The ultimate craftsman

Maesbury Shropshire. Images taken by Sarah Joy Holden ©️

The concept of "God the craftsman" portrays God as a skilled artisan who creates and shapes the universe and humanity with wisdom and care. This idea is found in various contexts in the Bible, emphasising God's creative power, ingenuity, and deliberate design in all things. In Genesis, it depicts God as a craftsman who forms the world from chaos, using words and actions to shape the heavens, earth, and all living beings. Then, in Exodus, it says God empowers skilled artisans like Bezalel with wisdom and craftsmanship to build the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Psalms often celebrate God's creative power and the intricate design of the natural world, viewing it as evidence of God's craftsmanship. The Prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a potter shaping clay to illustrate God's power over his people and his ability to create and restore them.

So, when I woke up this morning, God had already painted me a beautiful picture. A live image of Skies in blue and earth in an array of many colours. God has been at work even before we’ve opened our eyes, painting the canvas of earth, sky and sea. Like unwrapping a gift, as we draw back the curtains, getting a sense of His Majesty, as we sit with our morning cup of coffee or tea.

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. He is the master craftsman. May we take delight in his craftsmanship. And through the day, God will add to the canvas, changing the colours and tones. For by the stroke of his brush, which is held in his hand, great works of art are formed. By night, a new canvas of texture and colours will be painted. By day or by night, there is no escaping his artwork on display. So many canvases of art are hung in God’s collection, seen in the heavens and the earth; everyone is treasured, and every detail is priceless.

What is the scene God has crafted for you today? A scene of colour, beauty and sound; delighting our spirit and soul. I just love the concept that He is our Craftsman. Perhaps it comes from being a creative writer and paper crafter. Yet nothing I create can ever be as wonderful as that which my Heavenly Father Designs, writes or draws.

Give thanks to our Lord, our God and King, for the image he has painted in front of us today.

July's thunderstorm Clouds. Images taken by Sarah Joy Holden ©️