I hope that's what happens. At least I have the joyful anticipation that it will-coupled with expectancy that God will continue revealing Himself and I'll fling myself into His presence with renewed awe and excitement of better knowing Him. Heady stuff, maybe a high bar to be setting....
This class has met once so far (Labor Day holiday strangeness affecting the academic calendar...), so I've barely had a taste of what the next 16 (or so) weeks will look like. Assigned so far: 4 chapters of textbook, and Genesis and Exodus (preferably read in a single sitting-gulp!).
I wrapped up with Exodus late this morning and felt that my expectations had been met-at least I had the promise they were going to be met as gloriously as I have been hoping. I love the familiar stories of these people and how God continually bails humans out of their sin because He's just that good.
But I noticed a particular strand of text jump out at me in particular today.
The scene takes place in the latter half of Exodus, and in fact, gets mentioned multiple times (so pay attention!). God is giving directions about the tabernacle and its contents and even the clothing He is expecting. I love that God furnishes these elaborate instructions. Because He doesn't stop there, He calls out for the craftsmen who have a heart for this assignment (and God) to come and make these items. Most impressively God mentions Bezalel by name and calls him specifically to craft the Ark of the Covenant. God, like a proud Papa, mentions Bezalel and the gifts given to him and how Bezalel has used and refined them. He singles out this man and calls on him to use his gifts for His glory. Perhaps Bezalel's whole purpose was wrapped up in this calling.
This story touches my heart (and this may be silly) because of the creative side I have. Sometimes I rationalize things too much and make it ugly rather than seeing the creativity as a gift. At times I think its not practical, it doesn't fund my tuition, I'm not making a living off it, is it right for me to even consider making money off art when there are so many necessities in life people need instead of things of beauty? All the insecurities roll in, and I ignore and downplay my desire to create, to use my artisticness. I know I shouldn't be feeling those things at all and instead realize God has given them to me so I can honor Him with them, regardless of how people may view it.
So, right there in Exodus, God had a little ahem moment with me (I love that!). Right there in scripture, repeated and expressed in detail, was mention of a talented craftsman God regarded highly, and praised because Bezalel had honed his talent to exquisiteness. Validation that God does know us, creates us specifically, and loves how He has gifted us.
This morning was a valuable lesson in learning to love what God has put in me.
I can't wait to see what I learn from Deuteronomy and Leviticus!
