As I drove to work this morning there was a beautiful sunrise. Deep orange and full of God’s love and promises.
I had spent the previous night reflecting on how we do not have do good works to earn salvation, as salvation is the done deal, it is already finished! We are blessed and through that blessing we honour God by choosing to do good works for Him.
Tonight I was inside and I could see the sunset on the horizon. Even though I was inside I could only manage a small image of the spectacular site.
Responsibility I think has always been gradually released into my life. We do not suddenly leave our children to make their way all to school as toddlers. We take them first, then gradually as the years drift by we give them more and more responsibility until they have shown they can handle that trust.
Does God do this?
On the way out I dwelt near a waterfall and a pond that was inside a building. A wonderfully large waterfall seemed to greet visitors at the reception, its water recycling on an endless stream calming the minds of the people that sat nearby. The fish swam around creating wonderful colours and creating small patterns on the waters. This reminded me of the endless river of life that flows from Jesus.
Nature is a powerful message and a powerful healing tool for all that are near it. I know because I feel at ease and restored working outside in the mud hut. But this nature, even the nature created by humans to mimic real nature, still points toward God. If waterfalls and fish do not have healing properties then why are so many in homes and in posh offices helping the employees fight off stress. But many people leave the similarity there, but why? Nature points to God, God does not point to nature. The beauty, the healing properties, and the wondrous design of every smallest detail like the colours of the plants and fish all point towards God.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Nature points towards Jesus, and we must seek Jesus in prayer and in petitions for others and ourselves. But the Word is clearer and more healing that any waterfall, than any stream, than any fish that calmly swim around.
Colossians 1:15-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
Jesus is the true image of the invisible God. We can not see God, we can only grasp a single strand off a haystack to gain an insight into what God is like. Reading the bible is another way of getting to know Jesus.
Dear Lord, let us seek your Son. Let us model our way of life through him. Let us be your hands and feet here, and let us bare this burden with a wondrous love at all times.
Amen
365 Exhortations 