By Mike Caton

Exodus 28:3-5, “Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.”

In the making of these garments for Aaron, notice that there are skilled workers. Where did such skilled workers come from? These folks were slaves in Egypt for the last 400 years. How would those folks know anything about making fine garments? Weren’t they all brickmakers back in Egypt? No, not all of the Jews were brickmakers or field hands. No doubt, they were doing all kinds of things in the land of Egypt. We can imagine the women working in the homes of the Egyptians, cooking, cleaning and so forth. And the men would be doing all kinds of things as well; maybe tending flocks, carpentry work and so forth. Who knows what tasks those folks were assigned.

Oftentimes slaves did learn particular trades and skills; weaving cloth, spinning yarn, making clothes and so forth. And that would be especially true if their owners were in that business. After all, not every Egyptian had a pyramid built for them! So, clearly some of these Jewish slaves had learned some specialty trades and skills. And look again, God had given some of these skilled workers wisdom in such matters. God had blessed them with special abilities, knowledge, and skills to get done the jobs he was assigning them to do. This is just a reminder that God does not always call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

And what does this mean for us today? For all you know God has gifted you with talents and abilities for some job he wants you to do. Maybe God has blessed you financially to be able to bless others. And perhaps you are thinking this morning, I don’t have any special skills or talents God can use. I am not a public speaker, I’m not this or that. But think about the things you can do well. Are you mechanically inclined? I’m sure there is a family in need of some repair. Are you a cook? I’m sure someone would appreciate a hot meal and someone to eat it with. Are you going to town today? I’m sure someone needs something from over there, and there is probably someone who would like to just ride along and get out of the house. Don’t limit the opportunities God has given to you, someone may be just waiting for you – and God – to show up.

Father, help me do what I can today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works as a full time AEMT with Hyde County EMS. Follow Mount Olive Church of Christ on Facebook for more devotions.

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