AUGUST 19, 2015
Reflecting
God’s Glory
We
have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the
iniquity of us all. — Psalm 19:1
Read:
Exodus
31:1-11
The 12th-century Chinese artist Li Tang
painted landscapes animated with people, birds, and water buffalo. Because of
his genius with fine line sketches on silk, Li Tang is considered a master of Chinese
landscape art. For centuries, artists from around the world have depicted what
they see in God’s art gallery of creation: “The heavens declare the glory of
God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Ps. 19:1). The Bible tells us that
our creativity as human beings comes from being made in the image of the Master
Creator (Gen. 1:27).
God chose artists who worked with wood, gold,
silver, bronze, and gems to create the furnishings, utensils, altars, and
garments that were to be used when the ancient Israelites worshiped Him in the
tabernacle (Ex. 31:1-11). These artistic
renderings of spiritual realities prompted and guided the priests and the
people in their worship of the Lord who had called them to be His people.
Through many types of artistic expression, we
reflect the beauty of creation and honor the Creator and Redeemer of this
marvelous world.
Lord of the universe, You are the Creator and
have given us creative abilities. May we honor You through them.
We were created to bring God the glory.
INSIGHT:
Not only did God give Moses the exact
blueprint for the tabernacle (Ex. 25–30), He also provided all the craftsmen
needed to build it (31:1-11). Bezalal (v. 2) and Aholiab (v. 6) were probably
the leaders of these craftsmen (vv. 3-6) and are mentioned again in Exodus
35:31-35. Bezalal is said to be filled with “the Spirit of God” (31:3; 35:31).
God divinely empowered these men to do things that were clearly beyond normal human
ability. God said, “I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans,
that they may make all that I have commanded you” (31:6). Likewise, God has
given every believer special abilities and skills to build up the church for
His glory (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 4:11-15; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Sim Kay
Tee
Source: Our Daily Bread 2015
