To my artistic brother, the sanctuary constructor

23 Apr, 2026

Dearest brother,

If you are artistic in any way, shape or form, will you consider it sacred?

If you like making anything, creating anything, absorbing (reading, listening, watching etc) anything and find joy in these activities, I believe it is a sacred essence that makes you like our Father - one of many things about you that's included in the "made in the image of God" package.

Oh, brother, the world has made it so that unless you are "very successful" in your artistic pursuit, you won't make a lot of money and won't be valued or well-regarded. In fact, the time spent that does not lead to an income or a 'beautiful' product is usually regarded as a waste, unwise, and 'unproductive' by a world that worships productivity, demanding the flourishing of your soul as a sacrifice.

What's the use of a man's poetry? What's the value of a man's song?
It is everything, brother. I would love to read your poetry. I would love to read your story. I would love to listen to you play music or watch you dance. I would love to hear you tell me about your special interest. Show me your peculiar creation. I might not understand it, but you can explain it to me. Because through it, I see you and I hear you - the very you that shines. Because through it, I see God making the heavens and the earth, the leaves and the grass, and smile at them.¹

Oh, bring back my brother's smile! Let him engage with the artistic and creative part of his soul!

Do you remember how, in Exodus, God filled His chosen people with His Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of skills, 'to make artisitic designs' and 'to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts'? And did you catch that it specifically said the work carried about by them was 'the work of constructing the sanctuary'?

Brother, your artistic craft is a sanctuary construction work.
Your art is the very place God meets His people, the very place He meets you.

Before any priestly ministry was ever conducted in the Tabernacle, artistic work was done. While only the Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, the artistic craftsmen had already laid hands on the Ark of the Covenant. How intimate is this closeness and understanding of creative work! The craftsmen may never enter the Holy of Holies to see their work again, but they knew exactly what it looked like.

Of course the enemies want to keep you away from your art. Of course strongholds of seemingly legitimate reasons have been built to stop you from constructing the sanctuary in your soul and in your community where God meets us.

Promise me you will not deny yourself the creative gifts Father had given you. Promise me you will give it the time and love that it deserves. It is really not a hobby. It is your likeness to God our Father. Neglect it not.

And I pray that all your endeavours and all creation by your hands (physical and spiritual) will prosper, that you can be at peace knowing Who looks after you and your household.

Go meet Him! Go meet yourself.

With love,
Josephine.