A Prayer for Memorial Day</h1> <article> <h1>A Prayer for Memorial Day</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:30:58 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>1 Timothy 2:1-2</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>1 Timothy 2:1-2</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a day when we who live in this country remember with gratitude those who have died in military service. On this occasion, I would like to offer a prayer for Memorial Day. I realize that many who receive these Daily Reflections do not live in the U.S. If you are a citizen of another country, you are welcome to share in my specific prayers, or you can use them to pray for your own country and its leaders.</p> <p> My prayer reflects the imperatives of 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Here, we are told to "pray for all people" (2:1). Nobody and nothing lies outside of God's providence, therefore it is appropriate to pray for all people and all concerns. In particular, though, this passage urges us to pray "for kings and all who are in authority" (2:2). Since most of us in the world today are not ruled by kings, we respond to this directive by praying for our leaders.</p> <p> I offer this prayer as a citizen of the United States, but most of all as a citizen of God's kingdom. The King of kings and Lord of lords is indeed sovereign over all nations and peoples.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Gracious, Sovereign God, Lord of all nations,</p> <p>On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect upon our blessings as a nation and the high cost of those blessings for many. We offer our prayers of thanks and intercession.</p> <p> Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land.</p> <p> Thank you for those who have served in the armed services of our country, risking their lives for our liberty.</p> <p> Thank you for those who have given their lives in service to our country, sacrificing in such a costly way for the sake of others, including me.</p> <p> Thank you for a day set apart, not just for celebration, but also for solemn remembrance as we consider the sacrifices of so many in our military.</p> <p> O Lord, may we be more aware of just how blessed we are as a nation. May we be more grateful for our blessings, more faithful in stewarding them well, more eager to share them with others.</p> <p>We pray today for the families and friends of those who have given their lives in service to our nation. May they be comforted in their sadness. May they be reassured that the sacrifice of their loved ones contributes to a worthy cause. May they be proud of those they have lost, entrusting their ultimate fate into your gracious hands.</p> <p> Even as we remember those who have given their lives in the past, we also think of those whose lives are on the line today. We consider especially the men and women who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in other places of conflict and violence. Protect them. Encourage them. Bring them home safely...and soon.</p> <p> Give wisdom to the leaders of our armed services, that they might know how best to deploy the troops in the cause of freedom. May their efforts be successful, so that peace with justice might be established in our world.</p> <p> Guide those who lead our nation in international affairs. Help them to pursue diplomatic paths that prevent needless conflict. May they have your wisdom about when and how to use the military might you have entrusted to us.</p> <p> God of peace, stir in the hearts of the leaders of all nations and in all who would use violence to further their cause. Change their hearts and minds. Give them a passion for peace. Bring an end to the pain, suffering, injustice, and violence in our world.</p> <p> We know, dear Lord, that ultimate peace will not come until your kingdom is here in all of its fullness. Nevertheless, we pray for a foretaste of the future. We ask for the growth of peace throughout our world today, so that fewer and fewer men and women will have to risk and even to sacrifice their lives. We long for the day when people will “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Is.:4).</p> <p> May your kingdom come, Lord, and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!</p> <p> All praise be to you, God of grace, God of mercy, God of justice, God of peace, King of kings,and Lord of lords! <em>Amen</em>.</p> <p> P.S. from Mark: I have shared a bit of my own experience of Memorial Day <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/2012/05/28/memorial-day-gratitude/">on my blog today</a>.<br /> </p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/claireburge/galleries/72157629959923429/">Images</a> sourced via Creative Commons.</p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=-JYELdgDy-Q:YIyW8J7n3V4:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=-JYELdgDy-Q:YIyW8J7n3V4:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>What Should a Christian Wear?</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:00:03 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 132:1-18</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>May your priests be clothed in godliness;<br /> may your loyal servants sing for joy.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 132:9</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Early in my pastorate at Irvine Presbyterian Church, I stirred up a storm by what I wore—and didn't wear—when I preached. As it turned out, congregation members were impressed by what they called my "flashy ties." In actuality, I was wearing what had been normal in the church in Hollywood where I had served as an associate pastor. But my "flowery ties" were a bit much for the simple-stripes taste of the Irvinites.