Reach Out
“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 skill,
ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.”
Exodus 31:2-3
In previous chapters of Exodus, the Lord had revealed in
great detail the design of the Tabernacle, its sacred articles, and the
garments for the priests. Each of these items was to be made from the finest
materials possible and decorated with artistic excellence. We should not be surprised that next God
specifically chose who would craft these items.
God chose Bezalel for this crucial task because, he
explained, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom,
ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts” Exodus 31:3. Given the fact that
God’s Spirit was generally reserved in the time of the Old Testament for
spiritual and political leaders (prophets, priests, kings), we may be surprised
by the impact of the Spirit in Bezalel’s life. He was gifted by God’s Spirit,
not to prophesy, teach, or rule, but to create works of art with precious
metals, wood, and gemstones.
Engraving and carving don’t appear in the New Testament
lists of spiritual gifts. (See Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4) But the example of Bezalel makes it clear that
the Spirit of God can gift someone for excellence in the arts.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve
others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
The Creative gifts and talents you have been given are from
God. We are to use those gifts to grow
His kingdom. It is not only important
for us to find ways to use our gifts to help others, but it is also vital for
our own spiritual development. We are
never more ourselves that when we are doing what God uniquely created us to
do. When we don’t take opportunities to
do that, we are hurting ourselves spiritually.
So what does it look like to use creative gifts? Well, growing God’s kingdom happens through
relationships. And building
relationships happens over time. There
are many opportunities for artists to grow relationships in a community. We just have to find our niche.
“Just as each of us
has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same
function, so in Christ we who are many
form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the
grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to
his faith. If it is serving, let him
serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it
is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is
leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it
cheerfully.” Romans 12:4-8
I’m going to list just some of the examples we have right
here in our community to use our gifts of arts & crafts to serve and bless
others. I urge you to spend some time in
prayer and search the scriptures this week.
Ask God to direct you towards what ways you should serve specifically as
an artist. Think about the ways God has
allowed you to use your gifts in the past.
Scrapbooking – There is a program for Arizona Foster Care
that seeks volunteers to create “Life Books” for foster children, researching
and documenting their journeys for them.
Sewing – recently there was an opportunity to sew simple
skirts out of donated & scrap fabric for a member of our church to take
over to Africa. I’m sure there will be
more coming up.
There is an organization called AZ Blankets 4 Kids that provides
comforting blankets and quilts to needy, seriously ill and traumatized children
in our community.
Crafting - Young Lives is an organization within Young Life,
specifically ministering to teenage mothers.
There are many serving opportunities with them, including a craft night
once a month where you can craft with the girls.
Photography – Donate your skill & time as a photographer
for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
a group that sends photographers to hospitals where parents have just lost or
are about to loose a baby so they may capture memories to hold on to.
Hope Thru Art – Join Steve in making art to bless and
encourage the hopeless and homeless of downtown Phoenix.
There are always opportunities for outreach and to build
relationships when you teach or take an art class.
And lets not forget your personal art! Look for ways to display your work so that it
may touch others and create opportunity for you to share your faith. From your own home, to galleries, art shows
and businesses, even on the internet, there are places where people can see and
be moved by what God inspires you to make.
And just because it may be for sale, doesn’t mean it isn’t ministering
to people. Let God lead you with what to
do with your art.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Bekah :)
