Week 3 Artistic Reflection

Guest Artist Luke Quanbeck

As I read the Large Catechism’s commentary on the first commandment, Deuteronomy 30:19 comes to mind, and it applies well to the entire First Table of the Law. God set before Israel a choice of who to follow, and the same two paths lie before us today. The riches of the world at times seem far more tangible, and life in Christ far more ethereal and hard to grasp. This illustration is an attempt to show that, though I fear the simplicity of this piece perhaps makes the choice feel more trite than intended. The pull of the world is far more complex than monetary riches alone. The pursuit of influence, reputation, security, and legacy can all become idols of their own that detract from the fullness found in trusting the completed work of Christ. We know that we cannot serve two masters, yet that’s exactly what we unconsciously try to do so often. We should be both warned and encouraged by this week’s reading. While indeed we will face trials as followers of Christ, there is no greater happiness than that which is found in Him.

Luke Quanbeck is Communications Coordinator at Free Lutheran Bible College & Seminary in Plymouth, MN. He would consider himself a jack-of-many-hobbies and loves communicating complex ideas in laymen’s terms. In his spare time, he makes Bible verse stickers and does pro-bono artwork for his pastor.