israel's victory. This story illustrates that even the most unassuming roles can have significant impacts in God's kingdom. Our unseen acts of support, whether through prayer or practical help, are crucial in God's work. They may not always be visible or celebrated, but they are vital for the success of those we support. This encourages us to value and engage in acts of support, knowing that they contribute to greater victories in God's plan. [03:55]
Exodus 17:11-12 (ESV): "Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."
Reflection: Who in your life could use your support today, and what specific action can you take to lift them up, whether through prayer or a practical gesture?
Day 3: The Value of Simple Acts
In Matthew 10, Jesus promises a prophet's reward to those who receive a prophet, extending this promise to the simplest acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water to a child. This underscores the value God places on small deeds, encouraging us to look for everyday opportunities to serve others. These acts, though small, are significant in God's eyes and will be rewarded. This perspective invites us to see the divine significance in our daily interactions and to approach them with intentionality and love, knowing that God sees and values our efforts. [07:17]
Matthew 10:41-42 (ESV): "The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
Reflection: What is one small act of kindness you can do today for someone in your community, and how can you do it with the awareness of its eternal significance?
Day 4: Sowing to the Spirit
Galatians 6 presents the principle of sowing and reaping, often seen as a warning of judgment, but it also holds a promise of eternal life for those who sow to the Spirit. This principle encourages us to sow to the Spirit by doing good, trusting that our efforts will yield eternal rewards. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, both in this life and the next, and that we are called to live with an eternal perspective. By choosing to sow to the Spirit, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to the blessings of eternal life. [09:12]
Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can intentionally sow to the Spirit today, and what specific action will you take to do so?
Day 5: Perseverance in Doing Good
We are urged not to grow weary in doing good, for we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This calls us to persist in kindness and service, recognizing that our time is limited and every opportunity to do good is precious. Life is fleeting, and we must seize every opportunity to do good, especially to those in the household of faith. This encouragement to persevere reminds us that our efforts are not in vain and that God sees and rewards our faithfulness. It challenges us to remain steadfast in our commitment to doing good, trusting that our perseverance will lead to a bountiful harvest. [10:18]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: What is one good work you have been doing that you feel weary in, and how can you renew your commitment to persevere in it today?
Quotes
Bezalel was the first person in the Old Testament explicitly mentioned as being filled with the Holy Spirit. Unlike the apostles at Pentecost, Bezalel was not a preacher but a craftsman, filled with the Spirit to create the intricate designs of the tabernacle. His story teaches us that the Holy Spirit empowers us for all kinds of work, not just preaching or teaching. [00:00:39]
Bezalel's willingness to teach others his craft, even at the risk of losing his unique position, exemplifies the selflessness and humility that come with being Spirit-filled. He was not seeking honor for himself. His heart was God's tabernacle must be built. I don't want to get any credit. I don't want to be known as the great specialist. [00:01:39]
Hur's role in supporting Moses during the battle against Amalek highlights the importance of prayer and support. Even if our contributions seem small, they can lead to great victories. This teaches us that our unseen acts of support are crucial in God's work. [00:03:08]
Imagine in the final day some ordinary guy coming up and getting a reward of a prophet. And I said where did he prophesy? He never prophesied anywhere. He just welcomed a prophet into his home. Welcome the message of a prophet into his life. Do you believe Jesus' words will be fulfilled that he gets the same reward as that prophet standing there? [00:06:09]
If you give a little child a cup of cold water, you get a reward in the final day. How difficult is that to help a little child maybe cross the road or do something to teach a little child something about the Lord or even a cup of cold water? It's amazing how God who sees everything in the universe takes note about what somebody did for a little child. [00:07:17]
Galatians 6 reminds us that we will reap what we sow, not just in judgment but in eternal life. This principle encourages us to sow to the Spirit by doing good, trusting that our efforts will yield eternal rewards. [00:08:28]
Let us never lose heart in doing good because we will definitely reap in due time if we don't get tired of it. Tired of doing good. It's very easy to get tired of doing good. Nobody's noticing you. Nobody's talking about you. [00:10:18]
While we have opportunity, we're not going to live forever. Life will soon be over for all of us one day or the other. We don't know how long our life is. But while you have life and while you have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to the household of faith. [00:11:07]
The Christian must be known as one who seeks to do good to help somebody in some way, not with any aim of even converting him. Just let's do good to all people, especially to those of the household of faith and especially the child of God. [00:12:03]
Remember, let us not lose heart in doing good. And while you have opportunity, let us do good to all people. Do good because life is short. We don't know when your life will be over. [00:12:03]
Bezalel's story shows that the Holy Spirit empowers us for various tasks, not just spiritual ones. Whether crafting or teaching, every work done in the Spirit is valuable and significant. This challenges us to see our daily tasks as opportunities for divine empowerment. [00:00:39]
The power of support is illustrated through Hur's role in supporting Moses during battle. Even if our contributions seem small, they can lead to great victories. This teaches us that our unseen acts of support are crucial in God's work. [00:03:08]
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