The following is the result of a tad bit of inspiration I received this week:
Most of us have been to New York City and walked the streets of Times Square amidst the hustle and bustle of folks walking from here to there, vehicles of all sorts vying for optimum position with high hopes in reaching their destinations, and the sights and sounds of a multitude of signs and lights strategically placed to help you find your way. I’ve been there and can assure you that when you’re there, you’re not going anywhere fast. Like multitudes of bees in a honeycomb, the city’s ceaseless motion waits for no one.
I am reminded of a song from Rush called Prime Mover where we observe a view of god who is little more than a watch maker who thusly opines concerning his creation:
I set the wheels in motion
turn up all the machines
activate the programs
and run behind the sceneI set the clouds in motion
turn up light and sound
activate the window
and watch the world go ’round —anything can happen
I wonder if this watch maker is pleasantly amused or irreversibly disappointed at how things have “evolved”. I love Rush and their creative lyrics but these in particular happen to provide a striking contrast to the reality that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ claim as an infinitely higher hope, one based on solid promises rather than hopeful expectations or mere chance caused by random events:
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 5:1-21)
Every time I read these verses the curtain of understanding is pulled back just a little bit more for me personally. I don’t claim to comprehend them but I can certainly understand them. Contrary to popular belief life is NOT like a box of chocolates, however it is true that you never know what you’re going to get…..in this lifetime anyway. New York City is a viable metaphor for many of us as we consume the numerous “chocolates” life offers us. Most of us have enjoyed, or at least tried to, that certain box of assorted chocolates we receive around the holidays. You know, the ones with nuts and nougats of unknown taste and texture. The good ones are consumed quickly leaving the undesirable ones to lay alone within an almost empty box waiting to finally be selected, even if they are last choice. Not all chocolates taste the same, but they are all chocolates and each one serves a purpose.
Now that I think of it, this is also a great metaphor for high school team selection in gym class.
I like this notable quote by the fictional Doc Brown: “The future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” Know where you’re going and whose you are. Have faith that the tribulations of this life cannot hold a candle to the glory which lies ahead if your heart belongs to the Lord.
Meanwhile, we have yet only to venture from here to there on this tiny rock, a distance which is a tiny blip in the infinite expanse of God’s eternal heavenly dwelling. If you are human, you have little choice but to comply. Therefore, as you go, be still and know that He is God.
Merry CHRISTmas to you all. Travel safe and enjoy your family!
Jim
Liked that cartoon at the end! :)
Great post !