Craftsmanship

I’ve always wanted to make quilts for our children, but after attempting to do so learned; I’m not a quilter.

However, I’ve been very blessed to watch our oldest daughter learn the craft from a professional.

Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of watching them together.

Although both were very busy, they shared  their enthusiasm over a blue ribbon.

Both of them put so much work into our daughter’s quilt.

(She pieced it, the professional quilted it, then Sis did the binding.)

It’s truly a beautiful testimony to their efforts.

Each quilt, in the show, bears a few words as to the story of the piece, and my heart was blessed to read the lines our daughter chose.

She made sure to include the lovely lady who has taught her so much.

To see the gift of a useful and beautiful craft passed on to our daughter causes me to rejoice.

For this is a gift from God.

‭James 1:17 KJV‬
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

In the Old Testament, God gives detailed instructions to Moses on every part of the tabernacle.

God not only gave instruction on what was to be made, He gave wisdom to the heart of those who would do the work.

‭Exodus 31:1-6 KJV‬
[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [2] See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: [3] and I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, [4] to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, [5] and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. [6] And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

The Israelites had been slaves for several hundred years,so it’s difficult to imagine that many of them had the education in these areas of craftsmanship.

But God is not hindered by one’s education, and He names two men who had been given the Spirit of God and wisdom for all the tasks at hand.

Matthew Henry had an interesting point as to Bezaleel.

“Bezaleel was to be the architect, or master workman, v. 2. He was of the tribe of Judah, a tribe that God delighted to honour; the grandson of Hur, probably that Hur who had helped to hold up Moses’s hands (ch. 17), and was at this time in commission with Aaron for the government of the people in the absence of Moses (ch. 24:14); out of that family which was of note in Israel was the workman chosen, and it added no little honour to the family that a branch of it was employed, though but as a mechanic, or handicraft tradesman, for the service of the tabernacle.” Matthew Henry

The idea that this man’s grandfather could have been the same one who stood holding up the arm of Moses during the battle brings new meaning.

Hur was used by God to support Moses, who in turn, was supporting, through prayer, the nation as the Israelites, lead by Joshua, fought against their enemies.

How fitting that his grandson should be used to help build the tabernacle where the entire nation would worship.

God supplied all that was needed in both settings and He’s still working in the lives of people through others, today.

He is still putting His wisdom in the hearts of people to grant them incredible abilities for the blessing of many.

God is the Master Craftsman, it is His creativity which mankind has been gifted with.

Psalm 115:15 KJV — Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for Your good gifts and the multitude of people You bless through those gifts. Lord, what great wonders of creativity are around us daily, all gifts from You, whether we recognize it or not. Lord, thank You for Your creativity and the creation which testifies of You every day. Lord, thank You for people who are gifted in special crafts. Thank You for those who teach others and pass the craft on to the future generations. Lord, thank You for those who bless others without looking forward reward or payment, but are generous because they have been blessed by Your generosity. Lord Jesus, please continue to help each of those who bear Your name to see the opportunities You give and to serve those around them. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.