</p> <p> More controversial, however, was my decision not to wear a clerical robe when I preached. Partly, this had to do with the heat in our un-airconditioned worship space. But, mostly it had to do with my sense that Irvine Presbyterian tended to regard its pastors as the only true "ministers," thus minimizing the calling of the laity into the ministry of Christ. I believed that my choice to not wear a robe would underscore a right biblical theology of ministry. It did this, though with great controversy and complaint. For years, some church members continued to express their unhappiness that their pastor was not wearing a robe when he preached.</p> <p> At this point in my life, I'm less worried about what pastors wear when they lead worship. I'm much more interested in what all of Christ's ministers—namely, all Christians—"wear" each and every day. Using the language of Psalm 132:9, I want to ask myself: Am I clothed in godliness? I want to ask you the same question.</p> <p> The Hebrew word translated here as "godliness" is more often translated as "righteousness" (<em>tzedeq</em>). It refers, on one level, to right living, to acting in a way that honors God. But <em>tzedeq</em> is a relational concept, which begins in our right relationship with God that is expressed through right relationships with others. Thus, to be clothed in godliness means living each moment in a way that reflects the presence of God in our lives. It means treating others in a way that glorifies God and reflects his own character.</p> <p> Do I put on God's righteousness each day? Do I wear it to work? Do I wear it at home? When people see me, do they see God's presence and power?</p> <p> <strong>QUESTION FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:</strong> How would you answer the questions I just asked of myself?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER:</strong> Gracious God, sometimes we can worry way too much about what we wear, our physical clothing. Help me to be even more concerned about whether or not I'm dressed in your righteousness. May I seek to honor you in all that I do, each moment of each day, in public and private, in work and in rest. Be glorified in and through me, O God. <em>Amen</em>.<br /> </p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/claireburge/galleries/72157629959923429/">Images</a> sourced via Creative Commons.</p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=5XYNHCuZuPQ:MW1EmOlUUmc:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=5XYNHCuZuPQ:MW1EmOlUUmc:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>A Calm and Quiet Soul</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Sat, 26 May 2012 07:00:04 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 131:1-3</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,<br /> like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.<br /> Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 131:2</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>When I was a young child, I suffered from terrible nightmares. Every couple of months, I’d start crying out in my sleep. My parents would rush in to comfort me, but they’d have a difficult time waking me up. Finally, their efforts would be successful, and I’d begin to calm down. Usually, at this point, my dad would return to bed and my mother would rock me to sleep. I can vividly remember the feeling of being safe in her arms, protected from the terrors that had filled my sleep.</p> <p> Psalm 131 uses such an image to convey what it’s like to have a calm and quiet soul. David, who wrote this psalm, learned not to concern himself with matters that were too great for him to grasp. Rather, he humbled himself as a child in a mother’s lap: “I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk” (131:2). The original Hebrew of this passage reads, more literally, “I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child upon his mother.” The image conveys, not a solitary child making himself feel better, but rather a young child who is comforted and reassured in the lap of his mother.</p> <p> How tempting it is for us to concern ourselves with matters that are too great for us, with needs and problems that exceed our grasp. We can try to run the world, or at least our part of it, as if we had the authority and ability to do so. The result of such presumption is a sense of worry and frustration. How much better if we learned from David how to humble ourselves and find rest in the lap of our God who comforts us like a loving mother with her young child. From that place of security, we will find the strength and wisdom to do our part in the world, serving the only One who has the power and right to run the world.</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION</strong>: When are you tempted to concern yourself with matters that are too great for you? What helps you to be humble and quiet in the “lap” of God?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER</strong>: O Lord, you know how easy it is for me to have a proud heart, to feel as if I need to take charge for that which is not my responsibility. I do have a tendency to take upon myself that which is rightly yours, as if it were my job. Forgive me for my arrogance and folly.</p> <p> Help me, dear Lord, to humble myself as a young child, to know the safety of your embrace, even as I once experienced the safety of my mother’s lap. May I trust you, release myself to you, lean back into your loving strength.