FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIRBy Joani Castillo, Founder
While reading in the Word this past week, I was particularly drawn to Exodus 35:1-36:7. In case you’re unfamiliar with this book of the bible, these verses come after the Israelites have been delivered by God from their slavery in Egypt; have grumbled, complained, and rebelled countless times against both Moses and God, ultimately leading to the creation of a golden calf used for their worship; and then received of God’s loving, merciful, longsuffering goodness and forgiveness as He renewed His covenant with them. (Sound familiar?)
Out of all this, God asks the Israelites for a “free will” offering for the building of His Tabernacle/Tent of Meeting (translated from Hebrew: God’s dwelling place). There had previously been many offerings God had required, but this offering, for His dwelling place, was to be given by those “of a willing and generous heart.” In other words, it would be given as an act of worship – as a response of gratefulness for all He had done for them. As I read this, I can’t help thinking God was looking for His people’s hearts…their love, devotion, and commitment. This idea of them “freely giving” was so important to Him that it is reiterated five different times in chapter 35 alone!
As we continue to read, the Lord gives a list of resources and services that may be given as the people’s offering. Everything from gold, silver and bronze to colored yarn, linens, and animal skins; to oil for light, spices for the sweet incense and utensils to make the showbread. Interestingly enough, as I read through the text, it felt like I was putting together a list for our shows: everything from sets, costumes, lighting, props, even performers/ministers. Then He called forth all who were skilled to make all that He had commanded…and filled them with His Spirit, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship…” and in some “He put in their heart to teach.” “They were filled with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen and designers, embroiderers, and weavers. All of them master craftsmen and designers…to carry out the work…just as the Lord commanded. Both men and women, who were willing, brought to the Lord these free will offerings, every morning - until they had brought more than enough, for all the work He had commanded them to do.”
Even as God commanded Moses and the people of Israel to build His tabernacle - His dwelling place - so I confidently believe this is God’s commission to EAS. To train, equip, and commission artists both spiritually (that His Spirit might dwell and work through them) and technically (that they might become skilled master craftsman and designers) that will carry out the work of the Lord.
It’s a God-sized assignment! One that easily overwhelms me when I look at it through my own eyes of understanding, strength, gifting, or ability. But, being confident God has created me for this mission, I am confident He will “fill me with His Spirit, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge: even as He did those mentioned above and those He is inviting to join Him in the building of this “Tabernacle.”
It is with this in mind, looking to our future with great expectation, that I ask each of you to prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you give, as a free will offering, into the building and furthering of this vision. It is my belief God has blessed many of you financially, artistically, and with the abilities and resources needed for the building of this ministry and the lives it will impact for Christ. Over the next few weeks we will be compiling a list of our needs that will be posted on our website as well as promoting many opportunities for you to give and/or serve. Our prayer is that all who are willing and whose heart has been stirred will bring forth their offerings, even as the Israelites did in the book of Exodus…”so much so that they had more than enough.”
Won’t you join us building the ministry of EAS that we might impact the lives of many thus establishing His Kingdom here on earth?
