Note: Episode from earlier today is being republished, due to audio issues.

www.ourchurchspeaks.com

Once a skeptic, he proclaimed the faith to the ends of the earth

Purchase prints of this art here.

“Rabbi, you are the son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Background

Bartholomew was one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles. Also known as Nathanael, he is introduced in the Gospel of John 1:45-51. In this passage, his brother Philip tells him that he has found Jesus, the fulfillment of Scripture. Skeptical, Bartholomew replied, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” From a distance, Jesus saw Bartholomew approach and said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in who there is no deceit!” Bartholomew asked, “How do you know me?” Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Bartholomew was stunned and placed his faith in Jesus. “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” To this, Jesus said, “You will see greater things than these… you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Bartholomew remained with Jesus during his earthly ministry. After Jesus’ Ascension, he was among the disciples present when the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, empowering them to “go into all the world” baptizing and making disciples. Church tradition says that Bartholomew made some of the farthest apostolic journeys. India, China, and Ethiopia were said to all be locations visited by Bartholomew. Eusebius, in his Ecclesiastical History, recounted that Bartholomew went to India and left behind a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. While in India, Bartholomew was sentenced to death for converting people to Christianity. Tradition says that he was flayed alive in an agonizing death. For this reason, artistic depictions of Bartholomew often show this dedicated apostle triumphantly holding the flaying knife (sometimes along with his own skin) that brought about his martyrdom.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, you gave your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

He showed the greatest love in his life and death

Purchase prints of this art here.

“[I] know in my bones and sinews that I [have] been truly baptized into the Lord’s death and resurrection.”

Background

Jonathan Myrick Daniels was born in New Hampshire and attended Virginia Military Institute, considering a number of different vocations, from English to Medicine to ministry. After struggling with a period of religious doubt, he received a definitive call to the ministry at Church of the Advent in Boston. Daniels enrolled in seminary at Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

While a seminarian, Daniels answered Martin Luther King, Jr’s call to join the Civil Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama. In Selma, Daniels joined peace marches, tutored children, and worked for integration in churches, schools, and businesses.

On August 20, 1965, Daniels placed himself in the line of fire between a white deputy and a black teenage student activist. Daniels caught the full blast of a shotgun and was killed. When Martin Luther King, Jr. heard the news of Daniels’ death, he said, “one of the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry was performed by Jonathan Daniels.”

Prayer

Almighty God, you gave your servant Johnathan Myrick Daniels boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

The “honey-tongued preacher”

Purchase prints of this art here.

“The piercing nail has become a key to unlock the door, that I might see the good will of the Lord… God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself… this is the great mystery of love.”

Background

As a young child, Bernard of Clairvaux received a vision of the infant Jesus that profoundly influenced him and inspired him to devote his life to prayer and rigorous spiritual devotion. At age 22, Bernard joined a monastery that he found lax in its spiritual discipline. Partly under Bernard’s oversight, the Cistercian monastic order was established to embrace a renewed order and zeal. At first, Bernard’s reforms were so harshly disciplined that many of his monks became deeply discouraged, and Bernard, in humility, revised his monastic order with a lighter but equally zealous approach.

Bernard was valued for his profound teaching and was influential in many medieval church councils. Traveling extensively, Bernard preached the Gospel of grace so beautifully that he became known as the “honey-tongued preacher.” He also spoke boldly against the persecution of the Jewish people and called Christians to come to the aid of their suffering brethren in the Middle East. When asked by the King of France to promote the Second Crusade, Bernard refused. But when ordered to do the same by the Pope, Bernard complied, drawing many Western European believers to the front lines in the Middle East.

Yet today, Bernard is most remembered for his heartfelt and tender devotional writings, which continue to minister to Christians of all denominations. Bernard is now considered a “Doctor of the Church” by the Roman Catholic Church, and John Calvin and Martin Luther cited Bernard more than any other medieval theologian as they articulated the doctrines of sola fide.

Prayer

O God, your blessed Son became poor for our sake, and chose the Cross over the kingdoms of this world: Deliver us from an inordinate love of worldly things, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Bernard, may seek you with singleness of heart, behold your glory by faith, and attain to the riches of your everlasting kingdom, where we shall be united with our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

NEW: PREORDER the book “Our Church Year”

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

Imprisoned and executed by Nazis for Christ

Purchase prints of this art here.