</p> <p> Thank you, gracious God, for being so present to me, so faithful, so strong when I need you. <em>Amen</em>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=AXoVrDNlNRU:MrijxfkY2pw:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=AXoVrDNlNRU:MrijxfkY2pw:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Add to the Beauty</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:52:44 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:1-26</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Above the entrance, from the interior to the exterior of the temple, and on every interior and exterior wall, there were carved winged creatures and palm trees. The palm trees were positioned between the winged creatures, and each winged creature had two faces.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:17-18</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>During the past several days, I have been reflecting on various implications of a passage in Ezekiel 41 in which God reveals his plans for beautiful decorations of the temple in Jerusalem. I began this series of reflections by asking: <a href="http://www.thehighcalling.org/reflection/can-architects-serve-god-their-work">Can architects serve God in their work?</a> Ezekiel 41, along with many other passages of Scripture, suggests that the answer is "yes."</p> <p> But, even if you and I are not gifted in architecture and other artistic fields, we can still imitate the God who created beauty. We have the opportunity to make this world more beautiful in humble and seemingly commonplace ways. In so doing, we can honor God and reflect his creation of beauty. In the fitting words of singer-songwriter Sara Groves, you and I can "add to the beauty" of the world in countless ways.</p> <p> I think, for example, of my wife's rose bushes. When we lived in Irvine, California, Linda planted a couple dozen rose bushes in our front yard. She did so, in part, because she loved their blooms. But, by planting them right by the street in front of our house, Linda shared her roses with our neighbors. Over the years, she received dozens of compliments and expressions of gratitude from those who drove or walked by our house. Linda "added to the beauty" of our neighborhood through her gardening. (You can see some <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/roses-in-irvine/">pictures of Linda's roses here</a>.) Now, I don't believe Linda thought of her rose bushes as somehow imitating God's creativity by adding to the beauty of the world. But, in fact, her efforts did indeed make the world a more glorious place.</p> <p> Now that we live in the Hill Country of Texas, Linda doesn't plant rose bushes. They'll grow here just fine, but the deer in our neighborhood would quickly devour them. So, instead of roses, Linda has begun sowing wildflowers in order to beautify our yard and our neighborhood. During last year's drought, her labors appeared to be in vain. But, this year, our yard has been wonderfully blessed with Bluebonnets, Horsemint, and Indian Blanket flowers. We're pleased to enjoy them and glad to share them with our neighbors.</p> <p> You might not be able to plant flowers where you live. But, in countless other ways, you can "add to the beauty" of God's world where you live, where you work, where you attend church, and beyond. Sometimes, it can be as simple as picking up litter. Or you might share a photo of a rainbow on Facebook.</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:</strong> In what ways have you added to the beauty of this world? Can you think of new ways you might add to the beauty of your part of the world?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER:</strong> Gracious God, what a privilege it is to be able to make a difference in your world. Thank you for allowing me to "add to the beauty" of your creation by using well the gifts you have given me. May I be a good steward of these gifts, so that you might be glorified and people might be served.</p> <p> Give me eyes to see, Lord, how I might beautify my part of this world. May I do this in imitation of you and for your glory. <em>Amen</em>.<br /> </p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/claireburge/galleries/72157629959923429/">Images</a> sourced via Creative Commons.</p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=5vbtaXu3tPQ:GAVClKVeuXU:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=5vbtaXu3tPQ:GAVClKVeuXU:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Beauty as a Signpost to God, Part 2</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:00:04 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:1-26</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Above the entrance, from the interior to the exterior of the temple, and on every interior and exterior wall, there were carved winged creatures and palm trees. The palm trees were positioned between the winged creatures, and each winged creature had two faces.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:17-18</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>The fact that we can perceive things as beautiful, I believe, points to the existence of a God who loves beauty and created us in his own image. I talked about this <a href="http://www.thehighcalling.org/reflection/beauty-signpost-god"><u>in yesterday's reflection</u></a>. Yet beauty also calls us to God as it inspires in us a yearning for the author of beauty.</p> <p> Many people who love natural beauty almost seem to worship nature itself. For them, the natural world is all there is to beauty. Christians, however, think differently of the glory of creation. As N. T. Wright explains in <em>Simply Christian</em>, "The Christian tradition has said, and indeed sung, that the glory belongs to God the creator. It is his voice we hear echoing off the crags, murmuring in the sunset. It is his power we feel in the crashing of the waves and the roar of the lion. It is his beauty we see reflected in a thousand faces and forms" (p. 45).