The Artisan
Last weekend it was the BAFTA’s. The British equivalent of the Oscar’s, where awards are given out for the best films of the last 12 months.
As a film lover, I have watched countless documentaries which reveal how the ‘movie magic’ is achieved. What we see is a collaboration of many creative and technical artisans!
The results are often breath-taking, emotional and on occasions deeply moving. Not only that, art, can bring important issues to a wide audience and even change things.
Take for example the Post Office scandal that has been in the news, since the beginning of the year. This issue has been going on since 1999.
More than 900 sub-postmasters and postmistresses were prosecuted for stealing money because of incorrect information provided by a computer system called Horizon.
I was unaware of this, until ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’ was shown on TV in early January. Like thousands of others, I watched it and was shocked at what happened.
It was this exposure that made the story centre stage, forcing the Government to act. This was a powerful demonstration of the power of art. The television programme reached thousands and raised awareness of the injustice.
Back in the Old Testament, when God brought Isarel out of Egypt, he gave them instructions on how he wanted to be worshipped, by creating a special place called the Tabernacle. God said…
“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze…”
This was the first time we read of someone being filled with God’s Holy Spirit! Bezalel was not a Bible teacher, prophet, or miracle worker… he was a highly skilled craftsman.
God chose him to construct and oversee this special place of worship for the Israelites. Bezalel reflected God – who is the ultimate Artisan!
Art was important to God, and I believe it still is today. Art is powerful. It moves us, inspires us, touches the deep things in us. We need art in our lives.
I also think we need art that reveals the character, nature, glory and mystery of God to everyone!
If you are an artisan, wonderful! May you be filled again with God’s spirit to be the creative person He has made you to be, and may your art inspire people and glorify God!
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader