Salvador Dahli, 1951
John 14:1-14
This fine print was the most recent installment of my long-tended sermon series, MasterPeace, using fine art of exquisite artists, covering about 1000 years of art linked with the tapestry of redemption found within the Old and New Testament. Some sermons (about 9) have been aligned with paintings, like this one; others have been paired with musical works (about 6), like Beethoven's Symphony #7, movement 2. Sometimes its sculpture or photography (about 5); but God's Word in the Scripture always speaks poignantly to me, especially when I can have a visual or audio focus to it. I know I am not alone in this, which is why I continue to add more pieces.
It is thrilling and moving to me to see the play of shadow and light, to follow a light source, examine the symbolism of the artist, determine the perspective and study the detail of precision. I enjoy the expressive arts, which engage and embrace you, which tenderly, but unmistakeably draw you deeper into thought and inspiration, bringing contemplation and illumination. And having that inspiration, thought, illumination and contemplation centered on God. An artist does not need to have "labeled" themselves as Christian for me to appreciate what they created. I am moved and inspired by creation, and what artists produce frequently resound deeply with me.
Salvador Dali has an exceptional perspective which I appreciate, but mind you, my home is not a gallery dedicated to the lifetime of his works...some of his stuff is, well, not my cup of tea. There I said it...yet of this MasterPeace sermon series, I use 3 of his paintings. He was very spiritual, very Jesus-centered in his spiritual depictions, and what his own words say about this creation here preaches volumes.
The detail in this painting may be too small for you to see, but within this depiction, it has profound doctrine displayed. The perspective shown is as from above, as the artist describes, as if God the Father was looking to the world through the sacrificial death of Jesus. The light is warm and comes from above, as if the hope and direction are coming from God. There is an extended triangle displayed, through the outstretched arms of Christ and His bowed head, symbolizing the impact and presence of the Trinity. The cross is dark, and extends to earth, which is shown as a desert with mountains and a lake with a boat and fishermen. The perspective from above connects those dwelling on earth with God through the impact of the Christ of the cross. There are no nails holding Christ to the cross, not in His arms, hands or feet yet He remains suspended.
Christ was held on the cross not by spikes and spears - no, He was kept there by the sin of the world. Our indescribable gift from God, that while we were still sinners, yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 8:3-4; Romans 5:8) Our indescribable gift from God, He prepared an eternal home for us because of Jesus (John 14)
And though resonating with the study of John 14 and Romans 5 and 8, though having prepared this sermon through inspiration, prayer and study, my favorite part of worship this morning was nothing that I did at all. A week ago I gave my daughter a song to please sing as a solo, when she was ready, and she was ready sooner than I expected so Dave added her to the morning bulletin. I was totally floored as my baby girl was singing,
Jesus, I heard You had a big house where I could have a room of my own.
Jesus I heard you had a big yard, big enough to let a kid roam.
I heard you had clothes in Your closet, just the right size that I wear.
Jesus I heard if I give You my heart then You'll let me go there.
Jesus I heard about mealtime when all the children come to eat.
I heard you had a great big table where every kid could have his own seat.
Jesus they said there would be plenty of good things to share.
And Jesus, I'd just like to tell you I sure would love to go there.
Jesus, I heard in your big house there's plenty of love to go around
I heard there's always singing and laughter to fill the place with happy sounds.
And I've been thinking that a friend who would give me all that He's got
Before I even have met Him, well, He sure must love me alot.
Jesus, I'd just like to tell you I sure do love you alot!
Amber Thompson
With not a dry eye in the house, now I need to stand in the pulpit and speak, as my prayer is, "Lord, please I need some composure, I can't cry my whole way through this sermon." Dave said after, "It was a fine sermon, hon, but Abby got me and had me for 20 minutes!" Too true. It was a perfect pairing, and when delivered again, her song will be after the sermon. The terms of eternal life, provided by Jesus Himself in His own words (John 14) and hearing those promises paraphrased through the depth of simplicity in a child's voice - can there be a deeper message?
God has prepared for us, there are no circumstances or pains or joys that are beyond His touch or His reach. He cares about you, He calls you to faith, He sure does love you alot.
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