A photo captures a second and holds it still forever. It is a glimpse of an unfinished story without words or plot. The “because”, the “why” are left to our imagination.
In contrast, we live through vanishing seconds while searching for the plot of our incomplete but developing stories. From these fragmented experiences, we compose a picture of who we think we are, or who we want to be, or who we display ourselves to be. All the while we hide our brokenness behind the pages of our own making…our good deeds, our brilliance, our beauty, our status, our resources, our morality, our smiles.
Jesus entered time to help us grasp the true, glorious plot into which God wrote us at creation. We marred the story and our characters by attempting to control the narrative because we did not trust the Author’s intentions. Jesus helps us understand and deal with those realities, the ” why’s” and the seriousness of our brokenness and our need for redemption and restoration.
He is the Truth teller (John 18:37), the Seeker of the lost (Luke 19:10), the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), the Savior of mankind (1Tim 4:10), the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1Peter 2:25), and the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 5:9). He is the Alpha and Omega who knows the beginnings and the endings. He redirects the script and completes our stories with the best possible never-ending when we trust him to do so.
The Psalmist expressed it this way: “Goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives,” and then we will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23).
A bright light shines between the thunder storm and the fog.
Experiencing life often seems like living within weather patterns. Our joy, our moments of contentment and security are caught between the abrupt and distressing, between storms and mysteries. We are vulnerable to relentless change, some of which is expected and good but frequently is surprising and unpleasant. We seek stability and look for excitement and adventure only when we want it. However, what happens is often not our choice because it turns dark and painful or mysterious. And when we look for meaning but hear and see only silence and emptiness, our default positions are hopelessness or “faith.”
We all live within the realm of “faith” when it comes to whether or not we believe in God. That thought raises the knotty question of whether there is an enduring, consistent Reality who providentially lights the way through our earthly experiences? The voices of nature, morality, intuition would suggest so. Revelation, and Jesus speak loudly in the affirmative.
God is a steadfast, unchanging reality: “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6a). His purposes are good (Isaiah 43:1). His Word is true and ” a lamp to guide (our) feet and a light for (our) path” (Psalm 119:105). Those qualities are established, eternal, and meaningful to us. Even when we do not understand fully, His character is consistent. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8)(Matthew 24:35). Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
Not only is He reliable, the Apostle John wrote that “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). James describes God as the creator of all the lights in the cosmos but “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Daniel (of lions’ den fame) knew Him as one who reveals “deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light (Daniel 2:22). The Apostle Paul spoke of Him as living in “unapproachable” light, perhaps meaning that our imperfections do not allow us to approach His holy character apart from His mercy and grace (1Timothy 6: 15-16). Those thoughts speak to God’s omniscient, pure, dependable character and the reality of His just but grace and mercy filled purposes for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Justice and mercy are the reason He sent Jesus as “the light of the world.” He shows us our need and it’s cure and has begun righting the wrongs (John 8:12). “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… (The light) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:4-14).
During a recent visit to a children’s museum, I saw a sign that said “Hope begins where there is truth.” We can have full confidence in what is true. Jesus claimed to have come from the God who is true, that he is Truth and Life, and that one must come to God through him. (John 7:28; 14:6) He stated his mission: “I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true” (John 18:37).
Those claims should not be summarily dismissed but carefully considered because not only does Christ reveal God and our redemptive needs to us, he does something about it. He relates to us so deeply that he died for us and took the condemnation for our sins. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”(Romans 5:8). There could be no deeper love or act of love.
So, even when the clouds threaten with ominous rumblings or lingering doubts and questions roll into our minds and dim the light, God’s sovereignty and faithful goodness will sustain us. It is faith that taps into that power and guarantees His presence where His love is immeasurable and unwavering. (Hebrews 11:6)
The Psalmist lived in that light even in when surrounded by difficulties. He did not fight the darkness alone: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).
God’s promises are rock solid. His redemption is sure and eternal. A future with Him is forever. All honor, power, and dominion are His. He is unchanging Light.
