Beautiful work

Then Moses said to the Israelites, 'See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - 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 artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them master craftsmen and designers.' (Exodus 35.30-35)

We were created to work. It was part of God's purpose for human beings right from the very beginning that in our work we would care for his world and for one another and bring glory to him. In the new creation I am certain that we will work - 'heaven' is not going to be an eternal retirement! 

The effect of human rebellion against God and its outworking in our individual lives and in our world (including creation itself) means that our work is often tedious or bitterly difficult or unrewarding. But God is interested in the whole of our lives - including the work we do - and is able to take what we do, when it is done in his name, and use it for his glory.

This short passage in Exodus speaks of the Holy Spirit equipping two people to work and to direct others in their work. Of course people can work and produce beautiful things without being filled with the Spirit - but when the Lord is involved in what we do, it can be amazing what is produced as a result.

Please pray for all those involved in the design process of the Open Church Project: for the architects, the quantity surveyor, our external project manager, the people at construction company, and the OCP team. As we consider both the big picture and also the small details of the build, pray that the Lord would give us wisdom in it all and that what is built will glorify him.

Please also be praying for our church OCP gift day on 26th June - that we would all give time to pray and think about what gifts or pledges we make on or before that day.