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I am just a so-so crafter. Oh, I can enjoy an occasional craft project done with a group of friends or at a ladies' retreat, but I am not an avid quilter, painter, or knitter, as are some of my friends. If I were to claim any artistic skill, I think that I could say that I love to paint pictures with words. A sheet of paper is my canvas, words are my artistic medium, and a computer is my paintbrush.
As we see craftsmanship all around us in the beauty of nature, we can thank God, our master craftsman. But God's handiwork doesn't stop with natural beauty. He is also a master gardener (think of the Garden of Eden), zoologist (think of the animal world), geologist (mountains), painter (sunsets) … You get my point.
I've been reading recently in the book of Exodus, and I was astonished to realize the extensive and minute detail that God gave Moses for building the tabernacle. He described precise architectural plans for the tabernacle, from the dimensions to the building materials. He carefully explained how to build it, from the structural framework to the walls, curtains, and furnishings. He even designed the colour scheme of the embroidery work on the curtains done in scarlet, blue, and purple yarn. The fabulous priestly garments must have been a sight to behold!
Even more wonderful was His plan for the execution of this work.
"I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make." (Exodus 31:6b NLT)
Two men were chosen to head up this massive project.
"The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab … the ability to teach their skills to others." (Exodus 35:31,34 NLT)
Anyone who so desired could volunteer to help or to donate materials for the building of the tabernacle. The spirit of generosity was so strong that the people finally had to be told to stop bringing materials because there were already more than enough. What a wonderful example this is of the value of working together as the body of Christ.
Perhaps God has given you an artistic gift, or a gift of leadership, or possibly the financial means to further a project. We each have varying skills and abilities, but as God has gifted us, we can serve together in furthering the work of the kingdom of God. Let's be mindful and intentional as we consider how we can best use our God-given abilities.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, You serve as a model craftsman through the world that You have created. May we, in turn, seek ways to use the skills that You've given us, as well as sharing the assets that You've entrusted to us. Amen.
Gail Lundquist
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author's permission
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