Naming
Today, Pastor Amy talked about Revelation 2:12-17 in the first of a series of sermons based on the art shown at MCC during ArtPrize. Today, we heard from Jim VanderMolen about his piece, Column of the Spirit.
"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
13. I know where you live--where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives.
14. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
15. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
16. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
In the Bible, we see that by naming something, we have authority over it. God gave some people (ie. Abram and Jacob) new names which signified a transition or a new status. In Isaiah 62, it says on the day that God returned, His people will be called by a new name.
Even though we deserve a black stone, God will give us a white stone because of His grace. We were invited to write the name that we believe God will give us on a white stone and place it at the base of the sculpture.
Jim VanderMolen's Artist statement: My proposed sculptural installation, Column of the Spirit, draws on my experience as an architect, artist and child of God. Inspired by various liturgical furnishings and towers I have created for church clients, as well as odd bits and pieces from off-the-shelf and discard bins, this work invokes the creative, dynamic power of the Holy Spirit that dignifies the ordinary with joy and grace.
Labels: artprize
posted by Jewels @ 3:44 PM
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