Michelangelo has been my favorite artist since I was a child. I remember the first pictures I saw of the Sistine Chapel, and his sculpture of David. Obviously, he was a man who wanted to please God and found beauty in all of His creation. His work illustrates an awesome love for God and the details in God's creation.
I heard earlier this week Michel was one of the first people to have a copy of an Italian translated Bible. Although it was forbidden at the time for Catholics to read the word on their own; Michel found God's word fascinating and enlightening. For example as he read he knew there was no longer a need for confessions to a priest. Although he did a lot of work for the Catholic church he continually tried to point any admirer of his work directly to God. For example, his portraits of people in churches may be looking out the window, or upward toward heaven, instead of at the priest. This conveys the fact we no longer need to confess to mere men, or priests, but to God.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
Another thing I love about Michelangelo was that he found the naked body beautiful. I love to be outside, but there isn't anything more fascinating to me than a naked body. I'm not talking about pornography, I find that demeaning and disgusting. But if you look at how the body is created, it is absolutely beautiful. There are so many wonderful details that God puts into our bodies. We really are fearfully and wonderfully made as the Psalmist said in Psalm 139:14. Do you think Michelangelo regretted that Adam and Eve sinned in the garden? (It is a shame to have to cover our bodies because of sin.)
Did you know Michael Angelo also wrote poetry and believed in staying fit? He was quite a guy; someone I know God inspired and created. In turn Michelangelo inspired others to serve and admire God, in his life time and to this very day! That's quite a legacy to leave, don't you think?
It is sad to think Michael spent the last few years of his life fearing the church. The Catholic church constantly criticized his paintings, and even threatened his life. Many of his paintings were "corrected" with clothing, because of the church. God always deserves honor and praise for His creation. Man's sinful nature has corrupted some of God's beauty.
What special gift has God given you to serve Him with? There's only one you, use what you have to love others and give glory to God. More than anything have peace with God and yourself about what God gives you to do.
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV)
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
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