The Psalmist considered God’s instructions and encouragements to be a blessing. They were true, not to be neglected, or rebelled against but were a “light” in a difficult and harsh world where he groped for meaning. They led to knowledge, understanding, wisdom and the power to live as God intended him to live —honoring God and his fellow humans in healthy, loving ways.
God’s words do that. They are amazingly impactful because they are “living and active” and so sharp that they judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. If we listen, they will confront us and then guide us into what is what is right and best.
Maybe it’s a butterfly on a tangerine cone flower or an expansive, breathtaking vista. It might be minuscule and cellular or cosmic and grand; simple and stark or intricate and complex; lovely and serene or loud and boisterous; man made or God created. It might be a song, a symphony, a discovery, or an idea. Something about it captivates your mind and evokes an emotional response. Whether it’s a startling, “stop in your tracks” moment of astonishing clarity, a gradual dawning of discovery, a long contemplative pause, or a curious wonderment, a “behold” encounter may be more felt and soul moving than well articulated! Whether surprised, amazed, stunned, astonished, taken aback, just curious, or having a “eureka” moment, there is an overwhelming sense of something larger than words, something note worthy enough to halt and appreciate its beauty, magnificence, exquisiteness, quirkiness, or genius.
Depending on which Bible translation, there are more than 1000 “beholds” recorded in scripture. The prophet Isaiah had one of these moments while considering the amazing complexity of God’s goodness and justice, His mighty power, His tender Shepherd’s heart, His sovereign reign over creation, and His wisdom. “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?” (Isaiah 40:10-13 (ESV)
John the Baptist made a startlingly short but profound pronouncement as he saw Jesus coming toward him: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Could there have been a more monumental “behold”, a more impactful truth than that to share? Look! Pause! Consider! The Redeemer for all all people everywhere is walking by!
John, the Apostle, was so overwhelmed with the Gospel’s spiritual truth about Christ’s redemptive, restorative work that he wrote his readers:“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” (1 John 3:1-2)
Pilate sarcastically exclaimed, “Behold your King,” as he presented a mocked, beaten, pathetic , impotent, silent, and defeated appearing Christ before a murderous crowd crying loudly for Christ’s crucifixion. Little did he realize that he was announcing the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the Sustainer of the Universe, the all powerful, soon to be resurrected Victor over Death.
Today, this resurrected Christ patiently but passionately implores us to stop and consider an intimate personal relationship with him saying: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) He is no intruder. He is no aggressor. He is the life giver, standing, waiting, humbly asking permission to enter our lives, desiring to fellowship with us. He brings the goodie bags filled with spiritual nourishment and a heart warm with love. Behold! Jesus, the lover of your soul! There is great wonder surrounding Christ. We are exhorted to not only “ fix our eyes” on him ( Hebrews 12:2) but to walk as Jesus walked” (1 John 2:6).
Behold! Reflect on him.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.” (Hymn by Helen Lemuel, 1922)
Old skiffs, Bucks Harbor, Washington County, Maine
What is it about craggy faces, calloused hands, weathered skin, and old boats with their nicks, dings, and scraps?
There is something encouraging about old “things” and old people who are time worn but have weathered well, are scarred but toughened, tried but persistent, tested but enduring.
Sometimes faith seems like that! Like an old boat –
battered by opposing tides and stormy seas; burdened under heavy thoughts, unnecessary wants, exaggerated desires, and just “stuff”; struggling against adverse cultural currents; swamped, gunnels low in choppy waters of anxiety, doubt, and fear; scraping on the shallow, rocky bottoms of futility, disappointment, and failure; yet, confidently guided by the strength and hands of its owner through the chop and impenetrable fog heading for a sure, secure destination.
