Scripture Is Iconographic

 

Today’s Reflection

Scripture is iconographic. One of the interesting features of some icons is that the farther you look into the picture, the larger things become rather than smaller. . . . It totally reverses our normal artistic perspective in which the picture recedes to.

—M. Robert Mulholland Jr., Shaped by the Word: The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Formation, Anniversary Edition
(Upper Room Books, 2023)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

How can artistic expression in certain works of art help you explore God or the meaning of scripture in new ways? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
—Ephesians 3:18–19 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God, I rest in your word. I chew on it slowly. Thoughtfully. Contemplatively. So I can plumb the depths of all that you have to say. I trust that as I digest your word you are at work. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7)
• Psalm 100
• Romans 5:1-8
• Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through July 15, 2026.