Worship Leadership: as Work of an Artistic Master Craftsman

 Our pastor, Dr. Steven Weems, has been going through Exodus these past weeks and gave special emphasis in 31:1-4 that God had equipped Bezalel as an “artistic master craftsman.”  The following thoughts find their genesis in that Bible study.   

Exodus 31: 1Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.

Context: In Exodus 25 and following, God gives Moses details of how the Israelites worshipped. God has already equipped those He desires to lead out in this project. God is never haphazard in how He works. {Notice that though Moses does communicate the instructions, he does not do the work himself but relies on those to whom God has equipped.}                                        

See, I have chosen God had selected who He wanted: Bezalel, who was not even of the tribe of Levi, but of Judah.

I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills Whom God calls, He also equips, first he was filled with God’s Spirit. Notice that God’s infilling was for a specific purpose: to make artistic designs. To accomplish this task, God’s Spirit gave him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skills.  Knowledge alone was not enough; skill alone was not enough; he needed discernment that could only come from the wisdom and understanding that only the Spirit of God could give.

to make artistic designs {The NASB uses “devise devices” as in the work of a master craftsman.}

The images on top of the ark of the covenant and the others woven into the curtains were not images for worship, but reflections of God’s holiness and majesty. The command to have “no graven image” was related to worshiping something other than the one true God, not the elimination of art not used as objects of worship.

Why did God insist on using a Master Craftsman, that would be filled with His Spirit in the making of the objects used in the tabernacle for worship? Just as the heavens and earth reflect the majesty and glory of God which He created, so anything that was to be used in worship was to reflect God’s nature and character. God chose a human master craftsman to reflect the beauty inherent in all that He does, even though in its actual use, very few would see the Ark since it would be behind the curtain in the Holy of Holies. It was not just to “show off.”  All related to the worship needed to reflect God’s holiness, His purity; so that even the sacrifices themselves had to be “without spot or blemish.”

Applications for Present Worship Practice.

The passages are “descriptive” and not directly “prescriptive;” that is, they describe how God was establishing worship practice from a new model distinct from what they had seen in Egypt. They are not providing building plans for current worship centers; we are no longer limited to a single place but are commanded to worship in Spirit and Truth as found in John 4. Though not “prescriptive,” there are some principles and truths that can be helpful today.

1. God’s nature has not changed. He is holy, perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing, full of mercy, grace, and love. We need to approach God with the awe of Who He is and in gratitude for what He has done; never casually, or flippantly.

2. All we offer to God in worship needs to be the best we can offer.  The “best” for some will be different than others but is acceptable in a similar way that a pint jar “full” of water and a gallon jug “full” of water are both “full.”

3. Worship leadership must be committed to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

4. Those involved in the leadership should aim toward developing their skills as a master craftsman. I am fully aware of the dangers and pitfalls of developing and performing as “art for art’s sake.” I am not promoting ridding our ministry teams of volunteers whose desire to serve is much greater than skilled artistry. Nor am I encouraging hiring only “professionals” who may be impeccable musicians, but lack spiritual depth. Worship is not performance. The success of the performance is based on audience response; in worship, there is only an audience of One– all participants yield all their efforts in the recognition of Who God is, What He has done, and responding in complete obedience to His commands.  Worship leadership is the facilitation of congregational response.

5. The temptation to “stop improving” is great, especially when we get to a point where we can function reasonably well, we allow the rigors of responsibility to take priority over skill development.  Great pianists remain that way because they never get to the point where they believe they don’t have to practice. The worship leaders that continue to develop the various aspects of their craft, while deepening their relationship and knowledge of God, maintain effectiveness throughout advancing years. Those who do not can become easily bored, discouraged, and seek other opportunities.

6. Whom God calls; He also equips. However, the equipping is a process that requires discipline on our part.

7. We must always remember that all that is done must be done for God’s glory and not that of those involved.

Haunting Thoughts: Psalm 106

Psalm 106 begins like so many of the others, a call for thanks and praise for who God is and what He as done [1-3]. In verses 4-5 the psalmist recites a personal plea for God to remember him with favor, which led him into a prayer of corporate confession of sin: not just for the sins of the past generation, but of those living now.

“6 We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, We have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.”

He then remembers how God in His mercy and grace saved them from the attacking army and delivered them:

“8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, That He might make His mighty power known. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; So He led them through the depths, As through the wilderness. 10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.”

When the threat was gone, they praised the Lord. But their focus was more on getting relief from their suffering than on praising God’s power and grace.

“11 The waters covered their enemies; There was not one of them left. 12 Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.”

