Master Artists

Yesterday, we reflected on two master artists from the book of Exodus, Bezalel and Oholiab. 

In my congregation, we have quite a few really talented artists; not only musicians – but also painters, quilt-makers, chefs, gardeners, and skilled carpenters. And I am ever grateful whenever artists feel compelled to share their gifts to make our church or our worship more beautiful. 

But what about those of us who might feel we don’t have an ounce of artistic talent? 

I think back to Genesis 1, right within the very story of creation, God says, “Let us make humankind in our image. In the image of God, he created them: male and female.”  

There has always been a question of why God speaks in the plural: Let us make humankind in our image. Some Christians believe this reflects the nature of the Trinity. Many of the ancient rabbis believed that God was talking to the animals and that we were created like the rest of the animals in many respects – but also like God in our ability to imagine and to create.

It’s interesting. Something seems to happen in many of us between the time of kindergarten and fifth grade. In Kindergarten everybody can sing and draw and dance. But by about 5th grade, we start to compare ourselves and many of us decide we’re not good enough. We stop creating.

I don’t know. But I have to believe that creative ability is indeed deep within each one of us.

Today, I wonder how you might cultivate that artistic spirit within yourself. I wonder what creative outlet you might nurture or even develop. And, I wonder how using that gift might draw you closer to God, and even touch the lives of others. 

Let us pray: You are the Master Artist, O God. You must truly love us to dazzle us with your handiwork on a daily basis: lofty snow-covered mountains, florescent pink sunsets, flowing cascades In all of this, and in the myriad of plants and animals across the face of the globe, we glimpse something of your creative spirit, a spirit that you have placed in each of us. We give you thanks and praise. Amen.