“For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
Picture Perfect
Awhile back, I visited a friend’s ranch where she had hung an old window frame in a tree, no glass at all, just the wood frame swaying in the breeze. It was painted bright red, sure to catch the eye of anyone looking towards it. Clever, I thought.
From any direction or angle, a new and ever-changing, bucolic landscape passed before the eye of the beholder. Colorful birds flitted through the scene from time to time. A few cows meandered through on their way to the barn, as a flock of geese just happened to land on the distant pond with a boisterous announcement of honking. As I watched a few moments, I was beginning to get it.
There are so many glorious pictures to behold in our world. From the oceans to the forests, Bombardier beetles to kangaroos, this place is amazing. Often, we’re in such a hurry, we fail to see them and appreciate God’s handiwork. But yet, even these awe-inspiring pictures hold an element of something missing, some encroaching shadow threatening to dispel the beauty.
It was a perfect world, a perfect picture, in the beginning of time, before sin entered in and corrupted it all. But God had a plan to redeem it. I thought of that plan as I gazed at my friend’s red picture frame. The world, now seen through the red blood of Jesus Christ, will one day be totally restored to perfection. No more pain, no more sorrow, “… for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). The crimson red blood of Jesus now re-frames what is broken and paints a new, magnificent picture of restoration and peace.
Dear Lord, thank You for the plan of redemption through Jesus. Give us eyes to see the beautiful pictures You’ve made and spiritual eyes to look forward to what’s coming. Show us Your ways of love and deliver us from fear. Thank You. Amen.
Now I’ll have to do that!
Beautiful analogy
Good idea!
Such a beautiful explanation. Amen, thank you Jesus our Messiah
During the months of staying home during the pandemic, I’ve had time to take walks in my neighborhood. We also have a small lake nearby. It has been very refreshing to slow down in a busy world to see, smell, and hear the wonders of God’s creation! It reminds me of who holds this world in His hand and of course of Jesus who paid the price to redeem us and His creation!