11 Apr, 2007
Artist: Many offers for chocolate Jesus
NEW YORK - An anatomically correct chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ infuriated Catholics and even led to threats, but the artist says offers to buy or exhibit the piece have been pouring in.
Artist Cosimo Cavallaro said that because of "some people who are fanatics" and the threats he received, he had stored the sculpture in a refrigerated truck in an undisclosed location.
A Manhattan gallery called off a planned exhibit of the 6-foot sculpture — called "My Sweet Lord" — amid a deluge of complaints from Catholics, including Cardinal Edward Egan.
They were offended by the confection, which does not include the loincloth typical in religious portrayals of Christ. Many also were outraged that the gallery planned to display the sculpture during Holy Week. The exhibit was to have run through Easter Sunday inside Manhattan's Roger Smith Hotel.
Cavallaro said the controversy spurred "thousands" of e-mail messages from people offering help, donations and exhibition space.
"It's quite amazing," he said.
photo & story courtesy news.yahoo.com, 04/01/07
Sweet Jesus?
Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the taste of God?
We don't know if David, the psalmist, ever ate chocolate, but he knew how good it was to taste the goodness and faithfulness of the LORD.
David wrote this after pretending to be insane in order to escape from King Achish. In Psalm 34, his theme is that whether God delivers us in times of trouble, we can be sure that He always hears and acts on behalf of those who love Him.
When David writes, "taste and see", he is not saying "hey, check out God if you feel like it." He is saying, "trust God, I know you'll like it."
It's interesting that while many find the "My Sweet Lord" exhibit to be blasphemy, "thousands" of other people think it's great and are offering help, donations and exhibition space. Jesus has always been at the center of controversy and He always will be because He is the only Way to the Living God.
For those of use who claim to be Christ followers, there should be no controversy about trusting Him. Every day we should "taste" and see how the LORD is good.
Obedience is the best way to taste and see that the LORD is good. This is another way to understand what it means to abide in Him. Obeying Jesus will help us remain in His love and according to Christ's words in John 15, this will make us full of His joy! As we trust and obey Jesus daily, we will continue to acquire an even greater hunger for tasting His goodness.
You can over do it on chocolate, but not on Jesus!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Chocolate is one of the most addictive, pleasure-giving options in life. Write down a list of whatever gives you pleasure and perhaps has become almost an addiction for you. It might be anything from music to sports to alcohol to shopping to_______________. Is your taste for these greater than your desire to taste the goodness of the LORD?
- Pray right now - Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and your faithfulness to me. I confess to you that I have been tasting more of _________________ rather than obeying you and tasting your goodness. Fill me with the joy that comes when I abide in You. Use the power of your Spirit to help me grow in your love and grace!
- You'll like this one: whenever you see or eat chocolate, let it be a moment of worship when you taste and see that the LORD is good!
- Read all of Psalm 34 to learn more of God's faithfulness to David.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray that your life will be an example to others of someone who is full of Christ's sweet joy.
- Give out chocolate bars to your friends and family. When they ask why, share your story as it relates to today's story and God's Story. You could get the conversation going by asking them if they think the chocolate statue of Jesus is wrong or ok?
- Forward this DAILYBIDE to some friends and family to encourage them. Invite them over for something chocolate. Hang out and learn more about their stories. Then eat some more chocolate!
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