I recently decided to treat myself to a lovely day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I enjoyed getting lost in the exhibits and traveling from one time period and culture to another. It was fun meandering around and taking in the sights from ancient Egypt and Greece and seeing masterpieces from Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso.
I could go on and on about all the beauty I saw, but for now I’d like to share the Biblical lessons that stood out to me. Yes, I saw God’s fingerprints all throughout the museum.
I hope the following photos and lessons will be a blessing to you!
1. We really can’t take things with us!
The ancient Egyptians had the custom of being buried with their jewels and other possessions. They would probably be horrified to know that all these centuries later their treasures are on display for the world to see. These beautiful necklaces from one of the exhibits remind me that we really should be storing up treasures in heaven instead of trying to gain so much wealth and “stuff” in this life. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
2. The armor of God is the best suit ever!
I tend to zoom past the war and weapon section of the museum, but this time I took my time looking at the different armor. And this uniform stood out to me the most because it reminded me of how I feel when I go into uncertain territory including missions trips and outreaches. When I step out in faith, I don’t go in my name but in the name of Jesus. And I don’t go alone because the Holy Spirit lives inside of me! I’m reminded that no weapon formed against me shall prosper! The blood of Jesus covers believers from head to toe! Here’s what our real armor looks like: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:11-18)
3. The sword of the Spirit trumps them all!
These swords are all very impressive. The soldiers must have felt unstoppable wielding them, but I’m reminded that the Word of God found in the Bible is even stronger! There is great power in speaking the Word of God! We can use it to fight off the enemy just like Jesus did. The Word of God also has power when we read it and apply it to our own lives. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
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