Empowered to Serve: The Value of Every Contribution

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]
  ** [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

1. Exodus 31:1-5
2. Exodus 17:8-13
3. Galatians 6:7-10

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]

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]

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]