Faith journeys deep into the deep. Like old skiffs, it bump rocks and shoals-returning battered to sheltered, calm waters, bailed out, unburdened, somehow more complete, strong, ready, and steady, confident, waiting, prepared for the oar locks, the oarsman, and the next destination
Greying hair, trembling hands, and creeping fragility may assail believers, but scripture comforts with the truth that “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3-5 (NLT2)
and that “the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James1:2)
That kind of trust makes it possible to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer“when “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…(Romans 12:12)(Colossians 1:11)
Sometimes it is difficult to see ahead. Just as this lobsterman moves expectantly searching from pot to pot through early morning fog, we press ahead with day to day plans. But we have no assurance that the pots will yield what we planned or imagined. Our earthly futures are not guaranteed, and our view of reality is imperfect. We may strive to be God, but we are not. Our knowledge of this universe is limited. Our understanding of God and of eternal things is even more obscured. King Solomon “realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.” (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17) Our finiteness obscures the infinite, and we are surrounded by great mysteries.
We even have trouble understanding ourselves let alone God. The Apostle Paul described this lack of clarity as “seeing through a glass darkly” or as looking through distorted glass or viewing our lives in a badly reflecting mirror. (1Corinthians 13) James used a mirror metaphor for God’s Word where we can see who we are intended to be—-like Christ, who possesses God’s perfect nature. (James 1:23) An honest look in that self reflecting mirror reveals a blurred, distorted reflection of God’s image because of our imperfections and moral weaknesses.
However, God’s view of humanity is neither fuzzy nor conflicted. He is not distant but interactive with us and calls it like it is. We fall short of His glory, the glory He gave us, the glory we have marred (Romans 3:23). We deserve His correction and judgment. However, love wins! He values our souls with such immense kindness, compassion, and love that He sent Jesus to redeem us, and if and when we believe, He graciously and mercifully covers our souls in Christ’s righteousness.
At some future time, the haziness will lift. We will no longer struggle for a clear view of all our “pots.” Cosmic mysteries will be resolved. Who we are in relationship to our Creator and sovereign Redeemer will be revealed. In that moment, our real position and purposes will be clearly understood. We will know “as we are known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Searching for a landing after the “haul” in the fog, Maine
By nature we are seekers. We are curious about the spot where we can fit in and flourish because that place is not always obvious. So, we foray into possibilities – establishing our place among family, peers, relationships, and community as well as in business, trades, or professions, and even in the universe! Sensing there is more to life than what we are experiencing, we seek advancement, wealth, pleasure, power, security, and intimacy. Our needs, dreams, and desires motivate us, but we are not content when we fulfill them. We remain spiritually restless. What we really want, need, and work hard for are intimacy, joy, peace, meaning and purpose.
Christ addressed those anxiety producing issues in his Sermon on the Mount where he redirected his listeners away from worry and into prioritizing God, whose sufficiency meets the needs of souls (Matthew 5-7): “… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” he said. (Matthew 6:33-34)
We profess to want the truth about our place in the cosmos- about the meaning and purposes of why we are here. We formulate ideas and espouse or at least accept certain scientific, philosophic and theological concepts. Scripture reveals both hard facts about and wonderful solutions for our existence. Even without Scripture, it is evident that we live in a”fallen world” with imperfect characters. Christ said he came to us because we are lost and need redemption and that he had come into this world so that we could know truth. “… For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). Jesus also said that he came from God who is true and that he is Truth and Life and the only way to God (John 14:6).
As the living expression of God and the Good Shepherd of our souls, he is the redeemer who restores our relationship with God (John 10:14), gives rest to those who are “weary and carry heavy burdens (Matthew 11:28), and promises eternal life by God’s grace and our faith (Psalm 23) ( John 3:16) (Ephesians 2:8-9). He is the secure place to land our souls.
In his Sermon discourse, Jesus also said, “…everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds…” (Matthew 7:7-8). The Psalmist reassures us: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18) Looking for a landing? God can be found; and when we land on Him, He does not let us go. The search is over! We are forever secure. (Isaiah 55:6-7) (Acts17:27) (James4:8)
Celebrating with spooky, foggy fireworks, Stonington, Maine
We enjoy expressing our joy, love, congratulations, gratitude, and good fortune with special events.We celebrate beginnings and endings, new opportunities and positions, finished works and retirements, births and deaths, birthdays, milestones, graduations, reunions, new love, marriages, anniversaries, friendships, healings and recoveries. We hold special religious and federal holidays and look forward to harvest festivals, fairs, picnics and sharing fun at amusement parks.
