Eikon (Christmas 2008)

Over break, I’m reading this book called “Embracing Grace” by Scot McKnight (professor of religious studies at North Park University). In chapter two of Embracing Grace, McKnight talks about how we are made in the image of God. We’ve heard that passage in Genesis one our whole lives,

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

(vs. 27) I think I’ve only thought about it when I need a pick-me-up on my image or when teaching the creation story at Children’s Church. Mmm… do I have a lot to learn...

McKnight explains that the word “image” in Genesis chapter one is tselem in Hebrew (the original language in which it was written) and then can be translated to the word eikon in the Greek. When we see the word eikon, we may think of our word icon, like an icon on a computer screen. I really like word pictures, and the picture McKnight paints is that we are literally made to be the icon to God, something created by Him to lead towards Himself. When I’m on my computer, I usually go straight for the firefox icon. I know that when I click on it, I will reach the internet. Could someone know that if they were to “click” on me that they will see evidence of God’s glory? Do I even think that I am capable of being an eikon that shows a glimpse of His glory? Apparently I am, because that is what He has created me to be. A song that comes to mind is David Crowder’s "Glorious", which reads,

“You make everything glorious. I am yours. What does that make me?”

Seemingly not a difficult question, but I know that there are many days in my life that I don’t feel very glorious. I occasionally struggle with my self esteem, and I know that when I do, I am failing to see that God has made me to be a little bitty icon that leads to His glory.

Some friends and I recently studied Ephesians together. A verse that stuck out to me was 2:22,

“And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

I asked a few of my friends what part of God’s building they would be. I think that I would want to be a window, so that people could look in and see God’s presence dwelling inside. This seems to go along nicely with the icon idea. Leading to God… having a divine purpose… showing a glimpse of who He truly is…

Sometimes when I look up at the stars, or stand on a crowded street, I am overcome by how small I am in comparison to the all knowing character of God, but I think that’s okay. Do you really think that an icon to the internet actually knows the complexity of the world wide web?

Dear friends, may I challenge you, as I have been challenged, to make sure that you are living a life as a worthy eikon of our God. May we together reflect His grace, His mercy, and His love so that those around us are drawn to view Him in His true glory.

Agape Reflections (perhaps from 2008?)

The crowd goes wild… another artist takes the stage. The audience anticipates his first notes, the first sound that comes out of his mouth. The rhythm of the base pulses in my chest, through my feet. Fog rolls across the stage and dissipates over us. We feel the music now. Some dance, some sway, some raise their hands in agreement with the words flowing their way.

Do we anticipate the movement of the Spirit in such a way? Do we look and exclaim at glimpses of Him, of seeing a work begin to unfold? Do we feel His presence move over us like a fog, as one substance covering us all, making us a part of the same cloud? Do we recognize that when there is a beating in our chest, that it is by the presence of a life-giving Spirit? Do we sway, do we move, are we overtaken by His influence?

The bands took the stage. They were greeted as prophets. We sung praises. We danced together.

Now dance with me to the rhythm of the Spirit. See how He moves you in ways you never imagined. Dance, and join hands with those with whom you are moved to dance. Join in the song, in the life-giving song. Share, laugh, shout, and serve as He guides you with His love, as He guides you with His grace.

Come and listen, come to the water's edge, all you who know and fear the Lord.
Come and listen, come to the water's edge all you who are thirsty, come.

Let me tell you what He has done for me.
Let me tell you what He has done for me,
He has done for you,
He has done for us.

Come and listen,
come and listen to what He's done.
Come and listen,
come and listen to what He's done.

Praise our God for He is good.

“Come and Listen” by David Crowder