But I would not have found the sun so hospitable from a closer vantage point.
God created the heavens and the earth to display Himself.
Our God brings life and warmth, but at the same time burns white-hot and dangerous.
Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before Him and around Him a tempest rages.--Psalm 50:3
We draw near to Him with warning, but cannot resist His call.
I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.--Genesis 17:1
The sun, now warm and nurturing, now a destroying furnace, stands inexorably above all things, every day reflecting its maker.
The closer we get to the sun, the more we are aware of its power. Like God, it only seems friendly from a long way off.
I cannot know the sun's physical touch, but I can feel its influence.
To approach would mean death, but to witness and experience is glorious.
Because He has, by painful sacrifice, made it possible for us to enter safely into close communion with Him, and our church culture has emphasized this strongly through recent decades, I think we need to see more of this "consuming fire" side of God. A grace so amazing in a God so powerful is worthy of not only deep gratitude but also intense reverence. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sylvia...I believe we need more of deep gratitude and intense reverence toward the God who gave us a priceless gift of grace.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan