By Laura Lee Leathers
What character traits do you think a good leader should possess? Is a leader born, made, called by God, or all three? Who in the scriptures would you study to learn about leadership?
At the top of my list of attributes for a leader are a servant’s heart, humility, honesty, responsibility, someone who brings out the strengths and talents of others, and resilience after failure. They are open to suggestions and opinions of others.
Our first guidebook for leadership should be the scriptures. God’s way of leadership is simply this: God calls and equips. Let’s investigate the life of one man and his assistant whom God called for a tremendous task.
A plan and an appointment
God instructed Moses regarding every component of the Tabernacle, including the furnishings, priestly garments, offerings, and consecration. Next, Moses calls for the entire Israelite community to bring an offering of supplies (Exodus 35:4-29).
But let’s go back to Exodus 31:1-11; Moses is informed that he is to delegate the actual construction of the Tabernacle to a man the Lord had appointed, “Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.”
I have filled him with God’s spirit, with wisdom, understanding,
and ability in every craft to design artistic works in gold, silver,
and bronze, to cut gemstones for mounting, to carve wood
for work in every craft. – Exodus 31:3-4, HCSB
Regarding Bezalel’s right-hand man, the Lord “selected Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan” (31:6).
A calling for God’s purposes
The word “appointed” (Exodus 31:6, 35:30) in Hebrew is “qara,” meaning to “call out, summon, commission or endow.” It wasn’t Moses’ job to sift through job applications. It was in God’s hands.
I wonder how Bezalel reacted when Moses told him God had called him. Did he say, “I have no experience building a Tabernacle? Nothing like this has been done before. Furthermore, I’m up there in years; perhaps someone younger could do it”?
We read of no conversation between Moses and Bezalel. He heard and heeded the call. Next, Moses introduces Bezalel to the Israelites. The following is the introduction (35:30-36:2):
- God had called Bezalel by name, also Oholiab.
- God would fill the men with His Spirit.
- God would give them wisdom, understanding, and the ability in every artistic craft.
- God would give them the knowledge to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze.
- God would also give Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach others.
- These men would be wood carvers, gem cutters, designers, embroiders, and more.
Fulfilling the call
The Lord also called others, “every skilled person in whose heart the LORD had placed wisdom, every one whose heart moved him, to come to the work and do it” (36:2). When the work was completed, everything about the Tabernacle was “as the Lord commanded Moses” (39:32). Then Moses set up the Tabernacle, and God’s glory filled it.
Regardless of our age, the Lord continues to call people into leadership positions for His purposes. You and I must remember that He will fill us with His Spirit, giving us wisdom and ability. He can and often builds a team around you. Many times, you are teaching others without realizing it.
In what ways is God calling you to leadership?
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over 65, living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitali-tea, and encourages, and helps others with the how-to’s of life. Visit LauraLeeLeathers.com.