Alec Garrard, 78, has dedicated a massive 33,000 hours to constructing the ancient Herod's Temple, which measures a whopping 20 foot by 12 foot. The pensioner has hand-baked and painted every clay brick and tile and even sculpted 4,000 tiny human figures to populate the courtyards.
Historical experts believe the model is the best representation in the world of what the Jewish temple actually looked like and it has attracted thousands of visitors from all over the globe. But Mr. Garrard, who started the elaborate project in his 40s, says his masterpiece will not be finished in his lifetime.
I am in awe at artist, architects, craftsmen, musicians, and writers who glorify God in their unique gifts, skills and talents. Our timeless classic masterpieces like Handel’s Messiah, Leonardo da Vinci’s, The Lord’s Supper, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Painting, Solomon’s Temple, and the Psalms stand on the pinnacle of tangible creative worship to glorify God. We not only marvel at the exceptional human endeavor, but also we worship as it transcends human hands to the exaltation of God.
Today, when I am privileged to witness another express or share their gift, talent or skill in worship to God, I feel as if I am invited inside their personal life while they express their love and devotion to our Creator. I have witnessed creative worship over the years through Christmas dramas, Passion Plays, chorals, specials in church services, professional concerts, and my favorite is attending youth Fine Arts festivals. When I become engaged in a drama, human video, or skit I feel the emotions of the actors. I laugh at the insightful humor of puppet skits, ventriloquists, or videos. I worship along with each ivory key note and chord offering exaltations to heaven or become energized with each electric pick and driving beat of youthful praise. I see through the artist’s eyes, the majesty of God’s creation in photography, sculpture, art or crafts. I am blessed as I am enraptured in their expressions of praise and worship.
Like the farmer in Virginia, we all have a gift, talent or skill to creatively worship God. When we take the risk to share it with others, we invite them to worship alongside with us. Our Heavenly Father shares his creativity to us from the intricacies of the human cell, to earthly landscapes to the unfathomable expanse of the heavens. His joy is to see his creative nature reflected in our expressions of worship back to Him. Let your creativity lead you to worship God with your mind (right-brain), your hands, and your heart and share it with us.
O God my heart is steadfast: I will sing and give praise, even with my glory…I will sing praises to You among the peoples…For Your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your Glory above all the earth. - Psalm 108:1,3,5-6
Scale models are fascinating. Like having or holding or driving or flying the real thing...but without taking up as much space or costing as much money! As a boy I spent many hours building and painting a number of WWII model airplanes. Then I imagined flying in them, and winning the war through one heroic act after another.
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