Hidden Heroes of the Bible: Bezalel: Under The Shadow of God - Pastor Ben Hodges

The story of the Bible is the story of God’s heart to dwell with people.Pentecost marks a major change in the way God dwells with His people.Exodus 31:1–111. Babel – People Arrogantly Climb HigherGenesis 11. Humanity gathers on the plains of Shinar at Babel.They say: “Let us build ourselves a city and a tower…”Notice the language: “Let us make a name for ourselves.”Babel is humanity united without God.2. SINAI: People Tremble As God Comes DownExodus 19. God descends at Sinai.At Babel: people arrogantly ascend upward.At Sinai: people tremble as God descends downward.God desires not merely to rule His people but to dwell with them.BEZALELExodus 31. God says: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God…”The Spirit of God empowers people to create spaces where the presence of God dwells.Talent without holiness creates idols.Biblically: anointing is divine empowerment for divine assignment.3. Mount Carmel: Holy Fire Falls on An Altar1 Kings 18. Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal.False gods produce exhaustion but no fire.True God answers by fire.We are living in a generation obsessed with hype but starving for holy fire.4. Pentecost: Holy Fire Falls on PeopleActs 2:1-4Pentecost reverses Babel.The fire keeps moving closer.5. Revelation: FIRE FOREVERWhat is revealed? No temple. No veil. No separation. No distance.Revelation says: there is no need for sun because the glory of God gives light.The fire of God never goes out.What are you building?- A tower for yourself?- A dwelling place for God?The gospel says: you do not climb to God.God came down through Jesus Christ.