Series Introduction

In this series, Sarah Raiter will lead us in an exploration of aesthetics in Scripture, to enhance our faith. She says, “God’s Word and his world are choc-full of aesthetics designed to whisper and waft, drip and drape, sing and swirl, burn and blind… (you get the idea).

Our faith is about meeting with God. And boy, when people meet with him, Scripture records it can be a breathtaking hit of the senses. I don’t know what that meeting looks like for you or for myriads of saints that have preceded us in lifetimes of worship. But I know there’s a lot of wonder to discover in Scripture. An aesthetic woosh to shape and enhance our faith.

*Keep in mind: aesthetics don’t explain. They describe.

Reflection: First impressions: sensory ambiance

“Wisdom boasts: ‘The LORD created me from before the earth began.

Before watery depths, overflowing springs, mountains and hills, land or fields, dust of the earth.

I was there when He established the heavens, inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, established the clouds and gushing fountains of the deep, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence, His whole world, and the sons of men.’” Proverbs 8:22-31 (Author’s paraphrase)

It could be an orchestra pit—each instrument in position, primed to perfect pitch, musicians braced and a universe leaning in.

It could be a dance floor—waxed and thrumming with intricate choreography, performers poised on tiptoe.

But we’re told it’s a garden.

Creation: a fresh-perfumed paradise, verdant and glowing-gold at sunrise.

Abundant. Teeming. Surging.

It soars in sound waves: the morning stars sing together and all the angels shout for joy! (Job 38:7)

And we…buckle at the beauty.

We’re meant to be undone by creation.

Not to fathom it, but feel it.

Not to measure it, but glory in it.

So, enter the story, the lavish venue, as Proverbs 8 poetically paints it, a place brimming with vitality, wisdom, artistry and delight.

Engage and thrill in divine handiwork.

Taste and savour creation.

Capture the beauty.

Wonder at what’s profoundly designed, harmonious, and delightfully functional.

Prayer:

[Look out your window or take a walk.]

 Ravish us, God, with this rich encounter—bird song, wind-whisper, fluid cloud and water, mist and shower, sunbeam and long shadow, the symphony of scent—this garden-glimpse of reality and yourself. Heighten our daily appreciation of this abundance. Let it enhance our worship and spill into service of you in your world.

In the words of Emperor Leo VI (who died in 911 AD): “Come ye people, come adore Him.… By your Son the wide creation rose where chaos held its sway; by the Spirit, God Almighty swept eternal night away. Son, the Father’s love revealing, Son, through whom the Spirit came, blessed Godhead! Endless glory be to your exalted name!”