A Genuine Chippendale

You have probably all heard of Chippendale furniture. But you probably don’t know the story. Up until the 1750’s and Thomas Chippendale all furniture was pretty much custom made. A person would contact a cabinet maker, give them the space dimensions they needed a piece of furniture for, and any specifics and the maker would design his piece. Thomas Chippendale ran such a cabinet shop - A quite famous furniture shop. In fact, his styles became so much in demand that he created the first furniture guide book in 1754. People could see pictures and descriptions of the furniture. They could select which piece of furniture they wanted and he would make it. His designs became the global standard. Other cabinet makers would take his catalog, copy the pieces he designed, and offer them. Some would even take Chippendale’s catalog with them to show prospective clients what THEY would make. Hence, there were many knock-offs, copies. Ergo you hear the term that a piece of furniture is “a genuine Chippendale” dresser, etc. 

All of this make Thomas Chippendale and his furniture shop even more famous. He began to only design for those of means enough to pay a premium for his offerings (In 2008 one original sold for $3,421,933.65). Yet, while he was admired, copied, and making furniture for the rich and famous, for kings and palaces and castles all across Europe he himself was basically penniless. And he died that way leaving no money, furniture worth a trifling, and a rented shop. 

It makes me wonder about you, about us, as preachers. It is possible that while we may be admired and respected for our knowledge of the Word of God. While our words may be copied and our phrases reused. While our ministry might reach into many lives and touch and move and be a comfort and support to others, that we ourselves may be spiritual penniless. 

I want to challenge you to drink deeply of that which you offer to others: God’s grace, His mercy, and forgiveness, His promises, His presence. I want you to deeply consider the forgiveness you preach to others, the grace you proclaim, is for you in your sin as well. The God you proclaim is your God too. May you know this day a taste of His love for you - the very love you tell others about. May you personally feel His presence in your hurt, your humanness,  and your hesitancy (confusion). May you be as rich as your words make the lives of others.