November 3 - Design and the Divine

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 25:1 – 26:37
"Tabernacle Plans"

Focus Verses: Exodus 26:30-31
30 "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain. 31 "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman.

Insight:
The plans for the Tabernacle were more than functional in nature. The plans incorporated artistic beauty, required the expertise of skilled craftsmen, and were constructed with precious and costly materials. This portable worship center was to be the center of the community as they traveled toward the land of promise. It was a reminder of the centrality of worship in all of life. It represented God's presence with them and among them on their journey.

Response and Action:
Beauty and artistry are important ways to honor God. They heighten my worship experience and remind me of God's presence. Sacrifice and skill are valuable in shaping ideas about who God is and what it means to worship him. Art in life can serve to remind me of God's presence. It can point me to the source of beauty and truth--God himself.

O God, thank you for all the beauty in my world. Thank for giving humanity the capacity to appreciate and create beauty. May the gifts we bring and the care with which we bring them be a glory to you, and a testimony of your goodness. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Phil. 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
In Context: Philippians 4:4-9

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:19-20
"By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew."

Resources:
Art & Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts
by Hilary Brand and Adrienne Chaplin