This a picture from a hotel. And what a beautiful picture it is!!! I have always loved stained glass because of the colors that stream though it on a sunny day. Light combined with the filtration of the glass produces an almost iridescent effect. I just wish this picture had a bit brighter sunlight so you could see what I mean. In church today, there was an almost visible beaming, as brethren just could not seem to stop talking with one another prior to the worship service. The love there was obvious and at times a bit overwhelming. Jesus meant for us to be this way. In his "sermon on the mount" he describes what a true disciple is to be like. Characteristics and actions. He puts it like this...
Matthew, Chapter 5
1 Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let you And your picture is???r light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Light; that which reveals the truth, whether good or bad, is the stuff of the heart, not just of the sun. Those who truly follow Jesus have the light of God (his teaching and his desires for us) in our hearts. We can't help but be who were are and do what he wants us to do. We are like the stained glass, in that we all have a different "picture", but when God's truth shines forth from us it is beautiful indeed!!! I don't know where this hotel is, but I would love to stay there. Let the light shine - I see there is a window that has Roses in it.
Gary Rose