Monday -- Is Jesus good for you or beautiful?

Ricky Jones on June 28, 2009

 Life cereal commercial: He likes it, hey Mikey

Why are you in Church? Are you here because it is good for you?

Jonathan Edwards – Unbelievers find God frightening, and stay away from Him
            Religious people find God useful. He is good for you.
            Christians find God beautiful.

Where are you? Until you have found Christ beautiful, you have not really seen our Lord. Once you do see him, and gaze upon his beauty, nothing else will satisfy you.

Here is an example of treasuring beauty from The Lord of the Rings:
‘And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?' said Galadriel turning to Gimli.

‘None, Lady,' answered Gimli. ‘It is enough for me to have seen the Lady of the Galadhrim, and to have heard her gentle words.' . . . ‘Nothing unless it might be – unless it is permitted to ask, nay, to name a single strand of your hair, which surpasses the gold of the earth as the stars surpass the gems of the mine. I do not ask for such a gift. But you commanded me to name my desire.'

‘I have looked the last upon that which was fairest,' he said to his companion. ‘Henceforward I will call nothing fair, unless it be her gift.'

What do you find beautiful? What would it mean for Christ to be the ‘one thing' you desire?