Simply Awesome

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with awe during an encounter with the natural world? God’s creation is designed to reveal God to us (compare Psalm 19; Romans 1), so it is not surprising that it can produce in us feelings of awe. Whether it is breathtaking scenery, observing animal life, seeing the night sky full of stars, or watching the sheer power of a mighty storm, nature has the God-given ability to make us aware of how small we are in comparison with the universe.

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The Beauty of His Holiness

Having given Israel his law and having confirmed his covenant with them, the Lord now gives instructions about making a sanctuary for him where he may dwell among them. That God should dwell in the middle of a sinful people that he has redeemed for his own is another amazing example of his grace. But so it is, God himself will live in a tabernacle – a tent – among his people.

The Light of God’s Presence

After describing the Ark of the Covenant we are told about the Table and the Lamp stand which are situated in the Holy Place outside the curtain that distinguishes it from the Most Holy Place. Like the ark and all of the objects within the tabernacle it is made of pure gold and any poles used to carry it around are overlaid with pure gold while objects outside the tabernacle are made of lesser metals like silver and bronze. The closer one gets to the Lord, the more valuable the metals.

Isaiah’s Vision and Calling

Sometimes I wish…

Sometimes, I wish I had an experience like Isaiah. I wish I could see the LORD in all his glory. I wish to see the beauty of the LORD filling his temple.

But maybe my experience and Isaiah’s experience of the LORD aren’t so radically different.

Make It Visible

Two millennia before the concept of individual learning styles became prominent in teaching, Paul emphasized the importance of truth being seen and experienced, as well as heard. Having enthralled the Philippians with the wonder of their salvation and hope of glorious future transformation, he earths his words in gritty practicality and pastoral warmth.

Redefine “Weaker”

“Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet” (3:4).

This passage is troubling in these egalitarian times, for it appears to give biblical sanction to a patriarchal view of women. Indeed, complementarian Christians often cite it as a mandate to keep women in their place.

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