An interesting thought
gripped me during my pastor’s sermon series on Breakthrough yesterday. Since we live in AZ, it was particularly
interesting how he used the visual of the Grand Canyon to make his point that
sin alienates us from God. He
challenged Christians who confess salvation through the blood sacrifice of
Jesus to make sober choices daily to walk in their freedom and not in slavery
of sin.
He shared his experience
on a tour in the Grand Canyon and was startled at his guide’s explanation of
the amazing panoramic view. “Isn’t
judgment beautiful?” the guide asked.
Whoa! What did he mean? This beautiful monument was not created by
man. It was the result of the judgment
of God for sin during the flood recorded in the book of Genesis.
“Based on the fact that the eruption
of Mt. St. Helen's formed a canyon in a very short time period in the early
1980s, as well as other evidence, there is good reason to believe the Grand
Canyon was formed over a very short time period. The evidence also shows it is
preposterous to think the Grand Canyon could have been formed slowly over
millions of years by the Colorado River.”
Russ Miller
Creationist, Russ Miller, presents
his case in the You Tube, “The 3 Day Formation of the Grand Canyon” if you are
interested in more details.
Getting back to my pastor’s point,
there is justice for sin. We have a
choice to receive forgiveness from a Savior who paid the price of man’s sin and
reap healing mentally, spiritually and physically or else we can continue in the empty sin
patterns that lead to destruction.
Once you were separated from God. The evil things you
did showed your hostile attitude. But now Christ has brought
you back to God by dying in his physical body. He did this so that you could
come into God’s presence without sin, fault, or blame. This is
on the condition that you continue in faith without being moved from the solid
foundation of the hope that the Good News contains. You’ve heard this Good News
of which I, Paul, became a servant. It has been spread throughout all creation
under heaven. Colossians 1:21-23
The Grand Canyon is a perfect
reminder that though we have a merciful God, He’s a just God too! We choose.
It’s either freedom or slavery.
You know, Mary, reading this I had another thought. Looking out at the Grand Canyon (it is beautiful, isn't it?!) I have always been so amazed at how wide it is. And then, I try to think how I could possibly cross that huge chasm on my own. Impossible.
ReplyDeleteThe God who created the Grand Canyon also sent His Son to span the impossibly wide chasm between His holiness and our sin.
Oh, we are also so blessed by His Mercy!
GOD BLESS!
I love how when we recklessly abandon ourselves to Him, when we give all our days and our lives to Him, we are freed.
ReplyDeleteThat as our eyes are fixed on Him, our circumstances and worries flee. It's all Him, and He supplies enough grace for each day, and does it again with each new day.
Give it all to Him, be His servant, and be FREE.
We are truly blessed my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteIt does not matter the size of the sin...the separation is just as great. Thank God for his mercy and grace
ReplyDeleteThere's always the struggle with our flesh. Knowing who we are in Christ helps me. We are forgiven and so we can walk with Him daily in that freedom. I no longer want to be a slave to sin. Btw, I love the Grand Canyon. Thanks for the link to the video.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
Debbie
Hi Mary, this is a thought provoking post. Given your pastor's perspective, judgment is given for our protection. Wonderful insights about the Grand Canyon too.
ReplyDeleteI've not been around blogland much... but this afternoon I deliberately took time to visit a few friends.
Trusting all is well with you and your family. Regards to Carrie...
Love
Lidia
Hi Mary, this is a thought provoking post. Given your pastor's perspective, judgment is given for our protection. Wonderful insights about the Grand Canyon too.
ReplyDeleteI've not been around blogland much... but this afternoon I deliberately took time to visit a few friends.
Trusting all is well with you and your family. Regards to Carrie...
Love
Lidia
All I know is that God is in control, of all of it, for always.
ReplyDeleteMary thank you for sharing....
ReplyDeleteYou sure have a wonderful post! I was at the Grand Canyon years ago! What an amazing sight..I haven't checked out the You Tube info yet but I will stop back later and look into that. Very interesting and I wouldn't doubt it! His Forgiveness brings life and freedom. So many turn their backs on that. What rejoicing for those who accept His grace and forgiveness and freedom!!!!
ReplyDelete