Glory in the Gritty

Maybe you were not someone who went to Sunday School. Allow me describe it for you. Listening children sit on the floor. The teacher places paper-flannel pictures of Jesus on a board. The teacher moves the pictures and adds others, to tell a story. Little faces gaze at the pictures in wonder while they hear stories of Jesus healing, performing miracles, and teaching on mountainsides.

My Sunday School teacher’s name was Delores. And when she taught us about the miracle of fives bread loaves and two fish, she actually brought sardines to share with the class. But even better, there he was on the flannel board — Jesus, with a sash of blue worn across his chest. Can you see the color in your mind’s eye?

Sky blue.

Jesus, sitting on a rock with little children all around and his sky blue tunic draped over one shoulder. Jesus, with his hands breaking bread and giving it to his followers to share it with 5000 people — the sky blue tunic shimmering in the Israeli sun.

“And we have seen his glory . . .” one of Jesus’ followers wrote as he remembered what it was like to be with him day after day. Waking up, bleary eyes blinking, then focusing on Jesus as he returned from his morning prayers. Walking from village to village, talking about, “what just happened back there.” This follower of Jesus said, “And we have seen his glory.”

They saw the Blue of God through the earth-lived life of the Son.

When Jesus’ calloused hand reached out to touch the diseased skin of humanity, the Blue of God was felt. When he cleared the flehm from his throat to teach about the kingdom of God, Blue was heard. When water dripped down his elbows as he washed his disciple’s feet, Blue was modeled. When his eyes burned from blood accumulating in his lashes, Blue was nailed to the cross. And when dry gravel crusted between his toes as he stepped out of the empty tomb, Blue was triumphant.

The Blue of God

in a gritty existence on earth

is Glory unveiled. 

Now, take a quiet, uninterrupted moment with the picture below.

As you look, invite God to speak to your heart. What he reveals is for you personally. What details do you notice? What stands out? What do the thumbprints on the wine and bread mean for you? Color is language. Does the color blue have anything to say in this moment in your life?

Continue to move through these blog reflections and pieces of art unhurriedly. There are times when, in all our struggle to know God, it may be that color itself will open our eyes to experience him more.