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The Beauty of Judgment






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.

Comments

  1. SharonJune 3, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    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.

    The 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!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 3, 2013 at 5:33 PM

    I love how when we recklessly abandon ourselves to Him, when we give all our days and our lives to Him, we are freed.
    That 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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DeniseJune 4, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    We are truly blessed my dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. DeeJune 5, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    It does not matter the size of the sin...the separation is just as great. Thank God for his mercy and grace

    ReplyDelete
  5. Debbie PetrasJune 10, 2013 at 9:56 AM

    There'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.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Crown of BeautyJune 19, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    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.

    I'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

    ReplyDelete
  7. Crown of BeautyJune 19, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    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.

    I'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

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJune 23, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    All I know is that God is in control, of all of it, for always.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just Be RealJune 23, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    Mary thank you for sharing....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Susan Marlene July 14, 2013 at 4:49 AM

    You 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

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