Masterpiece // Exodus 35 - Craft
Mason Grant Interview
What Does Art Have to Do with God? Understanding Your Craft as a Calling
Of all the things happening in the world—wars, political tension, injustice—why in the world would a church spend several weeks talking about… art?
It’s a fair question. If you wanted to learn about Michelangelo, you could go to a museum. If you wanted painting lessons, maybe you'd watch old Bob Ross episodes. But the gospel? Faith? Discipleship? Isn’t that something different?
Here’s the surprising truth: God is the ultimate artist. The more you explore Scripture, the more clearly you see that the entire story of creation is a masterpiece—and you’re part of it.
Creation as Craft
Most ancient creation stories from other cultures tell of the world being born out of violence or chaos—gods at war, giants vomiting up the earth (yes, really). But Genesis gives us a radically different vision: creation formed not in anger, but in artistry. Not forged like a weapon, but crafted like a sculpture.
The word we’re focusing on is “craft.” In Hebrew, the word is mela’kha—a divine skill, an intentional act of creation. When God made the world, He wasn’t rushing or improvising. He was crafting. Designing. Shaping something beautiful on purpose.
God Gifts Craft—and Purpose
Fast forward to Exodus 35, where the Israelites—newly freed from slavery—are instructed by God to build a portable sanctuary, a tabernacle. God doesn’t just tell Moses what to build. He identifies the very people to do it. The Scripture says He “appointed by name” a man named Bezalel, and “filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, and with knowledge in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 35:31).
Bezalel wasn’t just a guy with talent. He was called, empowered, and appointed by God for a purpose.
That same principle is true for us today.
Your Craft Is a Calling
Whether it’s painting, music, technology, teaching, gardening, baking, organizing, or speaking—your unique skills and passions are not random. Your craft is a God-given creative ability, fueled by God’s Spirit, wisdom, and understanding—for a purpose.
That purpose? To bring glory to God.
When you use your gift, no matter how “ordinary” it may seem, you’re participating in something holy. You’re joining in the creative rhythm of God Himself. And when you use your craft to serve others, build the church, and express beauty and truth—you’re not just “being productive.” You’re worshiping.
From Drums to Divine Direction
One powerful story from the sermon involved a moment in Pastor Trey’s childhood. One Saturday, the church drummer was suddenly unavailable, and a spontaneous “audition” began. Kid after kid tried the drums—nothing clicked. Then the pastor, only ten years old at the time, sat down and instinctively started to play. A hidden talent emerged. That moment would lead to years of drumming in the church, a lifelong journey of discovering and stewarding a gift he didn’t even know he had.
The lesson? Sometimes your craft finds you—and when it does, God is ready to fuel it, grow it, and use it.
What’s Your Mela’kha?
So the question for you is this: What’s your craft? What unique ability has God given you? And how are you using it—not just for work or fun, but for worship?
Whether you’re building, baking, organizing, mentoring, or creating—it matters. Your craft reflects the creativity of your Creator. Your craft brings God glory. And your craft can become part of God’s redemptive masterpiece in the world.
So don’t bury your talent. Don’t dismiss your gift. Don’t underestimate the divine power of your craft.
God is an artist—and so are you.
