Direction + creative skill = inspiration for all

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today’s passage?

As a freelance creative person, I find some clients easier to work with than others. The worst either meddle in every detail, making it clear that I’m only an extra pair of hands for them, or give no direction at all, perhaps because they don’t know what they want, or maybe they do but expect that I should know too because their desires are obvious and “correct.” Either way, there is likely to be frustration at some point.

I like that God seems to a better client for what sounds like a multitude of creative, skilled people here. At times he is very precise in direction, to the point where we can form a pretty clear picture of what he wants made, but he also expects people to bring and make the most of their craft skill.

And I love that this is all being done for a purpose, to focus all people’s attention on God, inspire worshipful giving "from everyone whose heart prompts them to give", and craft it into special, meaningful, lasting structures and symbols which show Israel and the world what a relationship with God looks like. This equips and inspires God's people for many years of worship, seeking and celebrating God's presence among them.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

The creator values creativity, craft and close relationship with his people. Just as his work was to bring created order about, he wants to engage his people in the joy of bringing precious things together for a purpose. Just as God gave us life, he wants us to join him in giving our lives, skills and stuff in worship.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Increase my appreciation of creative work as worship, and listen to see if God wants to be more specific about what he wants me to put together.

Who am I going to share this with?

Will any of my clients, present or prospective, want to share a love of God’s inspiration? Not many of mine do, I feel at the moment. But I can think of people who might like to discuss what makes a great (or nightmare) client! This is an interesting example to share with them.