</p> <p> Thus, when I am overwhelmed by the glory of a sunset, I am not just experiencing a human response to a natural phenomenon. I am also hearing the voice of God speaking to my heart, calling me to know him, to enjoy him, and to delight in his beauty.</p> <p> Worshiping something beautiful, whether it is natural or made by human beings, is idolatry. Yet, when I allow the beauty of this world to become a signpost to God, then I am drawn to worship the one true God, the creator of all things, the source of beauty who is himself beautiful.</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:</strong> How has the beauty of this world drawn your heart to worship God? What helps you not to worship the beautiful thing, but rather to worship the God who is the author of beauty?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>PRAYER:</p> <p>For the Beauty of the Earth</p> <p> For the beauty of the earth<br /> For the glory of the skies,<br /> For the love which from our birth<br /> Over and around us lies.</p> <p> Lord of all, to Thee we raise,<br /> This our hymn of grateful praise.</p> <p> For the beauty of each hour,<br /> Of the day and of the night,<br /> Hill and vale, and tree and flower,<br /> Sun and moon, and stars of light.</p> <p> Lord of all, to Thee we raise,<br /> This our hymn of grateful praise.</p> <p> For the joy of ear and eye,<br /> For the heart and mind’s delight,<br /> For the mystic harmony<br /> Linking sense to sound and sight.</p> <p> Lord of all, to Thee we raise,<br /> This our hymn of grateful praise.</p> <p> <em>Amen</em>.</p> <p> "For the Beauty of the Earth," by Folliott S. Pierpoint. Public Domain.<br /> </p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/claireburge/galleries/72157629959923429/">Images</a> sourced via Creative Commons.</p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=xdAkqcNe5mQ:qHPvZdeJM2I:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=xdAkqcNe5mQ:qHPvZdeJM2I:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Beauty as a Signpost to God, Part 1</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:00:03 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:1-26</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Above the entrance, from the interior to the exterior of the temple, and on every interior and exterior wall, there were carved winged creatures and palm trees. The palm trees were positioned between the winged creatures, and each winged creature had two faces.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:17-18</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>In the past several days, I have been considering whether it's appropriate to display art in spaces set aside for worship. Along the way, I shared my experience of dealing with this question as pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church. Before we move on from Ezekiel 41:17-18, I want to add a few thoughts on beauty as a signpost to God.</p> <p> For most of my life, I have been deeply moved by beauty, especially natural beauty. I believed that the glory of the world reflected God's creative excellence, and I often thanked him for his creation. But, only in the past years have I reflected more on how beauty acts as a signpost to God.</p> <p> For one thing, the fact that human beings can perceive beauty strongly points to the existence of a creator who made beautiful things and endowed us with the ability to perceive them as beautiful. Oh, I expect that some have tried to explain our love for beauty in light of atheistic evolutionary development. But it requires more faith in nature than I can muster to believe that we just happened to evolve as beings who appreciate beauty. I find it much more credible to see our aesthetic ability as a result of God's creating us in his own image.</p> <p> Thus, the beauty of this world, combined with our delight in it, points to the existence of a creator who loves beauty and who made us as lovers of beauty as well. This is not a strict proof of the existence of God. But it is, as N.T. Wright says in <em>Simply Christian</em>, a "signpost" pointing to God.</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:</strong> Have you ever thought of your perception of beauty as evidence of God's existence? What difference might it make in your life if you took to heart the fact that God loves beauty and made you to love it too?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER:</strong> Gracious God, for decades I have thanked you for the beauty of your creation. Even today, as I look at the deep blue sky and the bright green leaves outside of my window, I am grateful for this beautiful world.</p> <p> But, in a new way, I have come to be thankful, not just for beauty, but also for the ability to perceive it. Indeed, you could have made this world with a glory that you alone could enjoy. But you have graciously shared it with us by endowing us with the ability to delight in beauty. Thank you, O God, for this marvelous gift. <em>Amen</em>.</p> <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/claireburge/galleries/72157629959923429/">Images</a> sourced via Creative Commons.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=QTUUsPGKqkE:yKyrN1HgA8Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=QTUUsPGKqkE:yKyrN1HgA8Y:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Is It Right to Display Art in Places of Worship? A Personal Story, Part 2</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:00:08 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:1-26</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Above the entrance, from the interior to the exterior of the temple, and on every interior and exterior wall, there were carved winged creatures and palm trees. The palm trees were positioned between the winged creatures, and each winged creature had two faces.