MUSEUM OF MAKING
Many non-Christians see churches as “museums” – things relating to the past, with little or no relevance to society today. Thinking of museums, I wonder whether you have ever visited the Museum of Making in the old Silk Mill adjacent to the River Derwent? It’s certainly worth a visit.
When I first heard of this new attraction in Derby, I found the name a little strange – a “museum” speaks of a showcase of old exhibits, whilst “making” speaks of something that is currently ongoing. Of course, this is exactly what those behind the museum were seeking to achieve. As their website states, the museum is “a contemporary space telling Derby’s 300-year history of making to inspire new creativity.”
If those who are not yet Christian were to come into our church building, or your Home Church, would there be sufficient to inspire them to actively become involved? What might attract them?
Singing worship songs? Unlikely
Prayer? No!
Being taught God’s word? Unlikely
Fasting? No!
Giving offerings? No!
All of the above ARE important to those who love the Lord, but what might attract those not yet Christian to engage with Church/ Home Church?
The Mona Lisa hangs in the Louvre in France and is the most famous and valuable painting in the world, valued at around $870M. Approximately 10M people visit the Louvre every year, but incredibly, 8M visit only to see the Mona Lisa painting. Why? Many would say it would be her captivating, enigmatic smile, and that her eyes seem to follow the viewer wherever they stand. The painting “makes” a life of its own within the spirit of the viewer. This is why it has become so popular. Now consider the work of the living Holy Spirit.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. (Psalm 34:5) The radiance of His presence “makes” something in our spirits in many ways:
Deep seated joy He places in our hearts
Physical and emotional healings
Testimonies of God’s presence and goodness
Freedom from burdens (sin, sorrow, the demonic)
The Holy Spirit always seeks to transform our actions and thinking. Will we allow His inviting smile, and those eyes that are ever upon us, to continue to captivate our own hearts. When our hearts are truly captivated, others will also be drawn to Him.
Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendour.” Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:5, 6)
