Excerpt from Exodus 31:1-11 

"...and I have filled him with the spirit of God, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft."

Reflection by Maren Tirabassi

Until my son Matt became a master bicycle mechanic, I didn't know there was such a trade. Not a job, a trade. The technology, tools and technical expertise translate as well to most gym equipment . . . and to wheelchairs. At his shop they tune up and repair wheelchairs for free.

God asked Moses to set aside and consecrate Joshua's nephew Bezalel and his friend Oholiab because of their gifts of stone-cutting, woodwork, metallurgy, and fabric arts. They were going to create the tent of the ark of the covenant and its furnishings. Five chapters of Exodus are devoted to the details of their crafts. They shaped furnishings, vestments, curtains, a table, a lampstand, and a mercy seat. God said, "I have given skill to all the skillful."

This is a wonderful day to celebrate the spirit of God in every kind of craft. All around our churches and our communities are quilt makers and auto body mechanics, plumbers and watercolorists, potters and pipe fitters. Some of us use God's handy skills for amateur activities; some of us use our gifts for employment. Many of us are fortunate enough to be able to do both. Let's give ourselves a hand!

Prayer

God, take my hands and let them be – consecrated to you, every bit as much as my head and my heart. Amen.

About the Author Maren C. Tirabassi is Pastor of Union Congregational UCC of Madbury, NH. Her book, Gifts in Open Hands: More Worship Resources for the Global Community has just been published by The Pilgrim Press.

Want to know more about Exodus? Watch for the forthcoming Exodus: A God is still speaking Bible Study, by Tony Robinson, available from UCC Resources in November.

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