“For Jesus Christ I am prepared to suffer still more.”

Background

Maximilian Kolbe was a Roman Catholic priest, Franciscan friar, and founder of the Niepokalanów monastery near Warsaw. When Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Kolbe and his brother friars gave shelter to refugees, including 2,000 Jews. The Nazis forced the monastery to close in 1941 and Kolbe was imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

In the summer of 1941, an Auschwitz prisoner named Franciszek Gajowniczek was selected for execution. Kolbe volunteered his own life, asking to be killed instead of Gajowniczek. Kolbe was executed August 14, 1941.

Gajowniczek lived until 1995, devoting the rest of his life to telling the story of Kolbe’s profound faith and witness. Today, Kolbe’s prophetic and pastoral words minister to millions.

“No one in the world can change Truth.” Kolbe said, “What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict. Beyond armies of occupation and the hecatombs [that is, large-scale slaughter] of extermination camps, there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love. And what use are the victories on the battlefield if we ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves?”

Prayer

Almighty God, you gave your servant Maximilian Kolbe boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

Her obedience is a model for all believers in Jesus

Purchase prints of this art here.

“He that is mighty has magnified me, and holy is his name.”

Background

In Luke chapter 1, Mary is described as a virgin from Nazareth, pledged to marry Joseph, a descendant of David. This humble young girl was visited by an angel of the Lord and greeted with high honor. “Do not be afraid, Mary,” The angel said. “You have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Mary’s response to this has been a model for all Christians: “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.”

Mary conceived, just as the angel foretold. Bearing God within her womb, Mary has been called “Blessed” and “the Theotokos” (God-bearer) by Christians of subsequent generations. She was present with Jesus in his earthly ministry and witnessed his suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. She was present with the Apostles at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fell upon the church and empowered them to obey the Great Commission.

Some church traditions say that Mary, like Elijah and Enoch, never died but was taken (or “assumed”) into heaven. Others say that she died (“dormition”), and that her body was received into heaven. In either case, Christians of all traditions have given her highest honor, among all of God’s creatures.

Prayer

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

“Love is friendship set on fire.”

Purchase prints of this art here.

“Love is the greatest thing that God can give us; for [He] Himself is love.”

“Love is friendship set on fire.”

Background

Jeremy Taylor was an Anglican clergyman during the turbulent years of the English Civil War. After the Puritan English Parliament executed the king of England, it outlawed Anglican worship and ordered the burning of the Book of Common Prayer. Taylor was considered politically suspect by the new Puritan commonwealth government, and he was imprisoned.

After a decade of Puritan rule in England, the monarchy was restored with the ascension of King Charles II, and Taylor was made a bishop. Taylor became revered for his eloquence, considered by many the “Shakespeare” of theologians.

Taylor’s classic devotionals, “Holy Living” and “Holy Dying,” were formative works for the spiritual development of future generations of Christians, including the 18th-century evangelist and priest, John Wesley. “In the morning, when you awake, accustom yourself to think first upon God, or something in order to his service;” wrote Taylor in his devotional, “and at night also, let him close thine eyes and let your sleep be necessary and healthful, not idle and expensive of time, beyond the needs and conveniences of nature;” Taylor’s practical and beautifully-written wisdom remains a classic of spiritual encouragement to this day.

Prayer

O God, our heavenly Father, you raised up your faithful servant Jeremy Taylor to be a Bishop and pastor in your Church and to feed your flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

New book!

I’ve been hard at work with D.J. Marotta and the team at InterVarsity Press, putting the finishing touches on a new book: Our Church Year: An Illustrated Devotional of Christian Seasons and Holy Days. Featuring art and history by Ben Lansing, devotional reflections by D.J. Marotta, and a foreword by Tish Harrison Warren, this book invites readers to explore the Christian liturgical calendar. I’m excited to announce that this book is now available for preorder.

Here’s a bit more about this new book:

Our Church Year: An Illustrated Devotional of Christian Seasons and Holy Days
By Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta
Foreword by Tish Harrison Warren

Discover the ancient rhythms that have guided Christian communities for centuries with Our Church Year, a beautifully illustrated devotional that invites you into the rich tapestry of the liturgical calendar.

