Wise-Hearted Ones: Called By Name. Called By Heart. with Lisa Smith
In this blog post, we'll explore the episode highlights of Called By Name. Called By Heart., focusing on the role of artists as leaders in shaping culture and spiritual experiences.
Unlikely Leaders: Artists in the Desert
When God calls leaders, people often think of pastors, missionaries, and kings as fit for leadership roles. Yet, contrary to expectations, God's choice for leading the Tabernacle project wasn't any of these people, but rather artists and artisans
God's choice demonstrates a profound truth: He often calls upon the seemingly unlikely to fulfill his purposes. For example, he called Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt even though he wasn't an eloquent speaker. So, whether you're a painter, poet, or musician, God has called you to serve him.
The Wise-Hearted Ones: Skill and Calling
Besides God calling unexpected leaders, the story of the Tabernacle showcases collective effort and individual calling. From woodworkers and jewelers to goldsmiths and bread makers, various artists were called by God not just because of their skills but because of their “wise-hearts”.
This term, derived from the Hebrew words ''hak-mat” (wisdom) and "lêb" (heart) denotes a deeper spiritual reality that transcends mere technical ability.
A Calling That Transcends Mere Artistic Ability
In the Tabernacle narrative, God calls upon both men and women to bring their giftings and skills to the forefront. The wide range of makers in Exodus demonstrates a significant point. God's call is uninhibited by man-made, societal expectations about who gets to be involved in making beauty. God’s calls to artists, both men and women, has been obscured or made less noticeable in many contemporary translations of the Bible, reducing the emphasis on the unique calling of artists.
A Lost Part of the Narrative
For example, in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, artists are described as simply skilled individuals, not artists or craftsmen. Meanwhile, in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible, artists aren't recognized at all. Rather, the version's translation uses the word ''man'' to refer to artists God calls to serve him.
While this may seem like a trivial detail and just a matter of semantics to some people, it has had real-world implications, leading to artists feeling marginalized within religious contexts. However, as an artist, it's important to know that God affirms your call.
Art and Faith: A Symbiotic Relationship
The story of the Tabernacle's construction reveals a deep connection between art and faith. It shows that aesthetics are not just an afterthought but a means through which God communicates with His people.
From architecture and fashion to jewelry making and cuisine, God called various artisans to build the Tabernacle, demonstrating His deep appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. This challenges the notion that art is secondary to more ''practical'' aspects of faith.
Therefore, as artists, we should not be dissuaded from pursuing our true calling in favor of tasks considered more practical, like priesthood or evangelism. We should embrace our calling because art matters to God.
More Than Proficiency
Besides the Tabernacle narrative affirming artists, it also implies a calling that goes beyond mere craftsmanship. Artists aren't just skilled professionals. They are ''wise-hearted'' in a broader sense. This suggests a deeper spiritual connection and wisdom, a commitment to serving God with one's entire heart. Therefore, in the context of faith, art is not just a mere decoration. It is a form of worship and service.
Conclusion: A Renewed Perspective on Art and Faith
The story of the Tabernacle demonstrates the deep relationship between art and faith. It reveals that artists are not just extras in the story of God's people, but are, in fact, key figures, called by name and heart. Artists, remember, your work is not just an embellishment, but an integral part of God's divine plan.
Be. Make. Do. is an educational podcast with a conversational format that conveys the foundation of the soul|makers path. To prepare the next generation of culture makers, Lisa Smith shares her unique perspective gained from over 20 years of mentoring and ministering to artists. In addition, the podcast explores some of the big (and sometimes controversial) topics that come with being an artist of faith.
Host Lisa Smith received her BFA in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA and worked as a professional actor for many years before attending seminary. Seeking a way to merge her calling as an artist and a person of faith, Lisa went on to receive her MTS degree from the John Leland Seminary in Arlington, VA. She teaches classes at the John Leland Seminary, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Virginia Theological Seminary on the subjects of worship, theology and arts. Lisa is currently working on the soul|makers curriculum to equip artists to serve as prophetic critics and imaginative visionaries in the world.
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