Moses was an exceptional leader. Moses, like most leaders, believed he could do everything. He could stand before the Lord on behalf of Israel. He could stand before Israel on behalf of the Lord. He could lead Israel throughout the wilderness. If need be, he could lead them into battle. And if that wasn’t enough, he could judge Israel. All two million of them!
A few chapters back we read of Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, coming to visit. Jethro was shocked to see Moses doing all of this work and warned him, “The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou are not able to perform it thyself alone” (Ex. 18:17-18). Jethro encouraged Moses to find capable men who could help divide some of Moses’ load. Thank God for elders who can give us wise counsel.
God didn’t expect for Moses to be all things to all people. Moses didn’t have to be the High Priest, Aaron could do that. Moses didn’t have to sit and judge all of Israel, he could entrust that responsibility to other holy men. Moses didn’t have to design or fabricate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, Bezaleel had the ability to do that.
Moses learned to trust other’s abilities: “And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it” (Ex. 36:2).
What can we learn from our reading today? First, Moses couldn’t do everything on his own, he needed help. No matter how talented or gifted you might be, you can always use help. Second, Bezaleel and his helpers were anointed to fabricate the assembling of the Tabernacle. These men may not have had the same title or position as Moses, but their work brought value to God’s kingdom. Every church, and ministry needs a Moses. But they also need Bezaleels who can actualize the vision of a leader.
Beloved, God has anointed all of us with spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:14-27). Let us use them for the glory of God!