God’s Glory

Today I thought a lot about the eclipse yesterday.  It was an amazing sight but I stayed inside and did not try to capture a photo of it.  My concern was messing up.  See part of my issues deal with is staying focused under pressure.  In my mind the window of the eclipse was tight and the consequences were significant.  I did not want to get caught up in the shot and forget and look at the sun without protection, or some other foolish thing.  Besides I knew there would be plenty who would capture photos of it.

I did not want to get caught up in the shot and forget, and look at the sun without protection, or some other foolish thing.  Besides I knew there would be plenty who would capture photos of it.

The other thing that went through my mind was the fact that this is one event in God’s creation.  Yes, it is cool.  Yes, it points out the precision of His creation.  There is a place for everything and an order to it and I am certain that this event occurring now in this place and it has significance, but I felt certain that I did not want to take a chance and have an issue that could cause me to miss another wonderful sight.

Maybe that is crazy, but I knew what was going on outside.  I did not have to see the eclipse to know that it was true.  I was surrounded by a multitude of witnesses.  I pondered that and chose to let this one go so I could focus on the usual and mundane sights of this world.  If I did not have my limitations I would have been out there too, but I know my limits and I know the juice just was not worth the squeeze, and I was reminded this morning my God’s wake up call that missing the eclipse was just fine.  He shared with me a great sunrise.  Then I prayed and read and K-love gave me another reminder.

Psalms 19

I started in Psalm 66 from K-Love than wandered around in the Psalms until I came to 19.  They reminded me of the love we have for God, the Love God has for us, the beauty of His creation, and all His provision.  I read 19 still thinking of the eclipse.

Psalms 19:1-6 (ESV)

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

² Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge.

³ There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard.

⁴ Their voice goes out through all the earth,

and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

⁵ which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,

and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

⁶ Its rising is from the end of the heavens,

and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Through His Word, we gain wisdom and understanding even on a day when we might not turn a page IF on that day we spent some time contemplating the wonder and glory of His work.  It overwhelms me when I look at all he has done and It not only survives it thrives if we take time to simply take it in.

Then I considered His Promise.

John Chapter 13 and 14

I read chapter thirteen and it is the last supper time.  Jesus washes the disciple’s feet and demonstrates his love and service.  He talks of His betrayal and He talks about His leaving.  He also gives them a commandment to love one another so that others may know that they are His disciples.  He even tells Peter he will betray him 3 times.  Then in 14, the disciples are a bit shaken as one might expect and Jesus tells them this truth.

John 14:1-7 (ESV) ¹ “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.” ⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

I love all the book of John.  I could go on and on, but I think I will stop here.  The thing is the love of Jesus Christ is so vast that I cannot fathom its reach.  So powerful I cannot fathom its impact, but so gentle that it comes as a whisper in my heart “let not your hearts be troubled”, and that whisper melts all concerns away and I am overcome with peace and joy.

Closing Thoughts

I am not sure I can tie all this together today, but God can.  I look around me at the wonder of his creation and the gift of His Word and the Church family I know and have yet to meet and I am filled with thanksgiving.  I am reminded today of Galatians 4.

Galatians 4:1-7 (ESV) Sons and Heirs

¹ I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, ² but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. ⁴ But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ⁶ And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

We were once lost but now we are found, blind but now we see.  Our eyes have been opened to all creation and to the wonder of his Word in so far as we are ready for it or in need of it.  Every day I see something new, no matter how many times I study a passage.  Our God is an awesome God!

Prayer

Father, I pray that my eyes might always seek your face.  My heart pursues you, and I never grow tired of your wisdom or the beauty of your creation or grow tired of sharing your message.  In Jesus name, I pray!  Amen!