I have been looking at the end of Exodus 35 and the beginnings of Exodus 36 yesterday. This is where God appoints artisans to help prepare the tabernacle of Moses.One of the most fascinating aspects of this the offering the Moses received for the artists to create a place of worship. The people gave so much that Moses actually had to tell people to stop giving! Now that’s a good offering.So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.” And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much. Exodus 36:6-7
Yet before these finances were released, the artisans were prepared in a few different ways that I want to mention. I think all of us as worship leaders, musicians, singers and artists could improve on some of these points.
1.God Called Them
See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.. Ex. 35:30
Do you know what you are called to do? Maybe not for the rest of your life, but at least for right now? God’s clear calling on my life to do the work of day and night worship and prayer is what has sustained me throughout many very difficult seasons of my life. I can not deny that this is what God has led me to. God has made things very clear to me through prophetic words, personal journaling, miracles, confirmations, acknowledgement from my pastors, etc. While His calling may not include all these things for you, you still need to press deep and ask if things are really settled in your heart. People have approached me wanting to come on staff with 6:22, and when I press them about God calling them to it, they are unsure. Press into prayer, listen for His voice and settle this. Where has God called you? Don’t say yes to every band, church, ministry, etc. that needs a musician. Be who and where He has called you.
2. They were filled with the Spirit
and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship Ex. 35:31
I’ve heard it said that at salvation, we get all of the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit does not get all of us. There is a constant filling and baptism that we must allow to happen in our hearts as we surrender our life and receive His love in our hearts. We can not just be good at our craft, we must first be in love with Jesus. The Spirit precedes the singing… And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. (Eph. 5:18-19) This comes down to the simplicity of being in God’s word, spending time alone in prayer, and walking in conversational friendship with God. Let Him fill you up!
3.They were Teachable
And He has put in his heart the ability to teach Ex. 35:34
Bezalel and other artists were leaders, and they were gifted by God to teach the other artists. If we are prideful and unwilling to learn, then our ministry will be severely hindered. We have to learn to submit to authority, honor leaders, honor one another, correct each other in love and receive criticism. This all comes down to humility and learning to be servants. It’s not about you!
4. They were Skillful
He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work… Ex. 35:35
Just because you are called, spirit-filled and teachable, it does not mean you should be singing in front of others – if you can’t sing well! Just because your “heart is right” doesn’t mean your music is. We need to get over this lack of honesty in the Church. As Christians, we are offering our songs, dances, and works of art to God himself- the King of Kings! Let’s give him our best. Everyone needs a season of being hidden to develop their craft. And if you’re just not good no matter how hard you try, then maybe you are not supposed to be an artist.
5. They were Obedient
and every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that the Lord has commanded. Ex. 36:1
Ultimately, these musicians said “yes” to what God wanted. They were surrendered, they were willing, they died to themselves…. basically, they worshiped God with their gift. Are you willing?
I pray we can all examine ourselves and see where we can grow in becoming the artists God desires us to be!