Because their focus was on relief from suffering and hardship more than God and His goodness and grace, when the suffering stopped, they soon forgot all that God had done, and their focus returned to their pleasure and comfort. When they desired the meat and could only remember the “good times” of the past, they complained to God. However, God’s response this time was different:

“13 They soon forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel, 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tested God in the desert. 15 And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.”

God gave them what they desired, but because their focus was not really on Him, He allowed them to attempt to fill their desires with that which could not be satisfied, resulting in a “leanness in their soul.” The word “leanness” here can also mean “wasting disease,” but the basic result is the same: God was allowing them to experience the result of their desire and focus. Their hope and trust were in something that could not bring the results they so desired.  

This passage sends cold chills down my spine, for how many times in times of difficulty do I focus on my desire not to have to suffer and cry out to God? How many times are we, as God’s people, more concerned with personal comfort than allowing God to reshape our nature and character after His? Regardless of the difficulty, nothing would be worth God giving us over to our “desire” but allowing the “leanness of our souls.”

Knowing that God’s desire for us to develop holiness is greater than just personal comfort is a daunting thought. Notice in the psalm that it was preceded by a time of thanks and praise– but they soon forgot. Regardless of how great our songs of praise and worship are, if we do not keep focusing on God and what He desires, then we too will “soon forget.” We will fall back into complaining and longing for “the better times.” I believe that it is even possible that God may send temporary relief that would only reveal that our true focus was not on Him, but on ourselves and we would be left with the leanness of our desires and not Him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

What is the remedy? What can we do? [1] Recognize as the psalmist did that some of their problems were of their own making, – they had sinned. [2] Confess sin, that is, see these thoughts, motives, and actions as God does: that which is contrary to His divine plan and will for our lives. [3] Repent: With the power of the Holy Spirit, turn our complaining into focusing on who God is and what He has done. [4] Remember: God desires that we reflect His nature and character so that the witness of His Spirit in us is not diminished or hindered and we bring Him glory.

What do we do with our desires and dreams that are good? In talking with my wife, Kathy, a godly woman with great insight, she stated it this way: Rather than try to force our way to realize our desires or do whatever it takes, we need to surrender these into God's hands and if He chooses to give it to us it will be at the right time and for His glory. If He chooses not to, we can know it was for our good and His glory. 

God's blessings.

Quick thoughts on growing older…

 Quick thoughts…

I was lamenting how age is affecting my body, and so many other aspects of the “me” I have understood for so many years, and in His kindness and mercy, God reminded me of the Zinias in our backyard. They were so beautiful for so long, and now they are barren, almost dead. Yet their purpose is not over, for out of their wilted blooms are  seeds we will use to plant again. We, too, are here only for limited time, to bloom and reflect God’s glory and purpose, but it does not end there, for we must be making seeds to pass on after we are gone.

When things are bad and God seems far away... Psalm 77

Some thoughts that helped me this morning during my time with the Lord and I pray might be for you as well:

1. I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 2 I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. 3 I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak. Selah

At times we find ourselves in deep anguish, circumstances change, those we love may be suffering beyond our capacity to understand, or even in our attempts to be obedient things just seem to get worse. The psalmist was going through one of those times, though we don’t know exactly why.  Sometimes we pray and... nothing. We pray and we just seem weaker. “Selah” could mean several things, from a musical interlude to pausing to reflect; regardless, let’s do just that: Pause and reflect on a situation in your life right now that might fit the psalmist’s words.  

4 You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and cannot speak. 5 I consider days of old, years long past. 6 At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders. 7 “Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor? 8 Has his faithful love ceased forever? Is his promise at an end for all generations? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah

It’s time to stop and pause again. Memories of days when God was so real; memories of his songs of praise seem to get lost a feeling that God has changed. Discouragement can twist our understanding of God’s nature and make us even question God’s motives. The Psalmist then gives us hope:

10 So I say, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” 11 I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. 12 I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. 13 God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. 15 With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

First, he is honest about how he feels and what he is thinking, but he doesn’t just stop there. Then, though he is confused that God seems to be responding differently, by an act of will he chooses to focus on the work of God: “I will remember,” “I will reflect..” These are more than just future actions; they are conscious decisions that change the focus of his thinking.  He begins to focus on God’s nature from God's works: “God, your way is holy.”  We are encouraged to “Pause and reflect again.” When things seem to be completely chaotic, stop; go ahead and state what you are feeling, but then ask yourself, “What is the truth of God in this situation?” “What do I know is true about God, regardless?” He is in control. He is love and loves you and those you love; even those we do not love. God has a plan and we can trust Him to do what is right, even when we cannot see it right now.

