Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 28:3 (New Living Translation)

Instruct all the skilled craftsmen whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom. Have them make garments for Aaron that will distinguish him as a priest set apart for my service.

God is talking to Moses. There is much work to be done as God is instructing Moses and the people how to build a tabernacle or place of sacrifice in the form of a large tent that can be moved. In addition, the people were to make special garments for Aaron and the other priests to distinguish them as special servants who were to be set apart.

God did not leave this to chance. God filled some of the skilled craftsmen with the “spirit of wisdom.” These artisans were aided and guided by God as they measured, cut, and sowed the special garments (I don’t know enough about garment artistry to list what is involved).

At some times in some locations and some circumstances, God gives some persons a “spirit of wisdom.” Maybe that spirit holds for the rest of the person’s life; maybe that spirit is temporary and leaves the person when the task is complete. Regardless, the spirit of wisdom is from God and aids mere mortals to do miraculous things for God here on earth.

Have I ever been given a spirit of wisdom? I don’t know. There have been times when I had solutions to problems that I usually couldn’t solve. Then there have been all the other days when I stumbled and bumbled with the simplest of things. There have been days when instead of turning and walking away, I spoke a few words that improved a person’s day. Perhaps that was God’s spirit of wisdom in me for five seconds. Look around us. Do we see people doing things that are unusually good? Perhaps that is God’s spirit of wisdom. Thank you God.