Bezalel is Probably a Bible Name You Should Know - Exodus 29-32

 In chapters 29 and 30, God anoints Aaron and consecrates the priests. This is obviously  a huge deal, with fragrant spices, sacred oil, and specifically detailed instructions that all shout: God is holy and this is a serious matter!

I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God. Ex. 29:45-46

A personal, loving God. The same God we serve today. This is so awesome! In fact, it's so awe inspiring that we can easily miss what comes next. Did you see who God focuses on next?

The artists.

There in the desert, as God establishes His people, as He sets into motion His very heart, the artists fall directly after the priests. Am I the only one who is wondering how I missed that so many times? Of all the professions, of all the people in the desert, it is the artists He speaks to next. I dare say, this is a powerful and beautiful reflection of the importance He places on art.

Exodus 31:1-6
The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you...

God is the greatest artist, and we are made in his image. One of the most spectacular ways we can show his glory and reflect His nature is through our God given gift of creativity.

The church today isn't really known for it's artistic ability. The world doesn't often think of us as creative at all. But considering God's emphasis on artistic beauty in Ch. 31:1-11 do you think that's a good thing?

Artistic beauty, just like any truth about God, is something that we should be using to show others our God. Encourage it, develop it, and don't miss it any longer.