51: The Art Within
Several weeks ago, I purchased my very own comfort bird. You might already know what that is, but until somewhat recently, I had never heard of such a bird. So in case you don’t know, it’s basically a tiny wooden bird that fits in the palm of your hand. Its surface is super smooth and the idea is that by holding it in your hands during a difficult time, you will be comforted. While I got mine less because of difficulty and more just as a tangible reminder of God’s presence and care, I will say holding it is comforting.
In addition, the bird itself is absolutely beautiful in its simplicity. I don’t know much at all about woodworking or whittling, but in my eyes, the craftsmanship is remarkable. So my comfort bird is also a tiny work of art.
I started thinking about the gentleman who carved it for me. I don’t know him at all, but he has an Etsy shop and makes these little birds for lots of different people. And whether he realizes it or not (although based on his handwritten note, I think he probably realizes it) in many ways, creating these little comfort birds is part of a ministry, his unique ministry.
It reminds me of someone from Scripture who, honestly, I had never even considered before, until recently reading Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster. This person is Bezalel. While we don’t know his entire story, what we do know from Scripture is significant. He is mentioned in the book of Exodus a handful of times beginning in Chapter 31. This is our introduction to him in The Message version:
God spoke to Moses: “See what I’ve done; I’ve personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I’ve filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood—he’s an all-around craftsman.
Fast forward to Chapter 36, and we follow along as Bezalel works with another man, Oholiab, to lead a group of skilled workers in making all the different elements of the Tabernacle, which would house the very presence of God. In addition to the actual tabernacle, they created what would be inside it - things like the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the Bread of Presence, lamp stands, altars, incense, anointing oil, curtains, vestments, all according to God’s instruction and design. Through their work, the presence of God would dwell with the Israelites and lead them through the wilderness.
We don’t really think of Bezalel as one of the heavy hitters in Scripture. Not like Moses or Abraham or Isaac or Jacob. Not like Sarah or Rachel or Ruth or Esther. And he didn’t really do anything extraordinary like part the Red Sea or wrestle with God or heal the sick. But the Spirit was at work through his creativity and craftsmanship. He was an artist at heart.
Believe it or not, Bezalel is the very first person in Scripture to be described as someone filled with the spirit of God. You could even say he was the very first person to be inspired by God. And it’s interesting to me that the very first person described this way is not a well-known leader, not someone in power, not someone with lots of influence - but a simple artist, a craftsman, a skilled worker. And for someone mentioned only a handful of times, he has a pretty significant responsibility. The inspired work of his hands would welcome the presence of God.
God gifted him with the ability to create, to craft, to design. And that’s exactly what Bezalel did. He partnered with God to create something of value and purpose and meaning. And by living into who he already was, who he was created to be, God’s people were reminded of God’s presence.
Bezalel might have been the first to be inspired, to be described as filled with God’s spirit. But he wasn’t the last. And I believe that as he faithfully carried out his craft, he showed us that God can use what we create as well, reminding others that God is with them, that God loves them, and that God will never let them go. And what I’m reminded of through the work of Bezalel is that God continues to inspire us, calling us to create and using what we craft as reminders of God’s presence in the world around us.
There are two women at my church who are wonderful examples of this. While they do it separately and in their own unique ways, they remind me of God’s love and presence through the cards they send in the mail. One of the women, Andee, hand-makes beautiful, intricate greeting cards and never seems to forget a special occasion. And Lois sends cards, but always includes cut-outs of pictures, Bible verses, or meaningful quotes - little extra bits of encouragement tucked inside.
It seems so simple, but receiving cards in the mail from either of these women brightens my day and reminds me that I am cared for and thought of - not only by them, but by the God who inspires their work and creativity. They might not realize it, but their cards are a ministry God uses in my life and in the lives of so many others on the receiving end. And the way they embrace their craft has truly been inspiring.
You might not send personalized cards. You might not know how to whittle a comfort bird. But I do wonder what your craft might be? What God might inspire in you? God’s Spirit is on the move and God’s creativity is on full display in all of us, uniquely in each of us.
Maybe you paint or draw or digitally design. Maybe you knit, sew, or quilt. Maybe you lace together meaningful words. Maybe you tell a really good story. Maybe you make a really good meal or flower arrangement or know how to help others heal. Maybe you can compose moving melodies or set broken bones or successfully grow tomatoes. Maybe you know how to organize a space or oversee a strategic plan or choreograph an inspirational dance or lead a group of people. Maybe your craft involves numbers or teaching or hosting a great party. Maybe you have an eye for capturing memories through a camera lens or you know how to facilitate rich conversation or offer a listening ear. Truly, the list goes on and on and on. God’s creativity knows no bounds. The Holy Spirit can turn anything into art.
Really, when we are inspired and filled with the Spirit of God, that’s what we become: artists. We can study and train our whole lives to become experts, but it’s when we are filled with the Spirit that we become artists. We become more than just experts when the Spirit is leading. When our craft is inspired, it becomes part of who we are. Just as the Spirit inspired Bezalel and used his skills to usher in the presence of God, the art we offer can do the same. Our unique work and passions - our works of art - are reminders.
In her book, Walking on Water, Madeleine L’Engle puts it this way:
“In art, either as creators or as participators, we are helped to remember some of the glorious things we have forgotten…”
So today, remember, you are an artist with something to offer. Filled and inspired by the Spirit of God, may we continue to share reminders of God’s presence in the world around us. And may we learn to always trust and follow God’s creative lead.