You are familiar, no doubt, with one of the most famous paintings ever done by any artist. I refer to "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci, that classic portrayal of Christ and the twelve apostles at the table.

Many students of art history believe that the painting, when first created, was somewhat different from the version which we now see. There was initially, it is believed, an exquisite lace border on the tablecloth. When, immediately upon completion, Leonardo invited a group of art students to view his masterpiece, they were immensely impressed by the delicate design of that lacework. They studied it intensely and praised it highly.

Upon seeing the reaction of these young men, the artist took up a brush, dipped it, and made a few long strokes across the canvas, obliterating the lace. Then, with uncontrollable feeling, he shouted, "Now, you fools, look at the face of Christ!"

This is the Lord's Day and we are at worship. To do this, we need to get our eyes off the lace, away from whatever it is that may divert our attention from our Lord. So let's get our eyes off the fringes, that we may get our focus upon him. Whatever it is, let's paint out the lace, so that we may see the face.