Twenty-first-century Christians hunger for deeper roots and healthier rhythms of life―to feel connected to the community, practices, prayers, and stories of ancestors in the faith. The liturgical calendar is an ancient tool for that connection, grounding us in the story of Scripture, the history of the church, and the community of believers around the world.

Our Church Year brings the liturgical calendar to life as a beautifully illustrated devotional, guiding readers through the major seasons and holy days of the Christian calendar from Advent through Ordinary Time.

Created by the authors of Our Church Speaks, Ben Lansing and D. J. Marotta, this unique devotional helps followers of Jesus live into our shared Christian story. The entries cover key feast days commemorating biblical saints such as Peter and Mary, and events such as the annunciation and the transfiguration, as well as holy days such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Trinity Sunday, and All Saints’ Day.

Each of the fifty entries features

• Full-color artwork and historical narrative by Ben Lansing, bringing each day to life;

• A Scripture passage and devotional meditation by D. J. Marotta, inviting readers into deeper discipleship; and

• A collect (a short, historic prayer) and hymn selection inviting deeper spiritual engagement.

This book offers modern believers a pathway to deeper spiritual roots through the sacred seasons that have shaped Christian worship for generations. Whether you’re already following the church calendar or just beginning to explore liturgical traditions, this devotional provides a welcoming introduction to the saints, seasons, and sacred moments that have sustained Christian communities for centuries.

Preorder today

For more about Our Church Speaks art, history, books, and prints, visit www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

Jesus revealed in his glorious majesty

Prints of the above art are available here

“Do not be afraid.” - Jesus

Background

After Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus took his disciples Peter, James, and John to a sacred mountain. There, Jesus’ face shone like the sun and his clothes became radiantly white. Mysteriously, the Old Testament prophet Elijah and the Law-giver Moses appeared on the mountain and began speaking with Jesus. A cloud overshadowed them and a voice spoke from the cloud saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

The disciples cowered in terror at the incredible sight. Struggling for words, Peter stammered about setting up tents for Jesus and the prophets. Jesus placed a hand on the overwhelmed disciples. “Get up,” he said. Do not be afraid.” Looking up, the disciples saw no one but Jesus.

Many decades later, Peter reflected on this moment. “We were eyewitnesses of [Jesus’] majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father… We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”

On the mount of Transfiguration, the disciples witnessed human nature glorified in Jesus, a foretaste of the triumphant and resurrected Christ. This glorious moment took place just before Jesus’ steady descent to the humiliation of the cross. For this reason, the Transfiguration is remembered twice in the liturgical calendar. First, it is observed on the final Sunday before Lent, marking a final, monumental Epiphany moment of Christ before the 40-day Lenten fast. 40 days before Holy Cross Day (Sep 14), Transfiguration is observed again on August 6, a reminder of the relationship between Christ’s suffering and his eternal Glory.

Prayer

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

Please like, share, and subscribe. It's a huge help! More about Our Church Speaks and our devotional book at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. 

He gave his tomb for the body of his Lord

Prints of the above art are available here

“Grant me the body of Jesus.”

Background

Ancient church traditions often tied their founding origin story to a disciple of Jesus bringing the gospel to their land. For Anglicanism, the story of the gospel’s introduction to the British Isles is traced to Joseph of Arimathea.

The Gospels tell us that Joseph of Arimathea was a respected, wealthy, and righteous man who served on the Jewish High Council (the Sanhedrin). He was a disciple of Jesus, but kept his devotion secret, out of fear of his colleagues. The Sanhedrin condemned Jesus without Joseph’s consent, and delivered Jesus to the Roman authorities for trial and execution. Joseph risked his life and reputation and asked Pontius Pilate for Jesus’ body to be wrapped in a linen cloth and buried in Joseph’s own tomb.

Christian tradition suggests that Joseph earned his wealth through the tin trade, a metal sourced for centuries in Cornwall and Devon in England and used for coins, cups, dishware, and decorative items. British tin was distributed throughout the Roman Empire, and it is realistic to assume that merchants like Joseph traveled between Cornwall and Judea.