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:17-18</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>In <a href="http://www.thehighcalling.org/reflection/it-right-display-art-places-worship-personal-story">yesterday's reflection</a>, I began sharing a personal story related to the use of art in the sanctuary of Irvine Presbyterian Church, where I served as pastor for sixteen years. I explained how, when we built our sanctuary, we included few pieces of art. The sanctuary itself was a work of art, in our view. Moreover, we intentionally included large, clear windows in our design, so that worshipers could look out and our neighbors could look in. We chose to let the artistry of nature inspire our worship.</p> <p> But, not long after the sanctuary was completed, a beloved, 90-year-old member of our church told us that she would donate a very substantial amount of money to add stained glass to all of our windows. Ida envisioned traditional glass art: dark colors, biblical scenes, etc. In the largest window of the sanctuary, she hoped for a traditional scene of Jesus and the children, with a fifteen-foot-high Jesus.</p> <p> As you can imagine, this became a delicate conversation, since we wanted to affirm Ida's generosity but not her design expectations. So we began a long conversation about our diverse visions for the sanctuary and how we believe artistic glass might function in this space. Ida was extraordinarily open-minded and joined our design team. In the end, we did add lots of artistic glass to our clear windows, but maintained their clarity so that we might look out while our neighbors looked in.</p> <p> The artistic glass on our windows employed imagery from the book of Revelation: "Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, shining like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life, which produces twelve crops of fruit, bearing its fruit each month. The tree’s leaves are for the healing of the nations" (Rev. 22:1-2; we also used Rev. 4:7). We called the result "Windows to Heaven," in an effort to show how, in worship, we experience the reality of heaven on earth.</p> <p> We wrestled with Ida's hope for a realistic, traditional, prominent image of Jesus, since the rest of our glass was intentionally impressionistic. In the end, we added a somewhat traditional image of Jesus in a prayer alcove, a private location in the sanctuary that was not visible to worshipers. This pleased Ida, who continues to serve in my mind as a model of graciousness and flexibility.</p> <p> I'm sharing this story, not to suggest that what we did at Irvine Presbyterian is best for all churches. On the contrary, each worshiping community needs to discover how to apply biblical principles to their worship experience. My story serves as an illustration of how one community of believers tried to express in tangible form a biblical vision of worship and art, one in which God is glorified and God's people are bound together in reverence and mutual love.</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:</strong> Given that artistic taste differs widely among people, how can art be used in a worship space so that it unifies rather than divides a congregation? In what ways does visual art help you to worship (or not)?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER:</strong> Gracious God, again, I thank you for creating this world as a place of beauty and for giving us the ability to perceive and enjoy beauty. Thank you as well for allowing us to imitate your creative work by making things of beauty. No matter how talented we are, may we use all of our gifts in service to you, not just in spaces set aside for worship, but everywhere.</p> <p> Today, I give you thanks for Ida and people like her, who are exceedingly generous, humble, and open-minded. May I be more like her!</p> <p> I also give you thanks for those endowed with special artistic gifts. May they use their gifts for your purposes in the world. <em>Amen</em>.<br /> <br /> <strong>P.S. from Mark:</strong> If you ever find yourself in Irvine, California, I'd encourage you to visit <a href="http://www.irvinepres.org/">Irvine Presbyterian Church</a>. The people of this congregation are wonderful, as are its new pastor and other leaders. And the sanctuary continues to enrich the worship and outreach of the congregation. You can see a few <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/irvine-presbyterian-church-some-sanctuary-photos/">photos of the Irvine sanctuary here</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=E7fnvxAkqOw:ivrUVUKJxG8:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=E7fnvxAkqOw:ivrUVUKJxG8:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Is It Right to Display Art in Places of Worship? A Personal Story, Part 1</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:00:20 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:1-26</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Above the entrance, from the interior to the exterior of the temple, and on every interior and exterior wall, there were carved winged creatures and palm trees. The palm trees were positioned between the winged creatures, and each winged creature had two faces.