Created in God’s image, we as humans create as well. It may be a beautiful painting, a joyful song, a thought-provoking essay, a calming poem, or a captivating photograph. Or it could be a new business venture or organization — like the now officially launched Shifting Waters Leadership Institute (SWLI).

Reflecting upon this moment of creation borne to fruition, I can’t help thinking of the book of Exodus and the creation of the tabernacle. Meant to be beautiful itself, it was built through the craftsmanship of Spirit-filled artisans and the heart-offerings of Israel to house the ultimate beauty of God’s glory. And it was meant to cultivate the beautiful relationship between God and his people, displaying his heart for the entire world.

So in that spirit, as SWLI sets out and as you embark on any creative endeavor, consider the following three passages about the tabernacle and how you might seek God’s provision of pattern, power, and presence. You can use the closing liturgical poem as a prayer toward that end.

Pattern

“Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.” – Exodus 25:9

It’s easy for me to glaze over the detailed instructions God gave for constructing the tabernacle, from dimensions to materials to object placement. But these instructions, given twice, highlight how committed God was and is to establishing a relationship with his people — even after their disobedience. In my own practice, I’ve noticed God doesn’t always give me the same level of specificity when he calls me to create. But in not getting the specifics up front, I find that I am more continuously dependent on God throughout the process — checking in with him, asking questions, sharing my heart — to confirm that I’m moving in the right direction. And even if my creations don’t follow a step-by-step plan, I do have a “pattern”: As Peter wrote, Jesus has “[left] you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Power

Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan.” – Exodus 35:30-34

I have always loved the fact that Bezalel’s calling here in Exodus marks the first mention in Scripture of a person being filled with the Spirit — and it’s for the craftsmanship to create a communal work reflecting, housing, and displaying God’s glory. To follow suit, I can’t rely on my own strength and skill (which is itself God-given in the first place). Instead, I ask that his power be made perfect in my weakness, my limited understanding, my small part of the much larger picture. Whether by natural talent, supernatural gifting, or a combination of both, my creative expressions must be empowered by God in order to glorify him, edify his people, and invite others to experience him.

Presence

Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. – Exodus 40:36-38

Even after the tabernacle is completed, I think there’s a lesson for setting forth. Whether starting a creative project or finishing one and moving on to what’s next, I always want to be where God is. If he’s not done with a project, I’m not done. If he’s moving on, it’s the season for me to move on. I may not currently be called to wander in a literal wilderness, but even the metaphorical creative journey demands that I echo Moses’ words to God: “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). For even having the pattern to follow and the power to create mean nothing without God’s presence, and it’s his presence that I want my heart and my work to house.

*****

A Liturgy for Tentmaking

Creator redeeming all things — please come create with me.

Master artisan, you made me in your image from the start.

Even now your hand renews me and rebuilds my sinful heart.

Creator redeeming all things — please come create with me.

And so I heed the call to follow you, to restore your dwelling place,

To gather nations in to meet you and someday see you face to face.

Creator redeeming all things — please come create with me.

I might not see the blueprint that Israel was shown,

But Jesus is the perfect pattern, the way the Father here is known.

Creator redeeming all things — please come create with me.

The Spirit’s first indwelling imparted talent, wisdom, skill,

And now I call the same One for the power to do your will.

Creator redeeming all things — please come create with me.

But like Israel, I need your presence to guide my hand with care,

For if your cloud and fire leave me, I’m not going anywhere.

Creator redeeming all things — please come create with me.

Now may this work of heart and hands reflect all you mean it to,

And let each word, line, note that comes lead always back to you.

Creator redeeming all things — please come create with me.