City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 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: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand— and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.’”

Exodus 31:1-11 (NIV)

Reflection

Bezalel, Oholiab, and the craftspeople had the responsibility of giving physical form to God’s own designs for the holy objects associated with the covenant law (imagine the pressure!). The metal workers had to know the different materials and their respective temperatures and times in the forge, how hard or soft a certain gemstone was, which tools to use, and how hard and how frequently to chisel. Add in weavers and fashion designers for the tents and their furnishings and the priests’ garments, and perfumers for the incense and anointing oils, and you’ve got a BIG project! It took a lot of people, a lot of skills, and a lot of time to accomplish this mission.

It’s fair to say Bezale, Oholiab, and the other craftspeople were quite busy. I’m sure they were excited at first, but as the project went on they probably felt tired, uninspired, and no longer fired (up). Maybe at one point they just wanted to give up. I’d like to think they motivated each other and kept the reason behind their hard work in their hearts. It was all to bring glory to God, the One True God who lead them out of Egypt. The objects were intended to make the Israelites remember where they came from and to help them move forward from their dark and difficult days to a happier and brighter future. 

Application

All of us are creative (yes, I am speaking to you). Do you have a creative project in your mind? Don’t let it sit there! Get it off the couch and put it to work. Paint that picture. Write that story. Design that shirt. Sing that song. We need your creativity! It takes a lot of people, a lot of skills, and a lot of time to accomplish our mission. And when you’re feeling burned out, remember the reason for your project: to bring glory to God. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for the opportunity to imagine and create. Please help me to persevere and remember the reason behind my creative project. In Your Name I pray, amen.