Thursday, October 25, 2012

Discovery and Uncovering

Good morning under this lovely covering of snow! This morning we can reflect on how we like to discover things. We would like to discover the corner of a pirate's treasure chest (yes, even a thousand miles from the ocean) and finish the uncovering. At the first moment, the contents of the chest would be unknown, but oh the possibilities as we shift the sand away! At least we have sand available much nearer than the seashore. Tales of hidden treasure abound in our world. Most are probably just amusing fireside tales told to children that got out of hand over the years. More often, we make discoveries that are not quite so rewarding, or so we think. That smell in the basement that precedes the uncovering of water damage. And, doesn't it always start in some hidden place?

As I walked this morning, I received the revelation that all things work together for God's own glory and in fulfillment of His plan. That is not exactly a discovery, the Bible tells us that very thing. Perhaps I should call my 'discovery' a reminder from the Holy Spirit. We don't like to uncover a nasty mess in our house, but sometimes it happens. The cleanup is a lot of work, and often we need help either from knowledgeable friends or from professionals. Unless the excavation of wet carpets somehow reveals a hidden cache of loot, we may have trouble seeing the reward of our discovery. Many things in this world will not have an immediate reward that we can spend. In fact, the trials we go through may cost us time, effort, and money. Somehow though, we can rest in the assurance of God's working plan. All of this, from the virus that causes illness and death to the sweeping international disruptions to life and liberty work according to God's plan. Through faith in Christ Jesus we begin to see with a sense other than our eye sight.

Can I look at a disaster in your life and see the reward? Is your heavenly vision greater than mine? Probably not, we may have to offer comfort to each other based on faith alone. We may get to uncover God's reward together, in this life. We may receive God's reward when Jesus takes us to be with Him forever. Remember that old favorite, Hebrews eleventy-one today: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. You may receive a bonus today, a raise in pay, or just more assignments and work, but remember that this is not our eternal life, only the prelude to the opening act.

Praise God for the snow on this great day!

Bucky

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