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Ezekiel 41:17-18</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>In <a href="http://www.thehighcalling.org/reflection/it-right-display-art-places-worship">last Friday's reflection</a>, I asked the question: Is it right to display art in places of worship? Ezekiel's vision of the ideal temple in Ezekiel 41 answers that question affirmatively. Today, I thought I would share with you a personal story of my own wrestling with the question of art and architecture in a place of worship.</p> <p> When I began as Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in Southern California, the congregation was worshiping in the building that was slated to be the fellowship hall. They had hopes of building a sanctuary, and that turned out to be central to my work as pastor for several years. I had the privilege of teaming up with a fantastic group of lay leaders who formed our Building Committee. Together, we sought to design and build a sanctuary that would glorify God, encourage people in their worship, build community, and welcome our neighbors to our church.</p> <p> We spent years in preparation, beginning with an in-depth theological study of worship and architecture (a document that had been written before I came to the church). In time, we teamed up with a brilliant architecture firm, Dominy and Associates (now called <a href="http://domusstudio.com/">Domusstudio</a>). Together, we sought to build a sanctuary that honored the Lord in every facet, including the engineering, the budget (!), the visual design, and the inclusion of artistic elements. We wanted the worship space to convey a sense of God's holiness and his loving presence, to direct attention to God, and to nurture community.</p> <p> In our initial designs, we did not include much art, besides the artistry of the design itself and traditional Reformed elements (cross, communion table, Bible, baptismal font). We did choose to do something that was quite unusual for a church in our tradition. The sanctuary design included many clear windows that would enable worshipers to look out and people in the neighborhood to look in. We believed that the main "art" of our sanctuary would be the sky, trees, and plants outside of the windows.</p> <p> Given our location on Alton Blvd. in Irvine, our clear windows also allowed worshipers to see cars driving by on the busy thoroughfare, and even a few pedestrians. We wrestled as a committee with whether this was a good idea or not. In the end, we decided that we wanted our congregation to see our neighbors, to be constantly reminded that God had placed us in Irvine for their sake. Plus, we wanted our neighbors to be able to look in and sense that they were welcome.</p> <p> When we began worshiping in our new sanctuary, many people loved being able to look out at the beauty of God's creation. Others struggled with the distraction of seeing cars driving by. I helped them to allow this to be a reminder of our mission to reach our neighbors with the love of Christ. In time, this seemed to satisfy people.</p> <p> But then, we faced an unexpected challenge and opportunity. I'll share more about this in tomorrow's reflection. (If you'd like to see some photos of the sanctuary of Irvine Presbyterian church, <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/irvine-presbyterian-church-some-sanctuary-photos/">visit this page of my blog</a>.)</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:</strong> How does the design of your church worship space enhance (or detract from) your worship? What kind of theological statement does it make? In what ways does the art in your worship space encourage you in your worship?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER:</strong> Creator God, you made the world beautiful, and you made us so that we might enjoy its beauty. Thank you! Moreover, you made us so that we might add to the beauty by using the "stuff" of this world and the talents you have given us. What a great privilege. Thank you.</p> <p> Help us, dear Lord, to seek to honor you in all that we do, whether in building sanctuaries or building houses, whether in teaching children or raising our own children, whether in manufacturing goods to be sold or in selling them. By your Spirit, teach us how to serve you every moment of our lives. <em>Amen</em>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=uPdr67xQFA4:yQCYQ0OdGfg:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=uPdr67xQFA4:yQCYQ0OdGfg:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Does God Keep a Record of Our Sins?</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Sun, 20 May 2012 07:00:03 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 130:1-8</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>LORD, if you kept a record of our sins,<br /> who, O Lord, could ever survive?<br /> But you offer forgiveness,<br /> that we might learn to fear you.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 130:3-4</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>My friend Nick grew up in a church that was very eager to keep him from sinning. Leaders in the church were fond of reminding him and his friends that, someday, when they stood before the Lord, all of their sins would be "shouted from the rooftops." Yes, if they had faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they would be saved, but only after being publicly humiliated before all creation. This threat might have kept Nick from sinning in some cases, but mostly it filled him with terror and with a desire to hide from God.</p> <p> As it turns out, this threat finds little support in Scripture. It is based on a passage in Luke where Jesus warns his disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. They think their sinful expressions will be kept secret, but the time is coming when these secrets will be "shouted from the housetops for all to hear" (Luke 12:1-3). Even if we were to take this language literally, it still refers only to things we say in secret, not to all of our sins.