I've been working on a new project
The past several months I’ve been working on a new writing project. In this project I’m seeking to tell the story of the virgin birth. Sounds easy enough, right? All I have to do is read Luke chapter 1 and 2! Yes, it is easy enough to portray the story that an angel appeared to Mary and said that as a virgin she would give birth, and then have it all end at a humble stable scene. But what I’m trying to convey in this project is that not only did a virgin experience a miracle than she was going to have a child, but I’m trying to communicate the staggering point that it was actually God that she carried inside of her and she gave birth to Yahweh. I agree with Paul that "Great is this mystery... that God became a man" (1 Tim 3:16).
There are several ways to try and show that Jesus was God. Showing Him as creator stands at the front of the line. But without a multi-million dollar budget and some amazing special effects how can you show Jesus as creator? Simply saying, “That little baby that Mary gave birth to actually created everything,” does carry power, but how can you show and communicate that in a visual way that will not only strike the hearts of a believer who understands theology, but also the heart of an unbeliever as well.
I agree and know that God’s word is powerful and it can stand on its own. So why not just have a ‘scripture reading project’ and read aloud all the passages in the Bible that speak of the divinity of Jesus to get the point across? Well, that’s not a bad idea. But I believe that searching out the scriptures and asking God for different modes of communication to bring His story alive is an amazing tool that we also need to seek out and use. The past two years of my life I am seeing so many things through a new lens. I look at the bible and other people’s life stories and many times I'll hear melodies or a soundtrack behind it, or I'll hear their story being sung in a musical, or shown on the screen at the AMC 20 down the road.
I have much to share on these topics but that is for a later date. I wrote this post specifically to share with you the question that’s been beautifully plaguing my brain and prayer life during my writing time these past few months – how can you convey the fact that Mary gave birth to Yahweh? I invite you into my pain and to share any thoughts that you may have!
© 2011 Justin Rizzo
There are several ways to try and show that Jesus was God. Showing Him as creator stands at the front of the line. But without a multi-million dollar budget and some amazing special effects how can you show Jesus as creator? Simply saying, “That little baby that Mary gave birth to actually created everything,” does carry power, but how can you show and communicate that in a visual way that will not only strike the hearts of a believer who understands theology, but also the heart of an unbeliever as well.
I agree and know that God’s word is powerful and it can stand on its own. So why not just have a ‘scripture reading project’ and read aloud all the passages in the Bible that speak of the divinity of Jesus to get the point across? Well, that’s not a bad idea. But I believe that searching out the scriptures and asking God for different modes of communication to bring His story alive is an amazing tool that we also need to seek out and use. The past two years of my life I am seeing so many things through a new lens. I look at the bible and other people’s life stories and many times I'll hear melodies or a soundtrack behind it, or I'll hear their story being sung in a musical, or shown on the screen at the AMC 20 down the road.
I have much to share on these topics but that is for a later date. I wrote this post specifically to share with you the question that’s been beautifully plaguing my brain and prayer life during my writing time these past few months – how can you convey the fact that Mary gave birth to Yahweh? I invite you into my pain and to share any thoughts that you may have!
© 2011 Justin Rizzo
Comments
Desiring to know God more each day.
Dear Justin,
My name is Sarajane Mantshiu. I am originally from South Africa but i currently live in Ocala, Florida. i visited IHOP-KC a coupla months with my friends and during those 4days in the prayer room my heart was stared up to seek God even more. Everytime i was there i didnt want to leave the prayer room, i wanted to be there forever, singing, worshiping and praying for the needs of others.I thank God for IHOP, for Mike Bickle, for all the intercessors and all the worship leaders. I do listen to your music a lot on grooveshark,'found faithful' is my all time favorate, i watch the prayer room live whenever i have time, i have been watching it more lately and listening to Mike Bickel's teachings too. God is doing something in my heart, He is taking me out of my comfort zone and my desire to read the bible is increasing and i am now learning to continually ask Him for the revelation of Him and His love. I know God has called me to be an intercessor and that's the life i want to live. I pray that the project you are working on right now be a success, that God help you to convey the fact that Mary gave birth to Yahweh. May God be glorified in every song words your write. May He continue to draw you near to Him as you continue to seek Him. May His will be done in your life as it is done on earth and in heaven.
Prayer Request: that God may reveal His plan for my life clearly for me. I am currently going through some challenges because of the wrong decisions that i have done in the past. I know that God is intervening in my situation since i have laid it all down at his feet. I sometimes hear the voice of the accuser discouraging me. I need to hear and pay attention to what God is saying to me and TRUST that He is guiding me out of this situation for the Glory of His name. i really want to live for Him, to FEAR Him and serve Him with ALL my heart.
have a BLESSED week.
Sarajane, Thanks for the note
Sarajane,
Thanks for the note of encouragment and prayer
Be blessed!
Justin
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