Today I finished Exodus, and something struck me (slapped me, whacked me, knocked me over the head) with fresh clarity: God likes artists.
Not in the way that many a disapproving parent does - begrudgingly, warily, resentfully. But joyfully.
God likes artists because He gave them their art and their skill and He uses them to bring Him glory.
Case in point: Bezalel and Oholiab.
We meet them in Exodus 31, right after the Lord has spent several chapters delivering detailed instructions to Moses about the construction of the tabernacle - including its furniture and even down to the garments of the priests. Bezalel and Oholiab are two artists.
The LORD said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you. - Exodus 31:1-6
God did not want a shoddy tabernacle. Throughout all of the detailed plans for its construction, He calls again and again for things to be made "skillfully." God wanted the tabernacle to be beautiful, and that required good artists. Those artists glorified God by simply making good art in obedience to Him.
Good art, truthful art, beautiful art exalts God. Why don't more people believe that?
People and pastors have started to talk a lot about glorifying God through your 9-to-5, in a cubicle, at the office. What about glorifying God through the work of creating?
Exodus 31 is a reminder that God likes artists because He loves good art, art that reflects His glory and worthiness, whether that's a beautiful piece of clothing, an ornately-carved chair, an exquisite poem, patterned curtains, or a stunning painting.
It's also a reminder that He gave every good artist their skill, because He is the perfect Artist.