God in the Details

This beautiful picture was given to me as a gift by my friend Sharon.

The detail is remarkable.

It was created by using different colored tiny beads.

Each bead has a place, not one unused or insignificant.

Each one unique, but when arranged in just the right spots brings something of extraordinary beauty.

I cannot imagine the time and attention it took to create this picture.

If I would have looked at the directions on making this project, I would have got to step three and probably would have looked for something else.

But like the notes jump off the page for a musician, or an equation makes sense to a mathematician, these directions spoke to my friend.

That is probably how Bezalel felt when he was called by the Lord.

I’m sure you all know who Bezalel is, right?

It’s ok…I didn’t either.

But even though his name does not jump out at us like Moses or Mary, he holds a special place in the Bible.  Four chapters in Exodus to be exact.

More importantly, he holds a significant place in God’s kingdom.

“Then Moses told the people of Israel, ‘The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.  The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.  He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft.” Exodus 35:30-33

Bezalel was hand chosen by God to perform any task that was involved in building the sanctuary.

“For the framework of the Tabernacle, Bezalel constructed frames of acacia wood.  Each frame was 15 feet high and 27 inches wide, with two pegs under each frame. All the frames were identical.” Exodus 36: 20

“For the inside of the Tabernacle, Bezalel made a special curtain of finely woven linen.  He decorated it with blue, purple and scarlet thread with skillfully embroidered cherubim.  For the curtain, he made four posts of acacia wood and four gold hooks. He overlaid the posts with gold and set them in four silver bases.”  Exodus 36:35-36

“Next, Bezalel used acacia wood to construct a square altar of burnt offering.  It was 7 ½ feet wide, 7 ½ feet long and 4 ½ feet high. He made horns for each of its four corners so that that horns and altar were all one piece.  He overlaid the altar with bronze.” Exodus 38:1-2

Confession?  My eyes glaze over a bit on certain parts of the Bible.  This was one of them. Why do I need to know the specifications of the tabernacle?  Why does this take up so many chapters in Exodus? It is not the parting of the Red Sea, the burning bush or the Ten Commandments.

Sometimes we miss stories in His word because they may appear insignificant.

But there is no detail in God’s eyes that is insignificant.

Let me say that again.

There is no detail in God’s eyes that is insignificant.

The word detail can have two meanings.  It can be an individual feature or to assign someone to a particular task.

Do you see how God is present in both meanings?

He hand picks Bezalel for the task of constructing the Tabernacle and then gives him what he needs to perform the tasks.

“All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their offerings to the Lord.  They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of the rituals, and for the sacred garments.  Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the Lord their offerings of gold-brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers and necklaces.  They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the Lord. All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather.  And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them to the Lord. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project.” Exodus 35: 21-24

God not only spoke to Bezalel, but also to all who would have a role in the building of the Tabernacle.  He spoke to those who could construct, engrave, sew and donate materials. Each person had a role to play.  No role was insignificant.

Think about how more relatable His word becomes when we feel like He is speaking directly to us.  And our hearts stir when we understand we all have a significant place in His kingdom.

Friends, God is in every detail of our lives : the occupations that we have, the tasks we perform and in what we give.

And like the tiny colorful beads used to make this beautiful picture, when arranged by His hand, we each help to create something of extraordinary beauty bringing glory to His kingdom.

There is no detail in God’s eyes that is insignificant.

Amen.