Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “And Nathanael said to (Philip,) ‘Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” John 1:46, NKJV

There is something satisfying about painting a wall. A large, broad area, where the paint goes on quickly, all one color, with sweeping, swift strokes. A large roller applicator works well, as does a paint pad, or even a broad brush. No need to fidget around with small details; just paint away!
Paintings, too, can start with a simple background, quickly applied, using one of the broader brushes from the artist’s stock of supplies. The picture itself requires a more deliberate and detailed technique to bring out the fullness of the painting.
You could efficiently paint a lot of walls, prepare a lot of canvases, making them all look alike, with no visible distinctive or individual characteristics. Sweepingly general in scope.
Not so when it comes to filling in fine detail, the kind of work that takes time and patience, but requires a much smaller brush to bring out the fulness of the design.
We can also make a sweepingly general appraisal of people that is referred to as “painting with a broad brush.” Just like painting a broad, flat wall all in one color, stereotyping leaves out the individuality of people or ideas.
Nathanael used the ‘broad brush’ technique when he was invited to meet Jesus. Philip said, “We have found Him of whom Moses wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (John 1:45)
Nathanael’s reply leaves no doubt as to his opinions of the people of Nazareth in Galilee!
In contrast, Jesus knew many facts about Nathanael, and commented on his individual character - “An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael was convinced that something good could indeed come out of Nazareth, but only after he saw and heard the finer details that pictured The Son of God!
A broad brush is a handy tool for painting walls, but let’s call it what is is when we “paint someone with a broad brush.” We might call it stereotyping, profiling, or just plain prejudice, but it seems to me that it is a form of false witness. What do you think? Check out Deuteronomy 5:20. Since your Bible is open, take a moment to read the first twenty-one verses of Chapter 5. Good things are worth reading over and over.
Take a tip from Philip; tell someone about Him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth. The One who died, and rose again for everyone’s sins.
Come and see!
April 16, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com

* A Broad Brush
* Scripture: "And Nathanael said to (Philip,) 'Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'" John 1:46, NKJV

There is something satisfying about painting a wall. A large, broad area, where the paint goes on quickly, all one color, with sweeping, swift strokes. A large roller applicator works well, as does a paint pad, or even a broad brush. No need to fidget around with small details; just paint away!
Paintings, too, can start with a simple background, quickly applied, using one of the broader brushes from the artist's stock of supplies. The picture itself requires a more deliberate and detailed technique to bring out the fullness of the painting.
You could efficiently paint a lot of walls, prepare a lot of canvases, making them all look alike, with no visible distinctive or individual characteristics. Sweepingly general in scope.
Not so when it comes to filling in fine detail, the kind of work that takes time and patience, but requires a much smaller brush to bring out the fulness of the design.
We can also make a sweepingly general appraisal of people that is referred to as "painting with a broad brush." Just like painting a broad, flat wall all in one color, stereotyping leaves out the individuality of people or ideas.
Nathanael used the 'broad brush' technique when he was invited to meet Jesus. Philip said, "We have found Him of whom Moses wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (John 1:45)
Nathanael's reply leaves no doubt as to his opinions of the people of Nazareth in Galilee!
In contrast, Jesus knew many facts about Nathanael, and commented on his individual character - "An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael was convinced that something good could indeed come out of Nazareth, but only after he saw and heard the finer details that pictured The Son of God!
A broad brush is a handy tool for painting walls, but let's call it what is is when we "paint someone with a broad brush." We might call it stereotyping, profiling, or just plain prejudice, but it seems to me that it is a form of false witness. What do you think? Check out Deuteronomy 5:20. Since your Bible is open, take a moment to read the first twenty-one verses of Chapter 5. Good things are worth reading over and over.
Take a tip from Philip; tell someone about Him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth. The One who died, and rose again for everyone's sins.
Come and see!
April 16, 2006