skilled craftsmen

I think that our culture does not give enough honor to skilled craftsmen. In this part of Exodus where the building of the tabernacle is ordered skilled craftsmen are mentioned a lot. It will take an effort to find the right people for the job. Mediocrity is not acceptable. In one or two places my translation uses the singular: "skilled craftsman". Is that significant?

In chapter 31 of Exodus some of the skilled craftsmen are honored by name. Bazalel and Oholiab. There are others. God says he has given them the gift of skill. Do you know skilled craftsmen? God has certainly given them a gift. There is the physical gift and the desire to excel. It takes both to be a skilled craftsman. And often the only thanks you get is the finished product. And for skilled craftsmen that is reward enough. God gives this gift. In Exodus it seems this is a gift from the Holy Spirit, who exists even in the time before Jesus came to earth.

I don't think we honor enough the craftsmen who build our churches and the decor and make them so beautiful. I do not think we honor our musicians, singers, and dancers who keep our worship beautiful, who lead us and keep us on pitch when we worship. Encourage a skillful craftsman that you know today.

God gives honor to two craftsmen here in Exodus 31. They are the others have been filled with the Holy Spirit to create the amazing Tent of Meeting and the altars.

Archaeologists and others admire some beautiful work found in ancient cities that are unearthed. These statues and jewelry and carved columns and such are the result of amazing skill. Even the frescoes found in Egyptian tombs show amazing artistry. They followed the artistic rules of their culture, often making very stylized works. But the craftsmanship of the artists is undoubted. We know the artist for many museum pieces. But for art from burial cities and tombs the artist is unknown. Yet still we can admire the craftsmanship of someone who lived thousands of years ago. Beauty has always been prized. Perhaps the artists of these works were honored more than we often do present day jewelers and sculptors. Perhaps not. But I bet the artists themselves found a great deal of satisfaction in the result of their creation. Maybe some of these sensed that their work would go on long after they lived.

The Tent of Meeting and the priestly robes were beautiful breathtaking creations. They helped God's people worship. They were tangible symbols of God's glory and majesty. Our churches too should reflect God's love, glory and majesty.