Epiphany 3 - 24/01/10

Using Talents

BIBLE READING 1

Corinthians chapter 12 verses 12-13a

PREPARATION

None

INTRODUCTION

There is an artist by the name of Philippe Ussa. He makes tiny pieces of art. These are made from small pieces of metal which he shapes, sticks together with glue and then paints. They are so small one cannot see what they are unless one views them through a magnifying glass. His museum in Bath houses many of his exhibits including a flea sitting on the head of a pin. The model is so detailed that the flea is playing a violin. Another fantastic exhibit is an empty matchbox.

When one first sees it, that is all one sees. And if one's eye stopped there, that is all one would ever see. But when one views it through the magnifying glass, one will see that there are five models of tiny fleas riding motorcycles around the matchbox.

Another model is of a tiny violin, that actually plays. In fact it is the smallest violin in the world!

There are many more incredible models in Philippe Ussa's collection. Perhaps you will have the chance to see some one day.

THE MESSAGE

In the Bible, Saint Paul writes about the Church. He tells us that it has a very important job to do. He says the Church is not just a building but people. People -all different. but each with a different job to do. Paul says its a bit like different parts of one body, all working together, but with Jesus as the head of the body.

Each Christian is given a different talent to help them in their job to build the church. Christians believe that although they are small in comparison to God, they are a part of a much larger group. A much larger, new creation.

So the next time you find yourself looking at something small, or feeling you are small, try to imagine that you are a part of something much larger. Perhaps God might even be using you to help others see that Jesus lives and moves around the world today.

PRAYER

A prayer of thanks for our different talents, and that although we all have different roles and responsibilities we are all important to God.