Web Theologian

Just finished L’abri by Edith Schaeffer, a book that recalls the first years of L’abri a community in Switzerland dedicated to the serious academic study of arts and theology by true seekers. In Chapter 18: English L’Abri is born, Deirdre makes a powerful point from Biblical Theology that struck me regarding worship:

‘”Look, Linette,” I had said, “Here’s a very simple line drawing I often make on a scrap of paper, from beginning to end:’

(really hope this little graphic worked, couldn’t find it displayed anywhere online)
…”They (Cain and Able), were told immediately of One who would be coming, someone who would be born of a woman who would have victory over the ‘serpent’ or Satan. WE also know that they knew something of coming to God with a lamb, used as a sacrifice. Abel brought a lamb…All through the Old Testament communication and worship took place with a lamb being presented. Noah worshipped with a lamb, Abraham brought the lamb, Moses told the children of Israel to prepare the lamb at the time of the passover.” Of course Jesus is also referred to as the Lamb of God.

Now what struck me was this, that the first murder happened directly after worship. Is it any surprise that there is still so much chaos and glory surround our worship today? Able and Cain’s conflict spurred out of a worship dispute. I also know now that a desire for worship in spirit and truth is a good one, and should drive us in decisions related to church.

Last December I was at Dreamforce, Saleforce.com’s developer conference in San Francisco. In addition to all of the new technology being launch, the business contacts, one of the biggest attractions were the keynote speakers and sessions. In addition to President Bill Clinton, who’s talk was amazing, Stevie Wonder was the headliner musician.

I was struck with Stevie Wonder’s constant talk about love. His love for others and the love that had been shown toward him. After the conference I was left with a commitment to not just show my love for others but verbalize it the way Stevie Wonder so beautifully did.

This morning I was at SPU Business Breakfast and heard Tavis Smiley speak. He spoke about how love has been an important and powerful part of discourse in the United States and among influential leaders around the work. The most clear example he spoke of for me was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tavis was talking about the American education system, and I agree we need people who love children involved with fixing the problem or we will never get where we need to be. Love is powerful, God is love, these are some profound thoughts that are shaping me and who I am to be as I engage the world.