Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Pretty as a Picture




On my ride home this evening, I was struck by the beauty of the sky. The porch-ceiling blue served the perfect backdrop as a contrast to the clouds, with the sun illuminating the entire scene. The wind was still and each puff of white looked as if they had been perfectly placed in the firmament to achieve this flawless panorama.  I thought to myself “That’s pretty as a picture!”.  Then I thought,”HUH?”

Pretty as a picture? What was I thinking?  I had the original model in front of me. Pictures aspire to look like this genuine article, not the other way around.  King David said in Psalm 19 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork,” The heavens were talking directly to me and I chose to listen to a static-filled recording instead.
God, the Maker of heaven and earth speaks to us each day in so many ways. He speaks through family, friends and strangers we encounter. He speaks when we pray (it’s not supposed to be a one-way conversation). He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. And He speaks through His creation.

God is speaking, calling us all the time. And He’s listening, waiting for a response.


“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:9)