My father, a machinist, could look at a blueprint and use it to turn stock metal into intricate machinery. Like my father, I took classes in drafting and machine shop, but unlike him most things I made didn’t turn out the way the blue print said they should. I did not have my father’s skill as a craftsman.

Maybe my deficiency is what makes me take note of Bezalel. He’s mentioned in Exodus 31 as the person who made the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, and all the objects necessary for the Israelites to worship the Lord. God said of him: “I have filled him with divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft” (Exodus 31:3). Wow! It must have been nice to be gifted in that way.

I discovered that the Hebrew word translated as craft, melakah, also appears in the creation story where is said that on the seventh day “God ended his work (melakah).” What the craftsman did was somehow like the work of God.

I think there is something God-inspired in all creative work, but I wouldn’t limit creativity to artists and craftsmen. Anybody who can make donuts gets creative credit in my book. Poets count, too, as well as musicians, teachers, gardeners, comedians, Stephen Ministers, and pretty much anyone who can comfort or encourage another person. I’m just scratching the surface.

I find it amazing that we humble human beings should share in the work of creation. God bless you as you do your part in creating the world.

Read Exodus 31:1-11 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne