ANOINTING FOR SERVICE

EXODUS 31:1–11

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship”

(Ex. 31:3).

The Holy Spirit is responsible for giving man those intellectual, moral, spiritual, and aesthetic characteristics that set him apart from the rest of creation. Unlike apes, birds, cattle, and other animals, mankind possesses a rational nature. God “teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of heaven” (Job 35:11). Pagan philosophies try to equate humans with animals, and as a result rob man of his dignity. Such deviant ideas are contrary to the reality of God’s design. Only man is rational; only man possesses a living soul.

The Spirit also enables men to perform specific tasks. One example of this from Scripture is Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God “in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze” (Ex. 31:2–4). God chose Bezalel to build His tabernacle and enable him to perform the task with extraordinary skill. Likewise, if God has called you to a particular task, He will equip you with the necessary skills to carry out your duties to His glory.

The Spirit also gives men the ability to lead others. We see this in Moses when God called Him to lead the people and to be a judge over them. So great was his task, that Moses needed the help of 70 elders who were also anointed by the Spirit to judge righteously: “I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them” (Num. 11:17). Likewise, the Spirit also anointed men like Joshua, Othniel (Judges 3:10), Gideon, and Samson. Saul, too, was endowed by the Spirit to rule over Israel. But when Saul offended God, the Spirit left him (1 Sam. 16:14). The Spirit, then, came upon David to take his place. The filling of the Spirit in each of these cases was the endowment of special abilities, not redemptive grace. This is why the Spirit would come and go. In the case of regeneration, however, the Spirit never leaves.

Just as God enabled men in the Old Testament to perform extraordinary tasks, He equips people today for the ministry. Our strength comes from Him and by His Spirit. To rely on our own strength is folly, but to rely on the Spirit in all things is wise.

CORAM DEO

1 Kings 16–18

John 1:29–51

What are some special abilities God has given you? However He has fashioned you, He has done so that you might serve Him and give Him the glory. Make a list of all the gifts God has given you, all the positions of service and/or leadership He has put you in. Thank Him for those gifts and pray for wisdom in using them.

For further study: Num. 11:16–30; 27:12–23 • Judg. 3:7–11 • 1 Sam. 16:1–14

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