16 The water saw you, God. The water saw you; it trembled. Even the depths shook. 17 The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightning lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked. 19 Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

The Psalmist finishes the psalm focusing on God’s great acts in the past, showing His complete control over all. Notice that God led the Israelites “through the sea” not around it. Even when God’s “footprints were unseen,” it doesn’t mean that God was not there: We can be assured that God is with us, always. Let’s “pause and reflect" on Who God is and What He has done and is doing; then thank and praise Him!

Seven Interesting Parallels in the book of Judges and the Present

 1. Failure to work together and giving up when things get tough. Once the individual tribes received their allotment, there still were areas to conquer. Though a few of the tribes joined together to help each other, most attempted to go it alone and only had limited success and gave up. [Judges 1:19, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34.] 

 2. Failure to teach their children the ways of the Lord. “That whole generation was also gathered to their ancestors, After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works he had done for Israel.” [Judges 2:10; see also 3:1-4] 

 3. They cried out to God only when they thought they needed Him. When suffering the consequences of their idolatry at the hands of their enemies, they would cry out to God, who in mercy and grace would send a leader. Their desire to be released from their suffering was greater than their desire to seek and follow God. [A major theme throughout the book.] 

 4. Weaknesses of the leaders led them to worship the trappings of victory, rather than the God of victory. After Gideon’s triumph, the people began to worship the ephod he had made, rather than the God who had given them the victory. [Judges 8:27] 

 5. Leadership started well but failed to finish well. [Gideon, Judges 8:25-32] 

 6. The people chose leaders who openly violated God's laws, choosing those with the appearance of “strength” rather than Godly character and leadership. [Abimelech-Judges 9, Samson-Judges 13-16] 

 7. The people followed ‘their own truth,” and not God. “In those days there was no king in Israel, everyone did whatever seemed right to him.” [Judges 17:6, 21:25] 

 So What? 

Rather than culture shaping our beliefs, culture has had a greater influence than the church. We need to embrace the principles given in Scripture. Unfortunately, the Christian community is more recognized for the divisions within and the moral failures of leaders than for living examples of Christ’s teachings. We have failed to show to those outside of the church the difference Christ can make in living with integrity and emotional health. We need to seek and worship God because of Who He is, not just because of what He can do for us, and seek leadership who will do the same. 

Let’s join in prayer and repentance to become all that God calls us to be and share the Gospel that is “good news” for our day and culture. 

Focus: Just a few words of encouragement...

“Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.”   [Exodus 6:9]

Initially, the Israelites recognized Moses was sent from God, that God had heard their cries of suffering and was now going to lead them out of Egypt. But when Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and ask to leave, Pharaoh calls them “slackers” and increases their load of labor, requiring the same quota of bricks, but not giving them the straw to make them. Then, he has their overseers beat them because they are not “keeping up.” 

The people go to Moses complaining, stating that he was the cause of their suffering. Moses goes to God, telling Him that he had obeyed,  Pharaoh’s response and that the people are worse off than before. God assures Moses who “He Is” and tells the Israelites that now they will see the hand of God at work– but they cannot hear or believe because of their pain.

The pain and suffering are real. The blood from the lashes on the backs of the laborers was not an illusion. The hope of deliverance vanished in the hopelessness they saw in the situation.  When we shift our focus from the truth of who God is and His promise to the difficult circumstances we may be experiencing, we will lose hope and discouragement will come.  When we choose to focus on the truth of who God is, we are not denying the gravity of the pain, and the severity of our circumstances, but placing them into the hands of the only one who can really do anything about them. 

Through trusting God amid hurt, we get to know Him in deeper and richer ways: in distress and grief, our Comforter; in confusion, our Rock and Teacher; in sickness, our Healer; in danger, our Shelter.  Leaning on what s the truth of God in our circumstances builds our faith and helps us grow in Him.  

How can we do this?  Here are some ways to begin: 

1. Lay out your hurts and situation before the Lord in prayer. Share your honest feelings and fears, confusion, anger, and hurts to Him. 

2. Recall Who God is, His great works, His love for us that sent Jesus to suffer and die for us; recall His greatness, His mercy, and grace.  

3. Thank Him for Who He Is and that He has not changed. 

4. Give Him, lay before His feet all these feelings, people, situations, —give them all to Him in faith.  

5. Remember Jehoshaphat’s prayer when surrounded by the enemy: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” [2 Chronicles 20:12]. 

6. Thank Him for what He is going to do. Wait and hope in Him. 

7. Remember: You are not alone, He has promised never to leave or forsake us.