OT: Exodus 31:1-11 ; NT Philippians 4:8-9
May 6, 2022
The Rev. Dr. John A. Dalles
Alumni Day - Lancaster Theological Seminary
Exodus 31:1-11- Bezalel and Oholiab
31 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 and I have filled him with divine spirit,[a] with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. 6 Moreover, I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have given skill to all the skillful, so that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the covenant,[b] and the mercy seat[c] that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, 10 and the finely worked vestments, the holy vestments for the priest Aaron and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the holy place. They shall do just as I have commanded you.
Philippians 4:8-9:
8 Finally, beloved,[a] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[b] these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Introduction:
The work was almost completed. With skilled hands, a keen eye, and a flair for aesthetic beauty, the floral designer put the finishing touches on the arrangement for the chancel flower display. As the church members had come to expect, it was yet another magnificent creation. of shapes and colors – thoroughly gorgeous. The florist stood back, to be sure the proper effect had been achieved. And then, carried the bouquet into the sanctuary. It happens at many a church, on many a Sunday. Talent and inspiration combine with a desire to point the worshiper to God, and to glorify God, as well,
Not only in our Old Testament lesson, but in many other places, we find that God has something specific in mind when it comes to the art surrounding the worshiper. Careful instructions are given. Regarding measurements, and materials. God draws the plans, God provides the specifications, and – more than this – God gives those who will implement the plans the talent that they need, to do so.
“Talent” is too limiting a word. God speaks of:
divine spirit,[a] with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft.
We hear this and we marvel – that people are given the work of making art, and crafting works that will lead people to a deepening relationship with the Almighty. They become agents of God’s will. They are set apart, for a holy purpose. They use this divine spirit they are given, to inform, inspire, and instill in the people of God divine truth, that they might otherwise miss.
Art does that. Scripture decrees that God intends for the places where his people worship to be exceptional. God provides for a design that will draw people closer. God also provides abilities to implement God’s.
Think of a handful of different places that have inspired you – when you have gathered to worship. It may be the church that you are part of now. It may be some other church that you’ve been part of in the past. It may be a church of great historic interest. Or one that has won design awards. It may be the simplest of gathering places, a church that is so simple, that nothing gets in the way of your focus upon God and God‘s word. Maybe an outdoor worship setting. (A camp or conference center), where trees form the arches overhead. Where the wind prompts you to sense the Holy Spirit.
Now, someone might say not a lot of human artistry was involved, in so simple a setting. Except of course that someone chose the location, someone made provision for where you would be seated, someone decided what direction you would face. All of these things were intended to achieve the best possible result, when worshipers gather. The worship space might be simple or elaborate, but it is the art and the craft of Gods’ people that has brought it in to being.
If you go to one of the great cathedrals. And you walk in. And look up at the elaborate tracery of the ceiling, and then look down the long nave toward Chancel, the thought might come to you – “Surely, the Lord is in this place!”
If you go a little country church. And you walk in. And look around at the spare furnishings, and the wavy clear glass of the windows. The thought might come to you – “This is holy ground I am standing upon.” The art and the craft of the Christian has made it so.
Old Testament scripture, leads us to say, what God did then, God has done ever since, and will do long beyond the memory of each of us. The artist works the gold. The weaver works the silk. The carpenter carves the wood. The musician uplifts the heart. They each bring what they have, and offer it to God in ways that help shape the community of the Living Lord.
What does that mean for us today?
Does it mean that we will be prayerful, careful and deliberate, about where we gather for worship? Do we consider: Will the worshiper feel closer to God here? Will it help them hear God’s Living Word? Will it speak to them, even when other worshipers are present?
My guess is that your sanctuary has many elements that lead people closer to God. Indeed, we can look around – here – where so many of the artistic details speak of God. We cannot gather here without sensing the artistry of those who came before us. Their art and craft are here. And so are the echoes of church leaders who still speak to us of God’s truth. Listen to Philip Schaff:
”The style of the Bible - in general - is singularly adapted to people of every class and grade of culture, affording the child the simple nourishment for its religious wants, and the profoundest thinker inexhaustible matter of study”.
This great truth suffuses every work of art and craft of the Christian. They are adapted to people of every class and grade of culture. So that, the simplest hearts and most complex minds may all draw from them doorways to God’s grace.
Perhaps you have many such treasures in your sanctuary. Carved wood, or tapestries, murals, stained glass windows that speak to the hearts and minds of the worshipers. It’s a fortunate congregation that has, among their membership, people who can create these wonderful things, to praise the Lord. It is a great congregation that is aware of, acknowledges, and celebrates these gifts, that bring Christ close.
How blessed we are, when the God-given, God-inspired, God-directed talents of our sisters and brothers, bring new insights about the Good News of Christ, to express God’s love and wonder, forgiveness and faithfulness, mystery and majesty. To see what others have not seen. To show what others may have missed.
It is no small thing to recall that Jesus our Lord was engaged in the creative work of carpentry – before he began to build the church on which we stand. His is the art, His the craft, His is the love.
There is more to show than there is time to create it. There is more to share than there is time to give it.
The work was almost completed. The floral designer put the finishing touches on the arrangement for the chancel. It was yet another magnificent creation. The florist carried the bouquet into the sanctuary. And just as the bouquet was being placed, just so, into the sanctuary, there came a small child. Who walked slowly but with measured step down the center aisle, until that child stood alongside the florist. The child extended a little hand, in which was one big, yellow dandelion, in full bloom.
“Here, “ said the child. “This is for God.”
The florist smiled, and received the gift, and found a place for it – a place of honor – in the bouquet.
And that is the Art and the Craft of the Christian.
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Here are a few photos from the trip to Lancaster for my 40th anniversary of graduation from Lancaster Theological Seminary:
With Rev. Bill LaSalle
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