Sermon:
Proximity ...post sermon discussion on symbolism
by Chris Cumming
Watch the scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhhtML3bMn8 and see if you can pick up on the biblical elements of you and I drawing nigh to God.
Questions:
1] where is he sitting in proximity to her?
He is sitting on a bench that interestingly appears as the iconic throne-like bench or seat. Notice also its placement at the very top or topmost portion of the stairs on the top landing.
Psalm 47:8b
...God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
2] what is the primary color of her dress?
White or at least very light in color and appearance.
Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not
blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my
Father, and before his angels.
3] what is she doing wandering about the property?
Psalm 69:32
The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
4] Who sees who first?
Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
5] Who speaks first?
Psalm 55:16
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
6] What does she do the instant she sees him?
James 4:8a
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
7] What emotion crosses his face and mind when he sees her?
Titus 3:4
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
8] How do they come together?
James 4:8a
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
9] How much ground is covered before they are together and who covers the
most ground that is between them?
There are several flights of stairs with multiple landings (5 flights of
stairs and 5 landings). If you reference the meaning of stairs and what
they symbolize, you will find they represent a human’s journey in life. They
represent both personal and professional development. Climbing stairs represents
positive, hopeful and purposeful growth and direction. Notice that each
individual stair shows the slow, yet steady and incremental progress in a
situation. We can easily liken one’s journey on stairs to the salvation process
which God uses to lead the firstfruit in steady and incremental progress in
righteousness and holiness.
Richard, by far, covers the most ground. Elise only gets to the first landing
after climbing one set of stairs. Richard covers 80% of the distance.
10] In what direction are each travelling?
God is coming down while the church is rushing up to meet Him.
In the first resurrection, in what direction is Christ coming? In what
direction are the resurrected saints going?
11] What is the meaning of the name, "Richard"?
Ruler, leader, king
12] What is the meaning of the name, "Elise"?
Consecrated to God or Pledged to God