Fast Devotional #14 – Polymath Capability
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By Greg Attwells – Creative Pastor
Scripture
Exodus 35:30-35 NLT
Insight
The first mention of a person filled with the Holy Spirit in Scripture was Bezalel. He was called upon to head up a building project for Moses. His assignment was to build God a house that He might dwell among His people. God revealed what He wanted that house to look like, but it would take a special gift of wisdom to know “how” to get it done. That is where Bezalel came into the picture. He was given supernatural wisdom to complete the task with artistic excellence. It was wisdom that qualified him to take on the assignment, and it was wisdom that enabled him as an artisan or master craftsman to build what was in God’s heart.
The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. Exodus 35:31
First things first, Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is the Person and Power from on high that enables us to do what only God can do. If we are going to lead with wisdom, then that can only come from the Holy Spirit. We can’t manufacture spiritual gifts. If we haven’t been baptized in the Holy Spirit, then we won’t be able to draw from His grace and power to create, build and lead with supernatural ability.
This passage also reveals something very powerful to the creative person.
It’s the gift of wisdom that enables the artisan.
Proverbs 8:12 says ‘I, wisdom….’ then further down at verse 30 says, ‘When He marked out the foundations of the earth, I was beside Him as a master craftsman.’
Wisdom IS the master craftsman.
The spiritual gift of wisdom is married to creativity and artistic function. The artist draws from this gift. James 1:5 says ‘If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.’ Proverbs 13:20 says ‘Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.’ There are 2 ways to obtain wisdom…. 1) ask God for it and 2) walk alongside wise people.
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian Renaissance polymath. Just like Bezalel, a polymath is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas. A polymath is known to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems. Some may argue this is an apt definition of the function of wisdom.
Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer. Like Bezalel, he was a master at every craft. The gift of wisdom enabled him to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems and meet specific needs. Da Vinci has often been described as a man of “unquenchable curiosity” possessing a “feverishly inventive imagination”. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest painters of all time and perhaps the most diversely talented person ever to have lived.
We are many members of one body. Our church, our movement, can have polymath capability. We can, collectively, be masters at all kinds of crafts. Like da Vinci, we can posses unquenchable curiosity, a feverishly inventive imagination and the special gift of wisdom to create, lead and build what God is building.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Give us great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. May we be a church with polymath capability so that we can represent You with excellence on the earth in all spheres of society. Bring clarity and focus to my unique contribution in our movement so that I can serve faithfully and build what You are building. In Jesus Name, Amen.