Craftsmanship

Read Proverbs 20:16-30

Exodus 31

Today we build on our meditation from yesterday. In Exodus 31 we see that we can do all things for the glory of God. In fact, God had "called by name," a two individuals with skills in craftsmanship to build, design, mold, shape, and put together items for the tabernacle. "Called" by God for a specific task is the exact definition of a "vocation."

During the Reformation some people went extreme with throwing out everything that smacked of Catholicism. Stained glass windows, statues, artwork, and the like - it was torn out, broken, thrown out. Luther rebuked them sharply. There is nothing wrong with these things if they serve God's glory. We see that clearly in Exodus 31, because God appoints people specifically to build things and ornament them, making them beautiful for his glory.

So we are encouraged to use our talents for the Lord. Artistic abilities can be (and are) used for God's purposes all the time - even still today. Stain glass, tapestries, paintings, photography, statues, architecture - all of these have a place in church. And religious artwork has a place in our homes. After all, when God created this universe, he made it beautiful in many ways. So we too can reflect his beauty when we make things that are beautiful.

Even if we are not "artistic," we learn that we can and should use our skills and talents for God's glory.

And as beautiful as this creation is, we know that the next one will be even more beautiful, because it will not be subjected to sin. And we will get to see it, because God has orchestrated our salvation beautifully. Yes, the baby in the manger, the man dying on the cross, the healed but still scarred hands of our Savior our beautiful. What craftsmanship!

Ask Yourself:

How do I use my talents for God each and every day?

Is there something bigger, some special project that I could work on (for His glory, of course)?

How can I better appreciate my Beautiful Savior today?

Pray:

Pray from your heart today. The Holy Spirit strengthens you to live for the Lord. Pray that he would enable you to be beautiful inside and out, and to do all things for His glory.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!