Frequently too busy, overwhelmed and frenetic, we fail to appreciate that every day is an opportunity to celebrate. The Psalmist said that “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!” Truly that is not always easily done. Troubles, tragedy, or just the challenges of our daily lives may engulf and exhaust us. We long for that “One Moment in Time” about which Whitney Houston sang, a time when we sense we have our destiny under control. If your day is going like that, rejoice!
We may rejoice when things go our way. But the Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord always” while he was imprisoned! That echoed Christ’s message of the Beatitudes. Happiness or blessing or joy are not dependent on circumstances but on one’s trusting attitude and gratitude to God, who not only redeems us and our situations but has immediate and eternal purposes for us. God’s assuring presence, peace and comfort can even penetrate the foggy mysteries of suffering and give us cause to rejoice within a darkened, threatening world. His grace and power become evident when we are weak.
He walks with us through the deep waters and fires that otherwise might consume our souls ( Isaiah43:2) He gives endurance and encouragement. He is the God of hope who gives peace to those who trust in Him (Romans15:5,13). He is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1Peter 2:25) and walks us to still waters and and nourishing pastures (Psalm 23). He is the God over impossibilities (Luke 1:37). He is the One who through our faith empowers us to move mountains and defeat giants which obstruct and loom over us. ( Matthew 17:20) He makes us more than we can be through our own efforts. God’s love does not let us go (Hebrews 13:5). He is for us. Who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31)
We have His presence and power because of what Christ has done for us. Faith is the victory that overcomes this disruptive, noisy, distressed, and pressurized world. (1John 5:4)
Butterflies are beautiful creatures, but their midair flutterings and apparent irregular, undirected courses beg the question of why they don’t just make a bee line to their destination? (Probably because they are not bees!) However, their erratic flying makes it difficult for predators to pick them out of the air!
Their flight pattern is metaphorical for life which is not a linear coarse. Although we do move from the past to the future and progress from physical beginnings to physical endings over which we have little to no say, our journeys are disorganized and frequently dysfunctional or even chaotic as we deal with limitations, vulnerabilities, uncertainties, disappointments, and setbacks.
Because our circumstances and characters have inbuilt fallibilities, our reasoning may be faulty, our desires impure, our dreams and self-estimations unrealistic, our coping skills poor, and our circumstances challenging or even overwhelming. These weaknesses often preoccupy us or distract us from life’s grander meaning and purposes.
We need reminders, redirection, or a greater than human wisdom when we flutter off course. Just as the butterfly benefits from its zig zagging flittering, our vulnerabilities are distracting but need not be a waste of time! Personal interests, moral side excursions, disappointments, adversity, and even suffering and pain are opportunities for learning about ourselves, for finding God in the circumstances, for expanding our understanding of the world which we are navigating, for transformation and maturing, for learning humility and empathy for others, for achieving confidence and courage,
Wise, old King Solomon said that the “beginning of wisdom” is fear or reverence for God; the implication is that gaining some understanding of God and who He created us to be will orient us to the meaning of life and how to handle it. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).
Scripture does that. It course corrects us into recovery and spiritual equilibrium. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…” (Psalm 19:7) Jeremiah’s message to God’s people was to “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” Jeremiah 6:16). Speaking through Isaiah, God, the Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel told His people: “I am the Lord your God, …who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea “(Isaiah 48:17-18).
The Books of Proverbs and Psalms are filled with expressions of God’s kindness, His mercy and grace, and His wisdom for faithful living: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).
God is present – refreshing our spirits, giving peace to our hearts, and bringing good out of our difficulties when we trust Him to do so. He is the great Redeemer of situations and souls and is completing His work in us as he restores us to who we are meant to be (Philippians 1:6)( Romans 8:38-39).
