Spirit Inspired Creativity

Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. (Exodus 31:2-4)

The first time we encounter the Spirit of God is in the opening verses of the Bible when he ‘hovered over the waters’ of the newly created heavens and earth. The Spirit was present when creation was filled with light and life so man and woman could walk with God in Eden. It is then remarkable that the first person in the Bible God explicitly filled with his Spirit was Bezalel, an artist who designed the tabernacle and everything used in it. The tabernacle contained strong Eden symbolism as a place where we could be in the presence of God again. When man and woman walked with God in Eden, and when the priests entered the tabernacle, they were surrounded by Spirit-inspired creativity.

We believe that God is asking us to get ready for him to do something remarkably beautiful at Bognor Vineyard. As he empowers us with his Spirit, we should expect increased creativity with the gifts he has given us. This can of course include artistic gifts. Is he giving you the desire to paint, write, or create new songs of worship? Is he giving you creative ideas about ways you can serve your neighbours or reach out to people who are in pain? Pharaoh recognised that the Spirit of God was with Joseph (Genesis 41:38), whose gifts of administration saved many lives in Egypt during the seven years of famine. How is God’s Spirit giving you increased creativity in your job so you can be a greater blessing to your employer? As we will see this Sunday, God’s Spirit empowering an individul almost always results in greater blessing for God’s people. How can your Spirit-inspired creativity bless the church?