The Glory of God in Artwork

…the LORD has called by name Bezalel… he has filled him with divine spirit, with skill, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. And he has inspired him to teach… Exodus 35: 30b – 34a

Dear Friends in Christ,

This Sunday we will celebrate the completion of our stained glass windows and we will dedicate them to the glory of God and ask God’s blessing on them in their proclamation of the Good News. I’ll give a presentation about the windows at the Sunday School hour in the worship space from 9:15 – 10:15, and we will have a special reception following the 10:30 service.

In the history of God’s people, God both warns us about worshipping the work of our hands, and he also calls us to praise and serve him through the work of our hands. In the ordering of Israel’s worship in the wilderness, and in the adornment of the temple in Jerusalem, God blesses craftsmen and women and artisans of various skills so that they might capture the beauty of the Lord for the people to experience. This is the stewardship of skill and talent which we can use poorly, in ways that lead us away from God, or for God’s glory and the edification of his people.

How do you experience the beauty and presence of the Lord? In sacred art, do you take time to look beyond the simple beauty of the artwork to the true author of that beauty? All our most precious art and even the beauty of the natural world is but a glimpse of the glory of God, just a hint of the joy found in relationship with him. In our stained glass, in our flowers and architecture, in our culinary delights and music and song, seek out and find the greatness of God. And rejoice that the author of that greatness delights in you, the crown of all his artwork!

See you this weekend!

Yours in Christ,

-Tom