The other day, I was doing a bible college assignment on the book of Ephesians - (it's a fantastic book, you should read it some time.) I ended up reading a story in Acts that talks about the Ephesian church (chap 19), and as I read it, a few things really stuck out to me. I want to share some thoughts with you, and I pray that this speaks to you in some way. This is a bit rough, but I'm sure this will make at least some sense to you:).
Have you ever been to a rock concert where it seemed like the lead singer had the audience “in the palm of his hand”? You might have seen this influence used for good, or maybe you've seen it used for not so good! In Acts chapter 19, a whole crowd of people was influenced in a direction that wasn't so good...
Let's look at the story in Acts 19, picking it up in verse 29.
“Soon the whole city was in an uproar... The people rushed as one man into the theater” (Acts 19:29)
That's a pretty big riot. Imagine a whole city, all moving in the same direction (yet still in chaos – see v32). Sounds crazy!!
Let's look at the context of this verse: At this time, God was on the move in the region. People were getting baptized in the Holy Spirit, “exraordinary miracles” were happening, people were repenting, the church was growing... Things were going well. Have you ever had a little bit of opposition come your way when things things are going well?
It's not really a suprise then that in verse 23 it says that “About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way [the Christian faith].”
And how did this great disturbance take place? It was started by an artist named Demetrius.
Demetrius was a craftsman. He was a silver-smith who made shrines (small statues) of one of their gods/idols called “Artemis”. He was a very influential person, as we soon find out. He held a meeting, gathered the other craftsmen together, and told them of the “danger” to their business, that Paul's message was presenting.
Verse 28: “When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians”.”
So Demetrius managed to get a small group of people – let's say, an artistic community – to join his side.
Then the very next verse says:
Then the very next verse says:
“Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater.”
This small group of artists had such an influence, that they sent the whole city into an uproar, and they all rushed “as one man” into the theater. (The rest of the story is very interesting. Again, it's Acts 19. Have a read some time...)
I believe the time is coming when artists in the church will have that kind of influence, and you and I are called to be a part of it. (Let's be a part of the revival part of the story though – not the working against God part!)
This week, I started thinking about the little artistic community in this story. I began wondering where the other “artistic communities” are in the bible – that were doing their art for God.
The first example I thought of was Bezalel and his crew in the Old Testament. It's a classic Scripture:
“Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you”
Bezalel was filled with the Holy Spirit – the most incredible, powerful, creative being in the universe today. He had “skill, ability and knowledge” that came from God. It also says that God gave “skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you” (v6)
In this passage, and the chapters that follow, we see that the craftsmen aligned themselves with anointed leadership (in this case, Moses). Moses helped them find their God-given role... And from there, they employed their skills to build something that God was building. The work continued in Ex 31 and 35-40. As a result of this, God came in power!!! (Exodus 40:34)
We would do well to learn from these guys. Align yourself with an anointed, apostolic leader (or leaders), and get serving. Bring your gifts to the family table, and see what happens. In the kingdom, submission is an incredible blessing! Like the men in the above story, we would do well to use our gifts and talents to build whatever God is building. It's another classic Scripture, but Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church”. So guess where the best place is to go?
I believe, deep down inside of me, that God is taking back the arts and the media for His kingdom, and His purposes and that the church will once again be a leader in those areas. People will be drawn from far off to hear and to see the incredible songs that are sung in His house, and it will all be for His glory.
The bottom line is, join a church. It's better to join a bad church than none at all. Of course, I'm not saying that we shouldn't get out into the marketplace as God calls... but God's kingdom comes first. And what's the primary way that God is bringing the kingdom to earth? It's through His church!
“...God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
Pastors and church leaders: We need to continue to make a place for creative types... We need to accept them love them, and disciple them. We need to help them find a way home – to the church.
Artists: The church is where it's at! Go where God places you, and no matter what you see at the moment, remember that God has a plan, and He will see it come to pass. Just continue to be faithful in the little things, walk in integrity, and let Him prepare you for what's ahead.
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Psalm 1:3
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
