Eyes to see the holy, the truly good, God in every moment, are hard to come by. Isn't every moment a fight for our eyes, will we see what we're dissatisfied with, what offends. Or will we lift our heads and turn our eyes, beholding Him. So hard. So worth it. I stepped outside last night for no reason, turned the corner, and encountered a burning bush, a blazing night sky. God wants our attention, calls out our names, he will give holy seeing eyes to those who ask and press in to see. So hard.
In the midst of regulation, rebellious people, idolatry, doubt, a dessert, Moses asked and was given new eyes to see beyond; and so might we be, if we ask. "Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected - even children in the third and fourth generations." Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. And he said, "O Lord, if it is true that I have found favor with you, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special possession. The Lord replied, "Listen, I am making a covenant with you in the presence of all your people. I will perform miracles that have never been performed before anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the Lord - the awesome power I will display for you." Exodus 34:5-10
Aren't we often stubborn and rebellious people, but claimed. Claimed by mercy and forgiveness. He's made a covenant with us, a new covenant born of blood and we have seen His glory "the glory of the one and only Son," (John 1). But not everyone sees His glory, so many have missed the Son. Many see no grace, only ugly. Let's not be among the ones who see only the curse, let's lift our eyes and see God, in every moment, traveling with us.
How have you lifted your eyes above the pain and ugly in this world and seen God calling out his name to you?
Those pictures are gorgeous. What a sunset.
ReplyDeleteThis post brings to mind a site I was visiting earlier about Noah's Ark, and I read the comment above mine which basically stated he shouldn't post "Christianity blubber" on his site. And I thought really? On his own site? Are they serious? Hopefully he is one who will say, that'll be the day, and not one who is afraid to offend and won't post anything about Christianity again. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess. That includes the young lady who posted the comment.
We are stubborn and rebellious, but claimed. So true!
ReplyDeleteDoing my best to keep my eyes on Christ so not to be overtaken or overwhelmed by the ugliness. Hopefully, I can be a light in the midst of it.
Spent 11 1/2 hrs at work where 3 contractors, two vendors, and multiple projects and problems all clammered for my time and attention. Interwoven was selfishness and greed, with a little bit of encouragement and cooperation
ReplyDeleteThen I came home to a place of peace and beauty where my dear wife has labored in garden and kitchen. The ugliness melts away as I enter into the sparrow's nest that God has provided out of His inexplicable grace. Dad
Thank you Terri and Theresa, I pray you continue to see glimpses of God every day.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful Dad, I'm so thankful for your little nest and Mom.