October 1, 2021
Would you like to meet the artist? Sure! A personal introduction to the creator of the masterpiece? Take me there!
“Would you like to meet the artist?”
What if you heard those words, as you stood before a beautiful masterpiece? How exciting, right?
What if the paintings were too numerous to count? Wouldn’t you wonder, “How many of these are there?”
Imagine hearing “Would you like to meet the artist?” in the middle of your reflection on the beauty of his works?
We just don’t often get the opportunity to rub elbows with a famous person. We don’t even let ourselves expect it. Even saying the words “Backstage Pass” can make our hearts beat a little faster. Who can afford to splurge like that?
“The artist has requested to see you.”
A messenger has appeared and quietly delivered the news: The artist has requested to see you.
He asked for you!
Completely unbelievable.
This is not just a chance to be ushered in with a paying group.
It’s a personal invitation with your name on it!
Somewhat nervous, you follow your delegate. When the door is opened, the artist is waiting. He warmly clasps your hand, calls you by name, and welcomes you in to sit with him. Surprisingly, he knows many things about you, and is tender and warm as he speaks to you. He has a journal of his creations, and opens it to give you a glimpse of his works. You realize that you have seen only a small portion of his creations.
There are too many creations to count, beautiful words and pictures flow from the journal. And he offers it to you.
Keep this journal, he says, I want you to understand me. Somewhat puzzled, you accept it.
Would you like to return to the artist?
He invites you to return with your loved ones for a longer visit. Not for a particular event, or at a particular time. He tells you he will be waiting. He will receive you whenever you call.
Surprised, you find yourself listening for the “catch.” Why does this important, famous, and influential person want your friendship? He is not needy.
As he talks, you realize he is genuine in his goal, to extend this kindness to you and the people you love.
That’s right, there is no catch.
Meeting That Influential Person
Why is it that we are easily awed by television stars, wealthy executives, and powerful people?
What is that mix of fear and excitement that stirs within us when we spot them in public? Or when we discover that someone in our circle knows them?
And yet…
And yet we close our eyes and turn away when the Creator of the Universe calls to us.
Why? Is he not famous enough? Not rich enough? Why do we shun him?
Could be a lot of reasons, right? But maybe the biggest one is that we don’t picture him calling to us.
We picture him at a distance, aloof, unconcerned about the common people.
When he calls, we tell ourselves he wouldn’t do that.
He wouldn’t call to me, wouldn’t have time for me, wouldn’t find me worthy.
We convince ourselves that we are not invited in, that the journal is not for our eyes.
And we are wrong.
- He himself has declared us worthy.
- He is waiting for us.
- He sent the messenger.
Smile, and be pleased. Because you are chosen, and welcome.
Join the Fans Of The Artist
Follow his work, accept the journal, learn the history.
Become a fan.
Understand the question: “Would you like to meet the artist?”
Slow down, quiet the distractions, and hear the call.
Amateur photos this week are my own “captures” of glorious moments. My little I-phone camera will never properly display what was there in the moment.
When I’m at the beach, the overwhelming beauty and vastness of God’s creation calls to me constantly.
There’s something calming about looking around at only nature. No toys, no technology. Just creation, as far as I can see. As far as I can see, with the knowledge that what I see is only a tiny portion of the universe.
Psalm 19:1 says this:
The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands.
He did call you. By name. He did give you the journal. He did seek you out.
He did know your name.
Open your eyes, hear his voice, take the journal, and return.
You are worthy, and you are invited in.
How can we stop, quiet our hearts, and answer the invitation?
The meeting place is prayer.
- The masterpiece of this world is before you constantly.
- The journal of creation and his love for you is already in your hands.
- The place he invites you is simply prayer, right where you are.
To accept the invitation to join him, bow your head and be welcomed by the Almighty God.
Check out this recent daily devotional from Leading The Way, and find out why Prayer is the most important thing we can do as believers.
How can we convey this amazing truth to those who missed it?
Revitalize your Prayer Life
If you would like to revitalize your prayer life, please take a look at the Prayer series here on the blog, starting with How To Pray When You Can’t Focus.
About That Invitation…
Remember what Jesus said in Luke 14:16-24? He had his listening audience, and he explained the invitation this way:
But he said to him,
“A man once gave a great banquet and invited many.
And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
But they all alike began to make excuses.
The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’
And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’
And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master.
Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’
And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’
And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.
For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’” Luke 14:16-24
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-Grammye
I’m Grammye, and I’m collecting and sharing ideas that can help you embrace the life you have.
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