I loved the analogy my pastor, Peter Vogt, shared in church this Sunday. He was describing how Michelangelo took a hunk of flawed marble other artists had rejected, and claimed it for himself. Then he dedicated years to chipping away everything that “wasn’t David,” and sculpting the breathtaking masterpiece we see today.
But even after the sculptor was finished and paid for his work, he didn’t wash his hands of it, but instead remained involved in every step of the process of seeing the statue moved carefully to its rightful place, and protected along the way.
I could relate to this even as an “creator” on a much smaller scale, crafting novels and chipping away at unnecessary words for months on end. While it is a relief to send off my manuscripts to editors, I still feel very maternal toward each of my books, and care about how they are edited, promoted, and received by readers.
The pastor brought out the fact that however much a creative, devoted artist cares about his statue (or book :)), God cares about us—his creation—even more. And not only about people, but the entire world, for he is the Creator of all things.
Pastor Peter went on to talk about how we are to love and care for the world like God does. And while we don’t condone sin, we are supposed to engage a world full of flawed people (ourselves included), and not withdraw from it. We are to be agents of reconciliation by honoring God, showing love in action, and pointing the way, so that others will be reconciled with God and develop a relationship with Him as well.
I am no theologian and don’t know what all that means, but for me this week, it means looking for ways to love and care for the world—the people I meet and the world I walk through. And to look for ways to honor the one who redeems us, loves us–flawed though we are–and allows us to play a small part in His restoration of the world.
What does it mean to you?
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Hi Julie
I love the picture of The David. I had the pleasure and privilege of seeing it up close and personal this past summer. It truly is a piece of marvelous, creative art. A masterpiece. Just like each one of us. I love the hand on it…The hand of God…Michelangelo truly used his sweet spot…sculpting..for God’s glory. People all over the world get to gaze on a masterpiece daily. Michelangelo obeyed God’s calling on his life and created for His glory. Just like you Julie…creating works of written art for many to know of God’s goodness…one book at a time. I just had an opportunity to be Jesus to someone in my life. So hard when I know what she needs…Jesus. But, it is my job to be Jesus to her and not her judge. I am so flawed and in need of His grace every hour. thanks for the post.
Oh, Gail, what a wonderful response! I’m so happy for you that you were able to travel to Italy. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to see this in person. God bless you as you represent Jesus to the people in your life who need Him.
I was able to see The David once when I was a young teenager. It really was/is a masterpiece — I still remember standing before it in awe. It’s amazing to think that Michelangelo was only 26 when he began the statue and that he spent two years working on it intensely. (To me, it looks like he spent 20 years on it)!
I love your pastor’s analogy, comparing the work done on David to the work the Lord is doing in each of us. Thanks, Julie!
I didn’t realize he was so young at the time! Wow. I’m a slacker. 🙂 Thanks, Becky. And yes, I love a good analogy like this!
Very inspiring post, Julie – – thank you.
I especially love your last 2 paragraphs – – very powerful. 🙂
Congrats on your latest book – – will be getting it soon!
Hugs, Patti Jo
I want to have a greater respect for all living beings. Not only is it my responsibility to share the gospel with unbelievers but it is also my responsibility to protect the unborn. Psalm 139 tells us God knew us before we were born. He had plans for each of us. Psalm 139 says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. It also says He knit us together in our mothers womb. God planned us , than created us and watched over us as we grew in our mothers womb. When we were born He watched over us and all during our lives He loves and cares for us. All He ask from us is to love Him and follow Him.
I believe that if a child is considered to be life after they are born than after they are conceived and while still in their mothers womb they are a living being. I believe it is my responsibility as a Christian to protect and defend the unborn. Just as a statue is a work of art or creation we are also a creation and work of art. We were created in God’s likeness and so I want to be mindful of how important human life is.
Blessings
Shirley
Great post, Julie. And a lot to think about. I’m currently chipping away on my manuscript, due this Thursday, and I’m sometimes tempted to say, “Good enough,” and hand it in. Thanks for reminding me to work harder for perfection.