Love

What is our reaction to this incredible world our God has created? It should be to ask, "Who is the one who created all this?" I mean we know who He is in name. But who is He really? The Psalm I quoted at the end of the last post continues:

The instruction of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 
 -- Psalms 19:7-10

According to Jewish commentators, "after recounting the wonders of creation, the Psalmist says that all of this is merely an example of the greatness of Torah--the blueprint that enables man to understand God's will and fulfill it." Torah tells us who God is. All of creation speaks of its Creator, each a unique strand His grand story. But when we move from admiring creation for its own sake to seeking to know the one who created it--that is when we begin to understand what it means to love God.

I don't mean intellectually know. We're quite good at that, reducing everything about creation and God to a bunch of equations and doctrines. I mean to know Him as a person. That can be hard to grasp considering that we cannot see or hear God (especially for very "logical" minded people like me). It's kinda like trying to get to know someone who is away on a long trip--a very long trip. In a way, that's how it is. We're in exile or as the kabbalists put it, God is in exile. His presence is withdrawn from us.

But I'm getting ahead of myself now. It all starts with the Awe of God. From there it grows into a burning desire to know Him more.

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.  -- Psalms 27:4

Return to "Days of Awe"

Awe

The Awe of God is the beginning of wisdom -- Psalm 111:10

I met a guy once who didn't like to use the word "awesome" casually. "Only God is awesome."

Awe -- an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like (from Dictionary.com)

Think about for a moment. What do you find truly awesome?

Consider the wonder of light. Pure energy moving at half a billion miles per hour. Reflecting, refracting--white light becomes a rainbow when seen through a rain drop. Color, vibrant color painting the world in beauty. The greens of the leaves and grass, the browns of earth and sand, the blues of the sky and ocean. God took one oscillating wave and weaved it into this wonderful tapestry of glory.

Consider your life for a moment. Who are you that God should take an interest in your life? Six thousand years of human history and you think God has to help you with your problems? Francis Chan described our place in the universe like being an extra in a movie for two fifths of a second. And we demand the Director's attention to help us with our small part. He is the King of the Universe! Who am I that I should approach Him? And yet He regards you as His child! He cares about you and wants to spend time with you. He even knows the number of hairs on your head (have you ever tried to count them?).

This is the beginning of wisdom. This is the beginning of life.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?  -- Psalm 8:3-4 

Return to "Days of Awe"

Birth of an Atheist

A chariot is prepared for light to make its course
A path is lined out across space
Darkness breaks as the first rays of dawn call forth
A thousand voices answer in praise
Numberless stars answer to our King
They speak of glory all through the night
But one has been given the duty to bring
Light to our world and reveal what is right

An alarm clock rings, the snooze button pressed
Late for work again today
Put on some shades and buy a coffee express
Crank up the music, drown out the blue jay

With dirt covered hands, a seed is sown
It's joy in death brings life
Day after day it strives all alone

With patience it grows to new heights
Every branch becomes a place to rest
Every fruit pleasant to eat
Every flower clothed in only the best
Existing only to express His beauty

A homemade sandwich with factory made meat
He scarfs it down forgetting to bless
With so much work to do he's feeling the heat
Can't stop to think lest he see his regress

The clouds roll through, darkness covers the streets
Fire strikes down from heaven
Healing rain comes down like a sheet
Giving grace to all men and women
God rolls out His justice, bringing kings to their knees
But on the humble He has compassion
He blots out a record that was our disease
Closes the gap that was a great chasm

He gets down on his knees cause he feels guilty
Prays the sinners pray to make things right
Gets on with life without so much as a blink
As if God owed him this life