“Give me a revelation / show me what to do / ’cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way / I haven’t got a clue” ~ Third Day: “Revelation”
A few weeks ago, I posted a long discussion with myself on God, and what He has planned for me, versus what I want for myself. Over the past couple of weeks, God has been working on me, and I’ve been an absolute mess.
I’m not kidding
I want to share with you my newfound understanding of God – the way He’s managed to reveal Himself to me, that’s so totally different from anything I’ve ever experienced before.
“He’s not a tame lion, but He is good”
He is big enough to be everywhere, yet He knew each of us before we were even made. He’s so much bigger than any representation on Earth – not even the biggest cathedrals, or the largest statue. He is, literally, the air we breath, because he is everywhere.
The plastic figures of Jesus that we create, both physically and mentally, are misguiding. We betray ourselves into thinking that He’s ours, to carry around inside our pockets for the moment we run into trouble. We betray ourselves, and our Saviour when we only think about Him for an hour at church on Sunday. We never, ever have to physically go to Him, because He’s already there – all around you. But you have to mentally go to Him, because He wants us to put aside us, and have fellowship with Him.
And really, what could be more wonderful than putting aside our sinful selves, and entering into his Holy Presence? What could be better than speaking, one-on-one, with the One who created both Heaven and Earth, but created us, so He could have a personal relationship with each one of us? The one who created us for His glory (it’s not egotistical… read on…) – and why shouldn’t we give Him glory? Our God, who gives us what we need in due time, teaching us how to better love each other, and Himself… What’s not to love?
Yet, amidst all this beauty that He created, there is so much evil. People who value money over anything else, who destroy the lives of others. People who willingly kill an unborn baby because it doesn’t fit in with their plans. People who care only about themselves. People who disregard, and warp God’s sovereign law, fitting it to their own definitions, and using it as an excuse to do whatever they want. Terrorists who take the lives of thousands of people, in the name of advancing their own ideas of religion. People who call themselves Christians, who hurt others and chase them away from a meaningful relationship with Jesus.
What the heck can one person do, against Satan’s seemingly unleashed power in our world?
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18
Jesus has provided us with the things we need, the mercy from God’s judgement, and the grace needed for us to repent our sins to our Heavenly Father. We, in turn, must help those around us seek out God’s mercy – showing them by example the grace and mercy given to us, in order to help them. Whether it’s someone in your neighborhood, or an orphan across the world – we can be a light to others.
And this world isn’t the end…
“I didn’t think it would end this way.”
“End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.”
“What? Gandalf? See what?”
“White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
“Well, that isn’t so bad.”
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” – 1 Corinthians 2:9
Fine print – the photographs are not mine, and the movie quotes belong to their authors.
Published by Amanda @ Farmgirlwrites
I started my blog as a 13-year-old farmgirl... and now I'm twenty-something seminarian. My blog is a chronicle of these crazy adventures.
View all posts by Amanda @ Farmgirlwrites
Farmgirl Writes 
Brilliant. Absolutely Brilliant. 🙂 As Jesus would have said, "Well done good and faithful servant, well done!"
Great way to tie into today's readings – all about really knowing Jesus, and taking that to help others.
At youth group tonight, we talked about Truth. Kind of like what you said, some people just believe lies. Its our duty to show the Truth – and that is IS logical to believe in this Truth. Without seeming "holier than thou" we can help other people, and through that enter into a more personal relationship with God.
Its some deep stuff. But really, God is all we need. His Grace is enough. He'll take care of us, and He's everywhere. I think one of the most important things is to focus on serving God before ourselves, like you said. Sometimes its hardest knowing if we're doing the right thing, but that's why we know we can turn to Truth and that will guide us.
Great post! 🙂
Good observations, and ones that we should all consider on a daily basis. I am with you one the plastic icons (Read idols) that people pray to. We do not need material likenesses to worship God. In fact we are warned specifically to avoid all things that are idols.
Keep up the good work!