Ready to Get Creative
Opening Prayer
Think about the kinds of artistic talent you were born with. Thank God for giving these gifts to you.
Read Exodus 31:1-11
[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, [2] “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, [3] and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills- [4] to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, [5] to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. [6] Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: [7] the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent- [8] the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, [9] the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand- [10] and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, [11] and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does God equip the tabernacle artisans?Although the craftsmen and artists are commanded to follow God’s instructions about the tabernacle and its furnishings, they aren’t just connecting the dots or coloring in a picture. With the creativity of the Spirit to guide and inspire them, they are free to “make artistic designs” (4) and to work in all kinds of precious materials. God is clearly concerned for the details. The sights and smells, the glow of the colors, the feel of the fabrics, the grain of the wood, and the sparkle of the precious stones are lovingly indicated in the previous chapters. But they don’t spring fully formed from heaven. It will need ordinary men and women to work hard, using their God-given skills and keeping in step with God’s Spirit, for the tabernacle to become a beautiful reality, a suitable focus for God’s holy presence. There is a relationship between creativity and spirituality that we each need to explore. Our creativity reflects the nature of our Creator God.
Apply
Which area of your life could do with a fresh, creative approach today?
Closing prayer
Lord, teach me how I can use the creativity You gave me to create beauty that honors You.
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