A Job To Do

A Job to Do

Q: What material did Tubal-cain work with?

• a. silver and gold
• b. gold and copper
• c. bronze and iron

People in Bible times had many abilities and talents. Sometimes we think of them as being uneducated and lacking skills, but that’s not so.

Lamech, a descendant of Cain, had three sons:

• Jabal, “who was the first of those who raise livestock and live in tents” (Genesis 4:20)
• Jubal, “the first of all who play the harp and flute” (Genesis 4:21), who was talked about in yesterday’s devotion
• Tubal-cain, who knew how to melt metals and make armor, weapons, and other utensils and objects (see Genesis 4:22)

Even though Lamech didn’t follow God, the Lord blessed him with children who were gifted in different areas. One son had herds so large he had to take them to other places to graze, and he invented some sort of tent as a way to have shelter during those times (see Genesis 4:20). Another son was a musician. The third brother made things of metal and taught others to do the same.

Which of these was the most important? None was more or less important than the others. God gives each person talents and abilities, and the Lord uses those to accomplish his work here on earth. God needs some people to be musicians and others to be electricians or plumbers. He needs some to preach and others to be doctors or missionaries.

God has a job for you, too. He needs you to do that job to fulfill what he has planned for you to accomplish. God may not show you all at once what he wants you to do, but he’ll lead you step-by-step along the way.

For You

Look for one thing you can do today to accomplish something for God.

Answer: c

Lamech’s other wife, Zillah, gave birth to a son named Tubal-cain. He became an expert in forging tools of bronze and iron. Tubal-cain had a sister named Naamah.   Genesis 4:22

(The Whole Story: Genesis 4:17-24)