A random sampling from the sketchbook, which always includes both words and pictures.
There’s a telling in Luke’s book* where Jesus is talking with the cursed, two-faced tax collectors and other such sinners. The over-righteous Pharisees are looking on, judging him. They think he’s naive at best. I myself wonder at his choice of teaching . . . three parables about lost “objects” and the joy in their finding. Instead of the “expected” he emphasizes the positive (a party!), the searching, the waiting, and the overall goodness of God. Contemplating it influences my own approach to life and how I relate to people around me. Here are notes from the sketchbook:
How is it Jesus, that you didn’t take opportunity
When audienced by the obvious sinners
To tell them who they were
And what they needed to do?
Or, would you say, they already know,
Have heard it enough from others,
Continually telling themselves?
And You, pure spirit, make it clear by contrast.
So you skipped all that
And instead just said
How much rejoicing happens in heaven
When one of these lost is found.
Like the coin . . .
A coin! Inanimate,
Lost, but by no fault of its own.
Like the sheep . . .
Also lost, this of its own doing
Though by its own nature, bereft of adequate brains.
Like the rebel son . . .
Lost as consequence of deliberate action . . .
Plenty smart . . . too smart,
A willful decision to leave.
On this one the father waits,
Not like the others where he/she seeks.
In all cases, there’s a party in heaven.
And that’s what you thought your listeners most needed to hear.
________________
*Luke 15
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:52 am
“On this one the father waits,
Not like the others where he/she seeks.”
Honestly, Hyatt, this statement is huge … disturbing … in a good way. “Help me to see things like you do,” my prayer, earlier this morning. Thanks.
12:11 pm
Because I just finished reading The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller, I am keenly aware of the lostness of the elder brother (whom I resemble too much!). I believe Jesus intended the elder brother to represent the religious leaders in His audience. Thanks, Hyatt, for the reminder of God’s scandalous generosity towards us.
1:01 pm
I, too, have just finished Prodigal God by Keller, and am amazed at ‘God’s scandalous generosity towards us’, as Jim puts it. The men’s group at our church will get together to watch Babette’s Feast next week.
7:22 pm
Imagine our joy at the finding of someone lost. Unimaginable is God’s joy at our return to him! He loves us THAT much! Thanks again, Hyatt
6:47 am
Another good read (to read over and over and over….) is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henry Nouwen. His encounter with Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son prompts exploration of Jesus’ message in this story. In fact, Matt and I were walking in Heisler Park one day and saw a woman sitting on the grass reading this book. We told her we had read the book. She asked, “Are you the Father?”…We smiled and said we were working on it. I won’t spoil the book by explaining more….
Thanks Hyatt. Always enjoy your insightful reflections.
7:21 am
Thanks for this, Dad. What an amazing thing that God’s word to sinners is not party less, but party more!
5:32 pm
What a lovely reminder that the Lord’s love is unconditional! Now that is a reason to party!!!!!!!! Love to all! Lisa
7:54 pm
This was an amazing page from the sketch book – wow, thanks Hyatt. It’s all about the party!
Why wait? Just publish the sketch books – as is – one at a time. The success of these will allow you and Anne to simply sail off into the sunset, painting/creating as you go!
For inspiration, check out “Orbiting the Giant Hairball” by Gordon MacKenzie.