02/23/08
By Dawn Haas Rhude

Art In Worship

God created us with different gifts. While some of us see value in function and practicality, others find it in art and creativity. In the book of Exodus, the Bible speaks of the gifted artisan. Isaiah mentions the skillful artisan. The Lord created artists to make life more pleasant by creating beautiful things for the glory of God and the enjoyment of others. We can express through creative means the truth of who we are. David danced before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14) because he felt happy and blessed. In The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke chapter15), the celebration was through music and dancing. When the Spirit of God enlivens artistic talent, it becomes an act of worship. Nothing speaks this message clearer than Psalm 149, which is all about music, singing and dancing. You might recognize its popular verse “Let them praise His name with the dance” (verse 3). God has greatly enriched our lives with beauty, and we in turn express our gratitude by displaying His glory in our art. God delights in the creative gifts he has granted to us.

A page torn from an unknown daily devotional was my inspiration for this article. I cannot give that daily devotional proper credit in the form of a bibliography since I don’t know its title and author. I referenced the Bible; the scriptures are listed above. So I cannot take credit for any original concepts, I simply wanted to share my thoughts. I am thankful the page was passed on to me; God knew I would use it well.

During my work on this article, this poem was sent to me by a friend via forwarded email. Hmmm….

Musical Power by Virginia (Ginny) Ellis

Oh, to be a musician

To have an instrument to play.

To pour one’s soul into each note,

To let the music have its way.

To release one’s pent-up passion,

Be it anger – be it love.

To play with true compassion,

As a gift from God above.

To express one’s inner joy,

To let one’s spirit soar,

To free one’s self to dance,

To sing loudly from one’s core.

To tease and please one’s inner child,

To relieve and ease one’s aging mind.

To soothe and smooth one’s secret hurts,

To trap, to free, to lose, to find.

To allow one’s heart to burst,

To seduce with notes of love,

To communicate with angels,

To slap the devil’s glove.

To do all this with music,

What an awesome, wondrous feat.

Such power in one’s fingers,

In one’s voice, in one’s feet!

To command the world’s emotions,

What an international rush!

Just by playing music,

Or… is the music playing us?