</p> <p> The bigger problem with the threat of public humiliation in the judgment is its lack of fit with biblical teaching on God's amazing grace. Psalm 130, for example, recognizes that if God kept a record of sins, we'd be utterly without hope of surviving (literally, of "standing" before him in the last judgment). But the good news is that God offers forgiveness. Implicitly, God does not keep a record of sins. As he promises through Jeremiah, concerning "the least to the greatest": "And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins" (Jer 31:34). Of course, God has the ability to know every sin we have ever committed. But, as he forgives us, he chooses to look upon us as if we had not sinned.</p> <p> Now, one might fear that this kind of forgiveness might lead to unbridled disobedience. If God doesn't keep a record of my sins, then am I free to sin all I want? In a sense, the answer is yes. But notice again what it says in Psalm 130:4: "But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you." This is not fear of God as in, "Oh no, I'm afraid God is going to wipe me out because of my sin. I'd better hide." Rather, this kinds of fear is profound respect and reverence. The more we comprehend the wonder of God's forgiveness, the more we will freely offer our lives to him in service. We will seek to avoid sin, not because we are afraid of cosmic humiliation, but because we want to honor and glorify the God who has forgiven us so completely.</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:</strong> In your Christian experience, did you ever hear anything like Nick heard? How did you respond to this? How do you respond to the good news that God does not keep a permanent record of your sins?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER:</strong> Gracious, merciful God, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for choosing not to keep a record of my sins. Thank you for offering me full, complete forgiveness through Christ, whose death erased forever the penalty of my sins.</p> <p> Help me, dear Lord, to live in light of the reality of your grace. May my gratitude and awe move me to serve you, both in what I do and in what I do not do. Give me, I pray, a growing disdain for my sin and a growing desire to offer my whole life to you.</p> <p> All praise, glory, and honor be to you, God of grace and forgiveness. <em>Amen</em>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=odnOtV9Q-Fs:8Oh8E981owg:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=odnOtV9Q-Fs:8Oh8E981owg:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Grass on a Rooftop</h1> <p>Mark D. Roberts — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:00:04 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 129:1-8</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop,<br /> turning yellow when only half grown.</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-scripture-citation-2"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Psalm 129:6</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-commentary"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Every now and then as I read Scripture, a word or a phrase jumps out at me. Sometimes this happens because the Spirit of God stirs in my mind. Sometimes I am simply struck by the beauty or even the oddness of an expression.</p> <p> As I was reading Psalm 129, the phrase “grass on a rooftop” caught my attention. That’s not something you hear every day. In ancient Israel, roofs of common homes were often made of beams and branches covered with thick mud. When the rains came, grass seeds embedded in the mud would sprout. But because its roots were shallow and its source of water temporary, the grass on the housetops wouldn’t thrive. It would wither and die even before it was fully grown.</p> <p> I don’t want to be like grass on a rooftop. I don’t want to look as if I’m flourishing in life, only to shrivel up and die. Rather, I want to be like the trees described in Psalm 1. They are planted along a riverbank, with roots burrowed deep into rich and well-watered soil. Thus, they bear fruit in season and “their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Ps. 1:3).</p> <p> <strong>QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION</strong>: What aspects of your life have been like grass on the roof? What helps your roots to grow deeply so that you might live a fruitful life?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-prayer"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><strong>PRAYER</strong>: O Lord, I don’t want to be like “grass on a rooftop.” I don’t want to look good for a moment, only to wither away. I want my life to bear fruit for your kingdom, not just now, but for as long as I live.</p> <p>So help me, Lord, to let my roots grow deeply in your soil. May I be continually nurtured by your Word.</p> <p> May I be watered by your Spirit. May I spend intentional, regular time with you and your people, so that I might be like the trees in Psalm 1.</p> <p> All praise be to you, O God, because you give me life abundant and eternal. <em>Amen</em>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-author-name"> <div class="field-label">Author Name: </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Mark D. Roberts </div> </div> </div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=bVPzIWaOSeU:-vWdBa2Ioh0:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheHighCallingDailyReflections?a=bVPzIWaOSeU:-vWdBa2Ioh0:qj6IDK7rITs"></img></a> </div> </article> </main></body></html>