Rev. Klockers: Yes, living into the future is an expression of art

There are many definitions of the word "art." One I favor is, “Art helps you feel what you might someday live into.” Admittedly, this is a pretty abstract concept and a challenge to grasp.

A few years ago, Jeanne and I visited an art gallery in Ellensburg. At the time they were featuring a display of large abstract paintings.

My wife and I made an agreement before we took a tour of the gallery.

We decided to walk together to view each piece twice. The first time through would be done in silence. During the second walk through we would share our thoughts.

I am glad we did it this way. Comparing perspectives, after our own initial impressions, changed how we ultimately saw each piece. We learned from each other and grew to a have greater appreciation and a broader understanding.

It was by sharing that we actively “lived into” a new way of seeing.

Matthew 16: 22-23 contains a harshly delivered response that Jesus gave to Peter. Peter could not accept Jesus’ telling of the Messiah’s fate.

Jesus plainly said that he was going to suffer at the hands of the authorities, die, and then be raised from the dead. To Peter, this was crazy talk.

The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible recounts Peter’s response to Jesus in this way: “And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ 

But (Jesus) turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’”

Peter’s view would change in time. He would live into a new reality at the other side of the cross after Jesus suffered and died as predicted.

It was the risen Lord, however, that was the eye-opener and game changer for Peter.

For a time, they could again walk together and talk. Peter could hear from Jesus a promise fulfilled that he once denied. Jesus could hear from Peter an entirely different point of view from before.

Through this loving mutuality, Peter would then live into a new reality.

When we acknowledge the loving presence of God in our lives we may do so as well.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.