Christian fables credit Joseph with bringing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection to England and establishing the first church at Glastonbury. According to the fable, when Joseph placed his staff on the English soil, his staff budded and became the Glastonbury thorn. Another fable claims that Joseph carried the cup from the Last Supper with him, and that this Holy Grail gave rise to the stories of King Arthur. While these fantastical stories are from the realm of myth, history indicates that Christianity did reach England very early, perhaps as early as the lifetime of Joseph of Arimathea.

Prayer

Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant Joseph of Arimathea, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last, with him, we attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

They overturned

Purchase prints of this art here.

“O, you nominal Christians! Might not an African ask you - ‘Did you learn [the horrors of slavery] from your God, who says unto you, ‘Do unto all men as you would men should do unto you?’” // “I this have seen and gladly own: ‘Salvation is by Christ alone.’”- Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797)

“Africa! Africa! Your sufferings no tongue can express.” - William Wilberforce (1759-1833)

Background

Olaudah Equiano was born in the Kingdom of Benin (modern-day Nigeria). He was captured as a child and sold into slavery, in the Caribbean. He was sold twice more and experienced horrific conditions. In 1766, he purchased his freedom and joined The Sons of Africa, an abolitionist movement in London.

Equiano’s best-selling autobiography, “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano” (1789), vividly depicted the horrors of the slave trade and called ‘polite’ English society to come to terms with the wickedness that it perpetuated. Equiano’s autobiography also served as a spiritual narrative, detailing how Equiano came to know Jesus and became an active participant in the evangelical movement within the Anglican Church. Equiano’s voice was a pivotal force that influenced the ultimate abolition of the British intercontinental slave trade in 1807.

Equiano and the Sons of Africa’s cause was championed by William Wilberforce, a member of British Parliament and Anglican layman. Wilberforce was driven by the evangelical conviction of the First Great Awakening that called for the transformation of society according to the character and principles of Jesus Christ. “What a difference it would be,” Wilberforce said, “if our morality were based on the Bible instead of the standards devised by cultural Christians.”

Wilberforce worked tirelessly for the abolition of the British transatlantic slave trade and spearheaded efforts for global missions, the mass distribution of Bibles, the ethical treatment of animals, and many other reforms of society that we continue to strive to advance in modern society.

For more, listen to my discussion about Olaudah Equiano and William Wilberforce with D.J. Marotta on the Our Church Speaks podcast and read about Equiano and Wilberforce in the Our Church Speaks devotional.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, you kindled the flame of your love in the hearts of your servants Olaudah Equiano and William Wilberforce to manifest your compassion and mercy to the poor and the persecuted: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who give thanks for their righteous zeal may profit by their example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

He proclaimed the Gospel through music that changed the world

Purchase prints of this art here.

“I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.”

Background

Johann Sebastian Bach’s music is considered among the greatest artistic expressions of human history. But in his lifetime, Bach was not one to boast. He lived a quiet life of hard work and dedication to his art, his faith, and his family. He received little recognition for his work in his lifetime, and he demanded little acclaim. Driven by a quiet, Lutheran piety, Bach worked as a church organist while he raised a large family and supplemented his family’s income tutoring young students in music and Latin. To hear him describe himself, he was nothing exceptional. “I was obliged to work hard.” Bach said. “Whoever is equally industrious will succeed just as well.”

Bach’s music speaks of an inspiration that was dynamically tied to Bach’s faith. Whether writing sacred or secular music, Bach considered all of his art for the glory of God. On his blank music sheets, he was known to write, “Jesus, help me” and “In the Name of Jesus.” At the end of each finished composition, he would sign his works, Soli Deo Gloria - “To God Alone, the Glory!” Prayers and poems of praise were scribbled on Bach’s manuscripts, revealing a joyful delight in his life and in his God. “On land, on sea, at home, abroad,” Bach wrote, “I smoke my pipe and worship God.”

This simple, joyful faith inspired the greatest music in Christian history, music which continues to speak of the transcendent truths and joys of Christianity to such a profound degree that Bach has been nicknamed “The Fifth Evangelist.”

