The View From the Cross - 2

Here are two important photos. One is of the steel plate to which the large cross in the chancel will be attached. The other is the view, from the cross of the A/V booth. If both of these areas and designs of the building do their job properly, you'll not have your attention drawn to them.


This steel plate is for the large cross to be erected in the chancel. If it does it's job well, we'll never give it a thought; the cross will stand as a strong visual image and a strong witness to the love of God in Christ. The attention will be on the cross, not the steel plate that holds it erect.
It's not obvious, but the A/V booth is pictured here--as seen from the cross. I think of the people who will staff that booth: sound techs, PowerPoint or worship presentation persons, video camera operators, and other folks who will help people to hear and see the message of the Gospel, and aid those who are in worship in singing praise to our God.

If both of these areas and designs of the building do their job properly, you will see the cross standing--it's strong silent witness--and you will hear the message or see the words of the hymns and songs. If we do our jobs well in the church people will glorify God, not the steel plate that holds up the cross, nor the sound system that broadcasts the sounds.

I'm thinking this morning of people who will gather to worship Christ and hear his word and sing his praise. It's not about the building, nor any of the features of the building; it's all about Jesus and the people for whom he died and in whom he lives. Jesus himself said, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:176- ESV)