I heard the freezing rain hit the windows and went to look outside. The boughs of the cedar tree waved back at me as the wind rocked his branches. A flash of white caught my eye. A flock of Killdeer had arrived. The poor dears. Why do they always show up during foul weather, I wondered.
It reminds me a bit of how the Israelites acted when God came down to them. He covered the mountain with His presence and they were terrified! They didn't understand His voice amidst the peals of thunder and bolts of lightning. They were content for Moses to speak to God for them. Then they became content to slaughter animals as a way to atone [pay] for their sins.
But God knew that all of this, the prophets and the sacrifices, were just a shadow, a mere picture of the things to come.
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the Heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. (Heb 1:1-2)
God has come down to us in His image. As a baby. Grew into a man and spoke clearly to us in ways we may understand.
Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. (Heb 2:17-18)He has become the sacrificial lamb. Once for all; paying our debt on the cross.
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Heb 9:11-14)
People respond to this truth in a variety of ways. I hope it brings you joy and gives you a yearning to learn more.
Perhaps the next time you see an animal in danger and you long to be able to speak to them, you'll remember the great lengths and great sacrifice God has made to speak to and save you.
Perhaps the next time you see an animal in danger and you long to be able to speak to them, you'll remember the great lengths and great sacrifice God has made to speak to and save you.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. (Joh 3:16-17)
Happy St Valentine's Day,
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If you read something here that inspired you, I’d love to hear about it. Please know I appreciate every comment! Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings, June