Saturday, April 7, 2012

Serving and Soaring

God is at work in the world. As I consider that reality my mind strays to spring time in Prague. Work zones abound. Up and down the streets there is visible evidence of construction underway. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic is often diverted from its normal pattern around the project in order to keep things moving toward the planned result.


In my mind's eye I imagine a globe set amidst the arrows, fences, metal barriers, and signs of all kinds and sizes. It's as if I'm catching a glimpse of God's work in Prague and Europe, the planet and the universe. He is infinitely, intensely, and intimately engaged in moving every macro- and micro-detail toward Christ's return, final judgment, and heavenly consummation. 1 Corinthians 2:9, 15:52; Philippians 2:10,11 The Father is diverting mankind from its pattern of self-destruction by granting faith and eternal life to those He loves and has graciously chosen. Matthew 25:31-46; Ephesians 1:4-8, 2:8,9

This amazing view inspires further contemplation and leads me to a more personal job site, my own heart and life. It's coming to me that the infinite, intense, and intimate attention with which God orchestrates the events all around the globe is equally applied to the work He's undertaken to prepare me individually for spending eternity with Him. This plan is not a fly-by-night, slap-dash sort of effort. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are engineering the perfect design for my future glorification. Every single setting and circumstance is being coordinated for my benefit, refinement, peace, and joy. Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 35:10, 55:10-12

You know, you can pick out the workers involved in the roadway improvement here in Prague. They usually wear orange vests, similar to those seen in other places, to make them more visible and hopefully help keep them safe. Those involved in God's work have no such obvious symbol to mark their identity. We come in all shapes and sizes and carry various skill sets and abilities. Our names might be known far and wide or they might only be uttered by a few. We are called as servants to those around us. Colossians 3:23,24; 2 Corinthians 3:3, 5:20 Our work has already been laid out for us and all we need to do is follow the Architect in faithfulness.  Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 11:28-30

Hallelujah, every verse included here as well as every other promise in the Word of God is more secure than heaven and earth, as firm as the very presence and character of God. The rock on which the 'wise man' built his house in Matthew 7 withstood earthly storms, but God Himself is the Rock on which my life is anchored. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the One who has existed before time began and will continue long after time as we know it ceases. I'm trying to comprehend. His work is about the 'big picture', but at the same time God is tending me as closely and carefully as any world event. We serve and we soar.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:30,31