What's Next?

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28 ESV). The Sistine Chapel is one of Rome's most familiar tourist attractions. It was built in the fifteenth century and serves as the private, official papal chapel. Conclaves for the election of popes are traditionally held there. Although the walls are adorned by paintings from such artists as Botticelli and Rosselli, most of us associate Michelangelo's name with the Sistine Chapel. Between 1508 and 1512, he frescoed the barrel-vaulted ceiling with scenes from the Book of Genesis. His depiction of the creation is among the most famous pieces of art in the world. As the centuries passed, however, his ceiling frescoes and some other paintings he added later were nearly taken from view. Soot and grime collected on these valuable works until they were reduced to flat, nondescript shadows. What had once been vibrant color became shades of gray. Fine details were utterly lost even to the most attentive eyes. So scaffolding was built, and workers set about a deliberate, painstaking, and careful project. With brushes and special solvents in hand, they climbed and patiently applied a cleansing paste. It was allowed to dry. Then crews brushed away the powder. They knew their plan had worked when the color and detail of the original art emerged. We have looked at the need to remember the work Christ has accomplished for us in the cross. The question to ask now is “What’s next?” What a tragedy it would be if all we ever did were “remember.” Knowledge is wonderful, but it falls short of the real need in most of our lives. Like the Sistine Chapel, too many people have allowed the soot and grime of life obscure Christ in their lives. Hermeneutics, theology, and worship are merely scaffolding useful for the larger project. We must be careful lest we think that merely building the platform has accomplished the restorative task. What shortsightedness we would exhibit to confuse the tools with the real project! Today, use the knowledge you have gained over the years and recommit yourself to the task of restoration. His blood was “poured out” to forgive you and restore you to the glory originally intended in the first creation. That’s the portrait He intends to paint in your life. No matter how sooty or grimy it may have become, the tools are already in place for the restoration to begin. Start with this prayer: Father, forgive me and restore to me the fullness of Your Holy Spirit. Reclaim Your rightful preeminence in my life. Dismiss every other influence from me. Let others see only Your glory in my life today. Wherever I am led, whomever I come into contact with, let me recognize Your plan and purpose in all of this day. I yield my will and desire to You and You alone. Amen.