I was listening
to a video on the internet called Worldview Everlasting this
morning. The pastor who puts this series
of informational videos was doing a program called Ask the Pastor 2.0, and
he dealt with a question regarding icons; a.k.a. images, and their use in
worship. (www.worldvieweverlasting.com)
This is an
interesting topic in light of Exodus 25-31, and the construction of the
tabernacle. I found something that Rev.
Fisk said helpful for our conversation regarding the details, the beauty, and
the purpose of the architecture of the tabernacle and our church
buildings. Speaking of the crucifix, and
the other images you find in a church he said that these, “preach,” the Gospel
to us. They proclaim God’s Word to us in
a visual way.
The major part of
Exodus 27 that does that for is the great concern for details and perfection in
all that God commands regarding this structure in which He will dwell among His
people. Notice, the altar is square, the
tabernacle itself perfectly rectangular – 50 cubits x 100 cubits – and even its
height is half its length, and the oil that is to be used is particular – pure,
beaten, not pressed, from olives.
All of this was
to point to God’s holiness. Holiness is a word we throw around in the
church, but we don’t always spend a lot of time thinking about it. On one level it means sinlessness. God is holy because He does not sin. This word sets apart that which is clean,
pure, and sacred.
The tabernacle,
with all of its symmetry and beauty was intended to communicate to the
Israelites and the nations around them that they too were given this holiness
by God’s dwelling among them. God chose
Israel and by His choosing made them holy – consecrating them for Himself.
As New Testament believers, holiness is what
is imparted to us through faith in Jesus, by His death and resurrection. As the Word says, “But you are a chosen
people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1Pe 2:9 NIV)
We were once in darkness, sin and depravity, but now we have been called
out by Christ to be His people walking in the marvelous light of His presence. Now our desire is to share that “chosenness”,
“royalness”, holiness, and possessed-by-God-ness with others.
How do we do that?
The bulk of this happens through words; words
that proclaim the Word – the message of Jesus, crucified, risen and coming
again – in its fullness of Law and Gospel.
It happens in conversations over coffee, preaching in church, teaching
in Sunday school, and beyond. It happens
in connection to water in Baptism, and in, with and under bread and wine in the
Lord’s Supper for our forgiveness.
But it also happens in imagery; like the
picture a friend of mine made based on some sketches I doodled and my sermons
that she listened to. It happens in
stained glass. God’s Word is preached in
paintings, statues, crucifixes, and other symbols that connect us back to the
Word, pointing us not just to a holy God, but to the God who makes us
holy. They remind us of God’s grace, and
in so doing encourage us in our faith.
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| My Picture of Grace by Lora Riethmeier |
Father in Heaven, Help me to appreciate the works of art that proclaim Your
Word. When I see a crucifix, a biblical
painting or other image communicating something about You, bring Your Word to
my mind, and encourage me by Your grace.
Amen.
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