Be Creative

You have probably never heard of Bezalel and Oholiab, but I have been thinking a lot about them recently. They appear once in the Bible, in the book of Exodus, which documents the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to wanderers in the desert.

Exodus 31v1-6 says this. “The Lord said to Moses, “I have chosen Bezalel, son of Uri and grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, making him highly skilled, resourceful, and knowledgeable in all trades. He’s a master artist familiar with gold, silver, and bronze. He knows how to cut and set stones and how to work with wood. He’s an expert in all trades. Also, I have appointed Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan, to help him. I have given every craftsman the skill necessary to make everything I have commanded you.”

On the surface, this doesn’t sound particularly enlightening. No doubt you know many skilled artisans and may even be one yourself. In the likeness of our Creator, we are called to make many things, from works of art, beautiful furniture, jewellery, needlework of all kinds and, of course, stories. Most of us have a creative side to us.

The thing that intrigues me, however, is that Bezalel and Oholiab have been slaves their whole lives. They have never had the time, energy, or opportunity to display their skills and crafts. They would never have seen a precious stone, let alone have the opportunity to use them in their leisure time.

The only things they would have made are bricks. Straw and mud were their mediums. It was back-breaking, soul-destroying work. After a long day, the only thing they would be capable of is eating a quick meal and falling into bed. They didn’t have days off or holidays. They couldn’t call in sick.

Until this point, Bezalel and Oholiab had no idea they were skilled in this way. And not just skilled, but a master in their field. What a delightful thing to discover.

Despite loving stories and wanting to write them since childhood, I never had the opportunity until later in life. I dabbled, of course. I wrote all the time, but they were half-hearted attempts that didn’t go anywhere. The chance to write full time only came when I was in my late fifties. I self-published my first book when I was sixty. I would never claim to be a master of my craft, but I am improving and refining my skill all the time. And it has been wonderful.

Life is hard, especially now. Prices are soaring. The chance to own your own home is increasingly difficult. Work across the board demands longer hours and more effort while giving less money and manpower. People are stressed. Anxiety and other mental health issues are on the rise. Add to that the threat of war, or rogue viruses like covid, and you don’t have an environment that encourages expressions of artistry. Even schools are dropping the arts and doubling up on Maths and English.

We need paintings, music and stories. They make our imagination soar, fill our hearts with joy, and speak to our innermost being. Yet we are not encouraged to practise these things. They are seen as frivolous and a waste of time.

Despite having never done anything like it before, Bezalel and Oholiab were supernaturally gifted to create works of art and beautiful things. We may not be as fortunate, but that doesn’t mean we have no talent. Beethoven didn’t compose his symphonies on his first attempt. Michaelangelo learnt his craft as an apprentice. Susan Mansbridge’s first draft was terrible! (Thank you, Becky, for seeing through the rubbish and encouraging the storyteller to improve!)

I would say, I can’t draw or compose music. This is not really true. I can draw – I have the tools and the ability, but what I produce isn’t great. Does this mean I should never sketch? Not at all. If I enjoy it, I should do it as much as I like. My efforts may never be hung in a gallery, but that’s not the point. It brings me pleasure, it delights God, and it is good for my well-being.

Draw. Paint. Dance. Sing. Write. Compose.

No matter what age you are.

Who knows? You may discover you have a hidden talent just waiting to be unveiled.