Beauty

Read Job 31

Read 1 Kings 7

When the temple was completed it was then time to put all of the furnishings in it. These were very sacred items used in the worship of the One True God by Israel. All of them were holy, meaning that they were set aside for sacred purposes. Some of them were very costly. Some were ornate. Together they made the most magnificent building every made even more beautiful.

When it comes to architecture buildings are often evaluated concerning their form and function - aesthetics and practical usability, I suppose you could say. The objects in a room are judged likewise - their lines, shapes, colors, patterns, and how they compliment or supplement one another.

Really, the temple must have been the most stunning sight on the planet. And why shouldn't it be? That was the place where God Himself came to be with his people (as we'll hear tomorrow). That was the place where God came to forgive sins, and to make a people his own. That was the place where heaven came down to visit earth. Beautiful.

Jesus tells his disciples that he has come to replace the temple. Maybe he didn't look that ornate or beautiful (in fact, Isaiah prophesied that there would be nothing about his appearance that would make us desire him), but in the person of Jesus Christ, heaven had indeed bowed down to earth to touch us with grace. Where did God come to forgive sins and make people his own? In Jesus. This is why when Jesus died and finally and fully won forgiveness through the cross, the temple curtain was torn. Jesus' flesh was torn so that the curtain that separated men from God would be torn in two.

And that is not all! Jesus continues to be in and among us. He has promised to be with us if even two or three gather together in his name. He promises to be with us to the very end of the age. He promises to continue to help us in times of trouble, to forgive all our offenses, to lead and guides us, to protect us from all harm, and to bring us safely to our heavenly home!

And one of the ways he powerfully delivers all this is in the divine worship service (that means in church!) Heaven bends down to earth to touch us with grace. So, is it any wonder why some of our Sanctuaries are beautiful and ornate? I'm not saying that have to be. Since North America is the 3rd largest mission field on the planet, maybe there is something to having simple structures that are easier to setup and maintain in an environment that is hostile to the Christian message (and it is hostile! - if not violently, then with a subtle philosophy and antichrist "religious" teachings). I guess I am trying to say that I understand simple, plain, and functional.

But I think our Sanctuaries - and even more so: our lives - should be beautiful. God has given us abilities. We have gifts. Talents. We have creative expression and an appreciation for the beautiful. We can and should use that to glorify God and proclaim Christ - painting, sculpting, singing, composing music, playing instruments, designing, building, crafting, etc. We can use the arts for the glory of God.

After all, the temple was beautiful, Christ is and always will be beautiful, and because of his transforming love, we are beautiful too.

Thanks be to God!

Ask Yourself:

What gifts can I use for the Lord in my church?

How can I use my gifts to proclaim Christ outside of church?

Pray:

Pray from your heart concerning the answers to the questions. Thank the Father for the beauty of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. Ask for his strength for holy living. Ask for his guidance as you use your creative expression to proclaim him.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!