For more, listen to my discussion about Johann Sebastian Bach with Orlando Palmer (“IAMSON”) on the Our Church Speaks podcast and read about Bach in the Our Church Speaks devotional.

Prayer

Sound out your majesty, O God, and call us to your work; that, like thy servant Johann Sebastian Bach, we might present our lives and our works to your glory alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

He went from a rash “Son of Thunder” to a humble disciple

Prints of the above art are available here

“We are able.”

Background

James is called “the Great”, perhaps because he was distinguished by height (“Big James”) or age (“the Elder’) from the other Apostle with the same name. In the moment, James’ words “We are able” conveyed an utter lack of ability to grasp Jesus’ message.

Soon after Jesus foretold his own sufferings, James, his brother John, and their mother asked Jesus for special privileges. “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Born into a poor fishing family, James and John must have seen Jesus as their ticket to significance. Jesus challenged their paradigms. “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” James and John quickly replied, “We are able.” Jesus’ reply was stunning. “Whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”

James and John later asked Jesus if they could call down fire on a Samaritan town. Jesus sternly rebuked them again. But Jesus did not despair of his fiery disciples and coyly nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder.”

Together with John and Peter, James formed an inner circle and witnessed some of Jesus’ most astounding miracles. They were with Jesus as he took the cup of suffering in Gethsemane. After Christ’s ascension, James, too, would take a cup of suffering. Herod had James executed with the sword, making James the first martyr among the Apostles.

Through the power of Christ who strengthened James, the words “We are able,” were transformed from rash self-promotion into words fulfilled in humble glory.

Prayer

O gracious God, your servant and apostle James was first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ: Pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service, by which they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

She was the first to proclaim the Good News

Prints of the above art are available here

“I have seen the Lord.” - Mary Magdalene

Background

Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the Gospels more than most of the 12 Apostles. A Western European tradition synthesizes her story from various passages of scripture, some which do not mention her by name. In this version, Mary was a prostitute of Magdala, oppressed by seven demons. Caught in adultery, she was nearly stoned by a mob when Jesus interrupted, saying, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus forgave her of her sins, cast out her demons, and told her to “go and sin no more.” She was restored to her brother Lazarus and sister Martha in Bethany and remained a devoted disciple of Jesus. She scandalized many when, out of devotion and gratitude to her Lord, she wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair.

In the East, she is not equated with the adulteress, prostitute, or as Mary of Bethany.

All four Gospels say that Mary was present at the death and resurrection of Jesus. Christ chose first to appear, not to a religious leader or man of esteem, but to Mary Magdalene, whose testimony as a woman was derided by her society. In doing so, He elevated her testimony to the highest of esteem among his disciples. She is, as Augustine described her, “apostola apostolorum”, the “Apostle to the Apostles.”

Church tradition says Mary devoted her life to the good news of the resurrection, using an egg as a symbol of resurrected life emerging from the tomb. In this account, she was mocked and told that the resurrection was as likely as the egg turning red. Her egg then miraculously turned red, inspiring a tradition of dyeing eggs at Easter in observance of the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

Prayer

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that, by your grace, we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)
  

She defeated the dragon of the Empire through courageous, childlike faith

Purchase prints of this art here.

“Lord, you have granted me to go through fire, for your name.”

Background

Margaret (also called Marina, in the East) was most likely martyred during the Great Persecution of Diocletian. The daughter of a pagan priest, Margaret converted to Christianity through the influence of a household servant. When she was 15 years old, a Roman official demanded she renounce Christ and become his property. She refused. Her tormentors set her on fire and the flames were miraculously quenched. She suffered imprisonment and torture and was beheaded.

Later generations embellished Margaret’s inspiring story with fantastic details that revealed the reality of the victory of Christ in Margaret’s suffering. One retelling said that in the midst of her torment, Margaret was swallowed whole by a demonic dragon and, through the power of the cross, burst the dragon into pieces from the inside.

Prayer

Almighty God, you gave your servant Margaret of Antioch boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Art & history by the Rev. Deacon Ben Lansing, www.ourchurchspeaks.com | Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

• Art Prints - Browse and purchase Our Church Speaks art prints here.

• Order the book - Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (IVP 2024)

• Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the Our Church Speaks podcast (hosted by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta)