God loves Creativity. Among the very first things He talks about in His word – even before He talks about mankind, is a detailed peek into the Creation of the heavens and the earth. He repeats His love for artistry in the book of Exodus, as He detailed the building of the tabernacle, the place where His presence would reside with His people.
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon certain people during certain times for specific tasks. And while God definitely detailed the consecration of Aaron and the Priest, in Exodus 31:1-5 another man, called Bezalel was mentioned. And he was the first person in the Bible to be recorded as ‘filled with… the Spirit of God’ (Exodus 31:3) for a specific task – craftsmanship!
There are many other instances in the Bible where God’s love for design and craftsmanship is talked about. The building of Solomon’s Temple for example is rich in its detail. Lydia who sold purple clothes was a trader and her trade area was specified. The craftsmen in the book of Revelation is still a mystery and the majestic grandeur of God’s dwelling place which Ezekiel glimpsed into was beyond what words could express.
God is a Master Craftsperson, and if you make craft or any form of art today – I’ve got to tell you this – you are a chip of the old block! You are made in the image of the Creator of Heaven and Earth. When God made you, He added this special design into your mix (among the many other giftings you have) and this area is part of the set of good works God created for you to do!
This post will be a walk through various sections of Exodus 31:1-17. As you read through this passage, may the Lord illuminate your heart and speak to your Spirit. May He guide you in your work as an artist/creative person. Let me bless you as we begin.
‘Dear Heavenly Father, You are the Great Artist, Maker of the Universe. Thank You for revealing to us your heart for art and craftsmanship that reveals you as a Creator God. Help us as we draw truths from Exodus 31:1-5. Speak to us personally, reveal Your heart to us and help us to realise how sacred our vocation is in you. In the name of Yeshua, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ the King, we pray, Amen.’
So lets begin, and first, try reading the passage on your own, set aside about 15 minutes for this.
Read through Exodus 31:1-17 three times, the first time aloud.
- During the First time, understand the broad story. Pick up useful detail. Notice any words/phrases that pop up.
- Read the passage again, this time try reading it with your heart. What resonates with you? How do these apply to your life? You may journal it down.
- Read the passage again. This time pray the verses back to the Lord, personalising the prayers and making it relevant to your life.
Here are some of my reflections on the passage.
The Lord has called us by name to a specific task laid out for us
The blueprint was already there, laid out before Moses. Pomegranates were to be woven on the hem of the priestly garments, with bells in between (Exodus 28:33). The length of the curtains of the tabernacle, its sockets and hooks and colour of their bands were all specified (Exodus 27:11). The moldings and hammerings of the ark of the Testimony was instructed, with clear details on the orientation and wings of the cherubim (Exodus 25:1-22). It was all there – the details, the material, the vision, the measurements and markings for the tabernacle and all its furniture.
Now God needed a man. He needed a vessel. And so He searches, and found Bezalel. He fills him with the Spirit of God, ‘in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in other workmanship.’ He specifies his scope of oversight ‘ to design artistic work, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze… to work in all manner of workmanship.’
When God calls us, He calls us by name. He knows we are cut out for the job. When God calls us He has already prepared the blueprint, we just need to tap into Him and unpack what He has put in our spirit. To seek Him in the execution of the blueprint. When God calls us, He gives us the skill, the wisdom, the knowledge and workmanship. We are more than equipped to carry out the task.
Bezalel was called and choosen for the task and so are you. Your task may seem big, but so was God’s task for Bezalel. God didn’t make a mistake in choosing Him and God didn’t make a mistake choosing you.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the fact that God has called me by name makes me feel?
- What is the task at hand for me? How can I look to God for the resources and blueprints He has already envisioned beforehand?
- What are some of my accomplishments in the past, how can I acknowledge God’s gift in me? How can I thank Him?
The Lord provides us with people we can work alongside with
My brilliant artist friend once expressed to me, ‘there are two types of artists, or actually three. One type of artist are really good in their art, but they are very engrossed in it so they are bad at marketing themselves.’
‘Then there are those that have terrible art but are very good at marketing. Rarely, you find one good at their art and good at sharing them with the world – and those artists are the successful ones (who are still alive)’ (paraphrased from his sharing)
I think his observations are pretty true. Artists usually prefer to work alone and focus on their craft. Then, of course there are those who dabble in art and are really made to be connectors and the life of the party (hey, we are all made differently you know!). But to find true artist who work as a team and seek out other artist so that a project is magnificent in its grandeur is hard to find.
In this passage, God didn’t want Bezalel to work alone. He gave Him a companion- Aholiab, and a team of gifted artisans to work alongside with! Wow! Imagine how they came together and sought the Lord for His vision. Imagine the resonance that possibly went around the room as they shared the vision of the tabernacle that God gave them, compared notes and found that it was the same blueprint. Imagine how they could have volunteered for what they wanted to work on based on their expertise. It would have been a beautiful sight.
I wonder who God has brought/is bringing along the way to me who I can compliment in sharing the creative process with? Covering my weaker areas and cheering me on in my strengths?
Reflection Questions:
- Am I more of a loner in my art creation or more of a team player?
- How can I be strengthened in my identity as an artist through these verses and how can I learn to appreciate the role of other artists and craftsmen in their creative process?
The Lord desires us to work from a place of rest
The blueprint has been laid out, the people have been called, the materials are there. Ready, get set………….’WAITTTTTTTT UP, God says, ‘Surely My Sabbath you shall keep.’ (Exodus 31:13)
Before the rush of activity, before the scramble to positions, before the distribution of work, God commands the people through Moses to honor rest. Rest. The rule is strict. Those who profane it will be given the death sentence and those who do not keep it are to be cut off. The rule was to be perpetual throughout the generations. It was to be a sign between God and His people, a reminder that it is God who sanctifies us. It is a rule modelled after God Himself, who rested on the seventh day, after creating the heavens, the earth and mankind.
In all our excitement for the task at hand, it is easy for us to work thinking it all depends on us. The Sabbath was created to remind the people that it is God who gave us the blueprint and resources, and that He Himself is the one who gave us the work. The Sabbath was God’s sign between us and Him. That before while we are made to work, ultimately, we were made for Him, to love and serve and enjoy Him.
In our success and accomplishments, it is easy to make work and service our identity. The Sabbath was created to remind us that it is God who sanctifies us. That we are saved, loved and forgiven not because of the good stuff we do, or our performance, but because of God Himself and through His sacrifice on the cross. That He loves us because He loves us, because He loves us.
In our desire to get the work done, it is easy to work tirelessly without refreshing ourselves. The Sabbath is a reminder that God has established rhythms of work and rest on a ratio of 6 to 1, and that God Himself modelled it for us when He created the heavens and the earth. We are to refresh ourselves in Him and enjoy the tasks we have already accomplished in Him so far, giving glory to Him.
Reflection Questions:
- How have I neglected rest in my working? What does that reveal to me about my relationship with God?
- Who is God to me? Is He a taskmaster or a father? Do I serve from a position of slavery, or sonship? How can God ordained rest change that?
‘Lord, You have molded me and shaped me. You have created me for craftsmanship. Teach me how to work from Your abundance, to team up with others and to work from a position of rest. In Yeshua’s name I pray, Amen.’
How was that? What are some of the insights you got? How did God encounter you through the reading of this passage?
Share it in the comment section below of write us an email at paperheartpieces@gmail.com.
Are you an artist? Tell us what you do! Fill in the form below and I’ll say hi! (p/s leave your website link for me to cheer you on!)
Discover more from Paperheart Pieces
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Paperheart Pieces 