Woven Gold

Exodus 39:3 has never ceased to amaze me, and this morning is no exception. What kind of patience and skill does it take to hammer out a sheet of gold so thin that when cut into equally thin strips, it creates thread? What sort of amazing fabric was the end result?

What kind of skill and patience has God used and will He use?

We could talk of Michaelangelo, whose biblical themes grace the walls and ceilings of cathedrals in fantastic displays of God's glory. Handel composed three hours of timeless music that proclaims the grace and redemption of our Saviour. David gave us Psalms that thousands of years later, remain a source of comfort and perspective in a crazy, messed up world.

I also think of those whose names have been limited to a much smaller audience, but whose obvious talent has enriched the lives of everyone who knows them.

Elsie Archer comes to mind; a lady that God has used to bless her community with her sensitive style and rich colours. Her themes reflect the beauty of her Creator in our world. Many of the pieces she creates are theology on canvas. One of my favourites is The Potter's Wheel. It hangs in our church, and reminds us that God is continually shaping us. He is the God of His people and His work is being accomplished in our lives. The painting calls us to remain pliable and soft under His masterful hand.

Merry Wilson captures hearts with her camera and makes us all look good while she's at it. Throughout the process, she remains an encouragement, even after 200 pictures. Merry sings, too. She writes music; and she's leaving us! Ok, I guess she has a good excuse, since she's getting married (go Merry!!). We'll miss her creativity. Some of her songs come from a time that was very difficult for her. She learned to cast herself on the Lord and her songs teach us to do the same. Others are simply her expression of her deep love for her Saviour; she's overwhelmed by Him. When we sing with her, so are we. We're losing our own personal Miriam, but we know she'll bless whatever local body she enters.

 

Time would fail me (literally; I have to shower, now) to tell of the Hoopers; cousins, brothers, sisters, wives and children who lead us into the presence of God through the talent that just pours out from their voices and instruments. I could tell you about teens and young adults whose youthful passion for God is wonderfully contagious. Our nephew is unusually skilled with metals. I can't help but wonder how God will use that. My own family is packed with talent that the Lord is using. Guitars, piano, voice... which reminds me, we need to choose a song for June 2. This is our calling for the next couple weeks. Are you creative? What's your calling? God is calling all artists to weave the gold of their talent through the fabric of His eternal tapestry; the hearts and lives of those created in His image.