Craftpersons Have Been Set in Place
          To Display the Beauty of Jesus

        Look at this
            all you cutters of wood
            all you weavers of thread
            all you shapers of clay and metal

        Take notice
            all painters of oil
            all handlers of graphite
            all cutters of glass
            all scribblers of crayon

        Listen up
            the One who fills all things with color and light
            the One who frames the heavens and earth
            the One who sets the seasons in their place
            the One who engineers capillary veins in strawberry leaves
            the One who duplicates designs in the tiniest of sea shells flawlessly
            the One who knits together the human embryo in its mother's womb


       He has set craftpersons in place
           to display the beauty of Jesus
           to reveal His splendor and majesty
           to remind people of who He is and
           to usher people into His presence.

       In the book of Exodus, God appoints and empowers two craftsmen
           to bring forth specific designs to call attention to His beauty,
           so that he might dwell with his people, meet with them, and
           fill their Tent of worship with his dazzling presence:

      Bezalel of the tribe of Judah  &  Oholiab of the tribe of Dan.

          " The LORD said to Moses,
            See I have chosen Bezalel of the tribe of Judah
            and I have filled him with the Spirit of God,
                   I have filled him 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 craftsmanship.
            I have also selected Oholiab of the tribe of Dan to help him."

           "I have also given great ability to all the other craftsmen
                    to make everything I have commanded you."     Exodus 31: 1-5

           " The LORD has given to Bezalel of the tribe of Judah
              and to Oholiab of the tribe of Dan,
                    the ability to teach their craft to others.
             He has given them the skill in all kinds of work
                    done by engravers, designers, and weavers of linen;
                    blue, purple, and red wool; and other cloth.
             They are able to do all kinds of work and
              are skillfull designers."                                             Exodus 35: 34, 35

 ####   After all the artwork was finished and dedicated to God,
            the dazzling light of the LORD's presence
            filled the Tent of meeting.                                          Exodus 40: 34, 35


                Some of the sculpted forms included:
                     angel wings   (Exodus 36: 8, 35 & 37: 6, 8, 9)
                     almond flowers   (Exodus 37: 19)
                     buds and flowers  (Exodus 37: 17-22)
                     engraved stones     (Exodus 39: 6, 14)
                     bells and pomegranates
                     cherubims with touching wings

                The craftspeople assembled:
                     curtains            (Exodus 36: 9)
                     curtain hooks     (Exodus 36: 11-13)
                     embroidery work   (Exodus 36: 37)
                     an altar/ or ark        (Exodus 37: 1-5)
                     gold dishware           (Exodus 37: 16)
                     priestly garments       (Exodus 39: 1- 43)
                     woven items fitted with gems (Exodus 39: 6, 7, 8-21)

                Materials:
                    acacia wood       hammered gold      cast bronze
                    fine leather         dyed ram skin        
cloth made of goats hair 
                    gem stones         oil for lamps           spices for anointing oil
                    dyed wool           cast bronze            oil for sweet smelling incense


                    Listen all artists.  You are precious to Me.

                    Though you are frail and feel like a nobody
                    You have been carefully selected to hold My spotless treasure,
                    the One most beautiful, the One most joyful.
                    You are the dwelling place of My Son, Jesus.
                   
                    You are like gold, like the finest crystal glass.
                    I have chosen you to hold My wine.
                    Culture asks you not to spill a drop                                
                    and to keep My goodness to yourself,
                    but I tell you, let the joy I have given you
                    spill over and slosh on those around you.
                    Spill it joyfully. Let all hear about My goodness.

                    Delight in Me. Speak about Me. Rejoice in Me.
                    For you are my servant and I love you.
                    You are a precious son to Me.
                    You are a precious daughter to Me.

                    My desire is for the whole city to come
                    and give thanks and bring Me their worship.
                    I long for this city to know Me intimately.
 
                    I love her. I will have her as My own.
                    I am coming for her and she will be My bride.
                         I will break through to My children.
                         I will be their God and will make them into My people.
                   The time is at hand for deaf ears to be opened
                   and callous hearts to be made smooth and soft.
                        They will once again respond to My touch.
                        They will behold My presence.
                        I will overwhelm them with My love.
                  There is no place of safety outside of My embrace.
                  In My arms I myself will bear you up. Look to Me.
                  Wait for My leading. Heed My instruction. My hand is not too short.
                        Be still. For I am about to move on My beloved.
                        This is not about you--it is about My name.
                   I will make her a city of joy, a city of praise, and city of welcome.


      He has set craftspeople in place
           to display the beauty of Jesus
           to display His splendor and majesty
           to draw people into worship
           and to bring glory to God.                                                                                                    

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