#527: 5 Leadership Lessons from the Men Who Built God’s Tabernacle

Leadership is an ongoing challenge, especially amid uncertainty and change. As the world faces new challenges and changes daily, leaders must guide their teams with wisdom, confidence, and grace.

I’ve found that by studying the wisdom and guidance of biblical leaders, we can gain insights and tools to help us lead with excellence, even in the most challenging times. Whether you are a CEO, manager, or simply a leader in your own right, these leadership lessons offer timeless insights into what it takes to lead with integrity and vision in today’s world.

As I was studying a passage in Exodus recently, I was intrigued by the leadership lessons embedded in the story of building the Tabernacle of God. God gave Moses explicit instructions for what He wanted done and even hand-selected two men to serve as general contractors for this important project.

Introducing Bezalel and Oholiab

The story of Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 35-38 provides valuable insights for modern-day leaders. God handpicked these two men to lead the construction of the Tabernacle, a complex and sacred structure that housed the Ark of the Covenant. The skills and character traits of Bezalel and Oholiab are a testament to the importance of having the right people in leadership positions and the significance of a leader’s abilities and leadership style. Through the story of these two men, we can learn lessons about God’s plan for leaders, the qualities of a good leader, and how to lead people and projects effectively. In this article, we will explore the story of Bezalel and Oholiab and how it can inspire and instruct leaders today.

1. Clear Vision and Purpose

One of the key lessons of this story is the importance of having a clear vision and purpose. God appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to lead the construction of the Tabernacle, and they were given specific instructions and plans for how it should be built. This shows that leaders should have a clear vision and purpose for what they want to accomplish and communicate that vision effectively so those they lead can be inspired and motivated to work together toward a common goal.

2. Obedience and Faithfulness

Additionally, the story of Bezalel and Oholiab also teaches about the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God’s plan. Bezalel and Oholiab were obedient to God’s commands and faithful in their task of building the Tabernacle. Throughout constructing the Tabernacle, Bezalel and Oholiab carefully followed God’s commands and built exactly what He had instructed. Leaders today should be similarly faithful in carrying out the tasks they have been given, always striving to do so with integrity and to the best of their ability.

3. Teamwork and Collaboration

Another lesson from the story of Bezalel and Oholiab is the importance of working together as a team. Exodus 36:2 tells us that Bezalel and Oholiab led a team of skilled craftsmen in the construction of the Tabernacle. The fact that Bezalel and Oholiab could work together with other skilled people shows the importance of teamwork and collaboration in any leadership role. This team of highly skilled craftsmen worked together to create a beautiful and functional structure worthy of the presence of God. Leaders today should seek to foster collaboration and teamwork within their organizations and should work to create a culture of cooperation and mutual support to achieve a common goal.

4. Use Your Skills for God’s Glory

One of the most important lessons leaders can take from the story of Bezalel and Oholiab is the importance of using one’s skills and gifts for the glory of God. God specifically chose Bezalel and Oholiab to build the Tabernacle because of their skills and abilities. Exodus 35:30-35 tells us that God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with wisdom, understanding, and skill to perform their work. Leaders today should recognize the importance of having the right skills and talents for the tasks they are responsible for and should continually seek to improve and develop those skills.

5. Mentor and Developing Others

Here, we see that God has given Bezalel and Oholiab the skills to build the Tabernacle and the ability to teach others. This highlights the importance of leaders not only using their skills and abilities for God’s glory but also mentoring and developing others to do the same.

Conclusion

The story of Bezalel and Oholiab provides five critical leadership lessons for us as leaders today. We must establish a clear vision and purpose, have the right people in the right roles, have teamwork and collaboration, and have obedience and faithfulness while mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. These lessons can be applied to leaders today as they navigate their roles and make decisions that affect others while helping to create a better future for those they serve.

Discussion Questions

These questions can serve as a useful framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.

1. How can leaders effectively communicate a clear vision and purpose to their team?
2. In what ways can leaders demonstrate obedience and faithfulness in their work and decision-making?
3. How can leaders foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork within their organization?
4. How can leaders identify and utilize the unique skills and gifts of their team members to achieve their goals?
5. What steps can leaders take to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within their organization?

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Join the Conversation

As always, questions and comments are welcome. Which of these leadership lessons from Oholiab and Bezalel do you think are most essential for us as leaders today? Which is most lacking in leaders today?

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