The most amazing thing about the Monarch butterfly is that despite its erratic flight pattern, it makes a courageous and dramatic flight to its finish, migrating purposely from the Eastern US to Mexico on a 2 to 3 thousand miles jaunt! What a symbol of perseverance and great hope! Despite missteps, we can live confident of our ultimate destination when we falteringly persist in faith. Christ defeated death and promised that those who believe will never die but have everlasting life. (John 11:25)
James knew that the journey into faith is rough and irregular. He said that “…whenever you face trials of many kinds, …know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Essentially he said to hang in there. Perseverance is key. It will be worth it all.
In 1941, Esther Rusthoi wrote the hymn “It Will Be Worth It All.” The refrain expresses the Christian’s “hope”:
It will be worth it all/ when we see Jesus/ Life’s trials will seem so small/when we see Christ/ One glimpse of his dear face/All sorrow will erase/ So, bravely run the race/ ’til we see Christ.”
Sometimes we find ourselves alone in our endeavors and beliefs. One need not be single, a widow, a widower, or divorced to feel unsupported. Bullying. disrespect, sickness, disabilities, intolerance to varying political, social, or religious views, PTSD from personal tragedies, peer pressure, lack of communication in relationships, difficult circumstances, and violence can leave us with a sense of isolation. Loneliness has become epidemic since the covid pandemic and the mega-use of social media. The journey ahead may appear dismal when we feel abandoned, unloved, or uncared for. But are we?
Scripture consistently points us to the reality of God’s powerful presence and the truths of His inspired Word. These are the the blessings of a faith which confidently assures that “the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls” leads to still waters and green pastures and is even present in the valley where death casts its shadow (1Peter 2:25) (Psalm 23).
The Psalmist knew that “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). He extolled God as his refuge and strength, a fortress, a strong deliverer, and a “present help in trouble.” Throughout history, God has been known as compassionate, faithful, merciful, patient, and abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6) Nehemiah 9:31) (Psalm 46.1; 145:8) (Jonah 4:2) (Titus 2:11). Those attributes were definitively demonstrated through the gift, incarnation, life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Christ who touched and healed the bodies and souls of all who sought him. He raised the dead and promised resurrected eternal life to all who would come to him in belief (John 11:25). He calls to all who are weary and burdened and promises rest (Matthew 11:28). He promised to never leave or forsake us and to be with us “to the end of the age”(Deuteronomy 31:60 ( Mathew 28:20).
Throughout his life, the Apostle Paul experienced overwhelming persecution, physical challenges, and spiritual needs but found God’s grace sufficient for his trials (2 Corinthians 12:9). He understood what he told the Athenians – that God is not far from us. We are His creations made in His image, and “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17: 24-26).
The Apostle Peter, who knew that he would die for his beliefs and advancement of the Kingdom of God, was undaunted as he courageously persevered in preaching what hebelieved: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”(1 Peter 5:7)
Jesus was challenged at all levels of his physical, emotional, and spiritual being. There is no hardship or temptation that he escaped. He endured them perfectly for us. (Hebrews 4:15) He understands our bruised souls and doubt filled, fearful minds and is always present -lovingly guiding along paths traveled and familiar to him. It is a matter of trusting him.
Alone, Never Alone, an old hymn written by an unknown author, conveys the truth that God is the God of comfort, peace, love and hope. You can hear it on YouTube, but the lyrics are included here:
I’ve seen the lightning flashing/And heard the thunder roll, I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing/which tried to conquer my soul; I’ve heard the voice of my Savior/ He bid me still fight on: He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone.
Refrain: No, never alone/No, never alone; He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone: No, never alone/No, never alone: He promised never to leave me/ Never to leave me alone.
The world’s fierce winds are blowing–Temptation’s sharp and keen; I have a peace in knowing/My Savior stands between; He stands to shield me from danger/When all my friends are gone: He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]
When in affliction’s valley/I tread the road of care, My Savior helps me carry/My cross so heavy to bear; Though all around me is darkness/And earthly joys are flown, My Savior whispers His promise/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]
He died on Calv’ry’s mountain/ For me they pierced His side, For me He opened that fountain/The crimson, cleansing tide; For me He’s waiting in glory/Upon His heavenly throne: He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]
Sweet Words from Maine 