|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 4, 2005 WINDOWS |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for Friday, February 4, 2005 By Penny
Risen
Matthew
6: 22-23
The blue Post-it on the calendar stares at me urgently:
“See new exhibit at National Gallery!” it declares.
Now, most people don’t make a museum visit a top priority, and I’m sure your
Post-its prompt you folks to accomplish many more interesting things.
Perhaps, “Buy chips for Bridge/Poker/Boggle … Night!” and “Pay college
tuition bill!” or maybe, “Mother-in-law coming – clean guest room!”
For me, Rembrandt is urgent: This 17th century master finds windows to souls.
Very easy to understand and appealing to look at, his paintings and etchings let
us peek into a faraway room with his subjects. We’re welcome to gaze deeply
into their lives, look into their eyes and see what moves them.
"Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes
wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.
If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is
a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark
life you will have!” - The Message Bible
In spite of his debts, illness, marriage problems and critics’ challenges of his remarkable artistic gifts, Rembrandt van Rijn kept his eyes wide in wonder. In this passage recorded in Matthew from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke to us all: About how to keep our love and enthusiasm about the world and people around us; how to let in the Light. Even though Jesus wasn’t actually talking about artists, this wisdom surely applied to Rembrandt, his abundant talent, and unique vision he chose to share. His enduring appeal centuries later is testimony to this fierce Light.
The man looked past the everyday troubles of his life in Amsterdam and the artist in him took over, often searching the Bible for inspiration and enlightenment. Countless of Rembrandt’s works have a Biblical theme: apostles, saints, Jesus and His life, the Holy Family, Abraham and other Old Testament figures and events. And in every work, the artist’s brush strokes let us see into his subject’s soul. One look into their eyes and you can sense their joy, hurt, fear, sorrow and their humanity --- even Jesus painted by Rembrandt looks warm and approachable as a beloved brother.
So, I have an appointment one afternoon soon with “Rembrandt’s Late Religious Portraits,” at Washington’s National Gallery of Art. For this free exhibition, works were generously loaned from all around the world, and from private and museum collections.
If art isn’t your style, you don’t have to go far to heed Jesus’ advise and find something to brighten your day: It’s just outside your window.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, Your inspiration for artists and musicians, writers and other creative folks is such a great blessing. Help me to keep my eyes open to the world’s wonders, and see Your love in all things. Amen.
 |
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |