Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 35:34 (New Living Translation)

And the Lord has given both him (Bezalel son of Uri) and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others.

This is part of the (hi)story of building the Tabernacle—a tent where the people would offer sacrifices to God while they were wandering in the wilderness.

God gave Bezalel and Oholiab special abilities in arts and crafts to do the fine work required in the Tabernacle. In addition to these special abilities, God gave these two another critical ability—they could teach their skills to others.

Other people would know how to do the work required because God enabled persons to be teachers. It is one thing to be able to do something; it is another to be skilled enough to be able to teach others. That is a deeper level of understanding. That is a further gift from God.

People have been following God as Christians for several thousand years. This would not have been possible if God had not given people the ability to teach others. I have met many good teachers of Christianity (and many more who attempted to teach, but …). When we meet a good teacher of Christianity, let’s pause a moment and thank God for giving that person the ability to teach. That ability to teach isn’t widespread. It is precious and rare. Thank you God for yet another blessing.