Creativity is one of the hallmarks of God’s nature, and being made in His image, humans too have been endowed with the ability to create. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of how God uses human creativity to achieve His purposes. Yet, like any gift, creativity can be both a blessing and a stumbling block, depending on how it is deployed. One of the clearest illustrations of this dual nature is the story of the Nehushtan—a bronze serpent that began as a symbol of salvation but later became an object of idolatry.
In the book of Exodus, we encounter two men, Bezaleel and Oholiab, whom God called and empowered for a specific purpose: to design and craft the articles of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-6). These men were not only skilled artisans but were filled with the Spirit of God, giving them the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge needed to create items that reflected the divine nature.
The Tabernacle, with its intricate designs and sacred objects, was a space where God’s presence would dwell among His people. The artistry of Bezaleel and Oholiab was a means through which God’s people could connect with Him in worship. Their work was not merely decorative but sacred, serving as a tangible reminder of God’s holiness and His relationship with Israel.
This shows that creativity, when inspired and directed by God, can serve a higher purpose. But it also points to the danger that comes when the focus shifts from the Creator to the creation, as seen later in the story of the Nehushtan.
The bronze serpent, or Nehushtan, was first introduced in Numbers 21:4-9. During Israel’s journey through the wilderness, the people complained against God, and as a result, He sent venomous snakes among them. Many were bitten and died, but when the people repented, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who looked at the serpent would be healed and live.
The bronze serpent was a powerful symbol of God’s salvation but at the time, it was a temporary solution for a specific problem. It pointed to God's mercy and grace in a moment of crisis, and it served its purpose as a conduit for healing. Importantly, the serpent itself had no power; it was God who provided the healing, and the serpent was merely the physical representation of that act.
This event foreshadowed the ultimate salvation that would come through Christ, as Jesus Himself referenced the bronze serpent in John 3:14-15, comparing it to His own crucifixion. Just as the Israelites looked to the serpent for healing, all who look to Christ on the cross receive eternal salvation.
Though the Nehushtan served its purpose in the wilderness, it did not remain simply a historical artifact. Over time, the people of Israel began to venerate it, even burning incense to it. By the time of King Hezekiah, the Nehushtan had become an idol (2 Kings 18:4). What had once been a symbol of God’s provision and salvation was now being worshiped in place of God.
This transition from symbol to idol highlights a critical lesson: even the most sacred of objects or symbols can become dangerous when they are divorced from their original purpose and elevated beyond their intended role. The Nehushtan itself did not save; it was God who saved. When the people began to worship the bronze serpent, they lost sight of the true source of their salvation, turning what was once a tool of divine grace into an object of idolatry.
The story of the Nehushtan serves as a warning to remain in tune with God’s ongoing instructions. While God’s Word remains constant, His specific instructions often vary depending on the time, place, and situation. In the wilderness, God used the bronze serpent for healing. But by the time of Hezekiah, that symbol had become a relic of the past, no longer relevant to their current spiritual needs.
This speaks to the need for believers to seek God’s guidance continually and not rely solely on past revelations or experiences. Just as Israel needed to recognize when the Nehushtan had outlived its purpose, we must be sensitive to when God is calling us to something new. God’s instructions are often tailored to specific seasons, and we must be willing to move forward when He does.
It is crucial to understand that no symbol, practice, or tradition holds intrinsic power apart from God. The Nehushtan was never the healer; God was. In the same way, no religious object or practice, no matter how sacred, can replace the dynamic, living relationship with God.
In Philippians 4:12, Paul writes, "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." This statement encapsulates the attitude of righteous indifference—an understanding that one’s circumstances do not dictate one’s relationship with God.
This concept of godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6) teaches us that we must hold everything in life loosely, including the things God may have used in the past. Like Paul, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances without letting our faith waver. Whether in times of plenty or need, we are called to be content and to trust in God’s sovereignty.
In practical terms, this means recognizing when something that once was useful has now become a hindrance. Whether it is a religious practice, a tradition, or even an object, we must continually evaluate its relevance to our walk with God. If it begins to distract us from God rather than point us to Him, it is time to let it go.
Action Points for Staying Aligned with God
Recognize the Source: Understand that all good things, including creative expressions, come from God. Keep your focus on Him, not the things He has made or provided.
Be Attentive to God’s Guidance: Just as God gave specific instructions for the creation of the Nehushtan, He also gives us guidance for each season of life. Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and be willing to let go of past methods when God calls you to something new.
Avoid Idolatry: Guard against elevating objects, traditions, or even spiritual practices above their intended purpose. If something starts to take the place of God in your life, it has become an idol.
Embrace Contentment: Like Paul, learn to be content in all circumstances. Recognize that God’s presence and His Word are constant, even when situations change.
By remaining in tune with God and understanding the dynamic nature of His instructions, we can avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and continue to grow in our relationship with Him. Creativity, when aligned with God's purpose, is a powerful tool, but it must always serve the Creator, not replace Him.
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