Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?
Mark 8:18
Have you ever met those people that just don't seem to "GET" art in its various forms? They see a painting and don't "get" it.....and dismiss its worth. They listen to music that is out of their norm and don't "get" it...so they dismiss its worth as well. There are many things I don't care for, but usually I can find something about most art that I'm able to appreciate. Why is that? I have knowledge, understanding, and experience within the arts. These things allow me to appreciate works of art even if I don't "get" it. I am able to pull out aspects of the work that connect back to my knowledge/understanding/experience, and I'm able to trust that the artist knew what they were doing or what they were trying to communicate through their work. I'm able to see beyond what I'm seeing.
In this passage of scripture from Mark, Jesus is addressing the disciples. If you read the context, you will see that the disciples just don't "get" it. Part of me wonders how they could not "get" things when they had Jesus right their with them?!?! The other part of me is relieved by their lack of understanding....because a lot of the time I'm in the same boat as the disciples. How many times have I seen God work in my life, in others' lives, or read His Word, but I still live like I just don't "get" it. For some reason these things I've seen the Lord do have not found their way to my heart. I doubt. I worry. I stress. I plot & plan. I don't trust. I don't understand. I don't get it.
Seeing is only the surface of understanding. We have to ask God to take those things we've seen Him do in us, through us, and around us....and make it heart knowledge that truly impacts us...changes us! That way when life throws a situation at us that we don't like the looks of.....we can still see God & trust that He will use all things for His glory(Romans 8:28). Knowledge(seeing), understanding, and experiencing allows us to know He is trustworthy. We can appreciate the situations of life that lead us into a deeper relationship with the Lord.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Allow me to take all the things I've seen you do
...all the promises you've given me in Your Word
and live like it. You have shown me Your faithfulness.
I want to be transformed by Your
truth...grace...love!!!
AMEN
LOVE reading your devotionals connecting two important things to me: my faith in God and ART! :)
ReplyDeleteAvon, Indiana. I teach middle school Art. Thank you for the reminder to open the eyes of my heart especially during the busy stressful start of a new school year.
ReplyDeleteCentral Florida, grades 7-12.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that teaching is the most important job a person can do as it opens so many possibilities for our children and future. I might not pray out loud but I pray often, "Let me do this right.". It is wonderful to have found you and your sight.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that sometimes I have to wait for understanding. I do not always have time or patience for the wait, but am never disappointed when it finally dawns on me!
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