What Do You See? By Scipio

I was in Florence, Italy three weeks ago immersed in Renaissance Art.  Having studied it in history, I found myself now experiencing it. The experience was far more impactful and enlightening than studying it.

In the world-renowned Uffizi Museum, there was a room that held two paintings side by side.  One was painted by Raphael the other by Michelangelo (not the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ones). The contrasts in styles were vivid with Raphael’s vibrant sharp colors and Michelangelo’s muted colors.  Yet, both were masterpieces in different styles. What’s fascinating is these men knew each other.  The pictures of their art I studied in Art Appreciation class in college did not do them justice.

Down the street in the Academia Gallery, Michelangelo’s “David” stands confidently with a gentle giant slayer look in his eyes.  As I stood there looking up at the 17ft statue I realized Michelangelo saw David as the real giant on that battlefield in the Valley of Elah.  Goliath was not the giant; Goliath was what doubters saw. What do you see in giants facing you? Do you see yourself as 17ft tall and your personal giant, Goliath’s size at only 9ft tall?  If you are a Christian, you should be 17ft tall spiritually. I see angels sometimes, and they are often in the 12-17^th foot range.

Standing there in the Academia Gallery, I remembered something I studied that Michelangelo once said.  He was at a nearby quarry looking for a piece of marble to sculpt.  He saw a peace he liked, and asked the owner how much it cost.  The owner said it had no value.  Michelangelo said, “It has value to me.  There is an angel trapped inside and I must set it free.” What do you see?

I’ve heard it said that, “vision is the gift to see what others only dream”. Jesus frequently said, “blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.” Jesus has proclaimed his message of personal redemption; you must to provide the eyes to see. What do you see?

The Bible says Jesus came to earth in the” fullness of time”. What does that mean? It means God’s intervention in mankind’s affairs was at an inflection point during the time when his people, the Hebrews, were at their lowest point, worse than slavery in Egypt. The boot heel of the Roman Empire was in their throats, taxes had to be paid in Roman gold not local currency, the ruling 1% ruled over them stealing from widows and orphans, their faith had become an empty religion of rules, sickness and demonic activity was rampant.

These were gigantic issues and Jesus destroyed them all at the cross and resurrection.  Jesus said, “I have come to destroy the works of the devil.” (I John 3:8).  Jesus said, “Do not think I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34). What do you see; a week, sniveling, effeminate pale horse?

It’s your choice, you can live with the Giants in your life.  Goliath offered the Hebrews life if he was allowed to defeat their champion.  The Hebrew army would not have been destroyed, they could have laid down their arms and gone home and lived under the rule of their Giants.  Goliath offered them life, but Jesus offers us life more abundantly (John 10:10).

What do you see?