For the Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ
Just as in the garden of Eden, where freewill brought mankind to shame through their own weakness, our freewill delights in attracting us to fleeting pleasures and distracting us from holy nearness.
God is near, yes. But it is our duty to pursue His nearness. The knowledge of nearness is futile should our souls never feast on the beauty of it all.
Yet He is not far from each one of us.
As the first missionaries were sent unto the uttermost – as Jesus beckoned, “come and die” – He gave them a glimpse of hope. He gave them a comfort for the lonely nights on their long journeys. He gave them a reason to smile in the seasons of deepest despair.
From the first breath of their calling, Jesus directed them onward, upward.
He beckoned them “follow Me.” And in the weight of those words lies the beauty of a fleeting life redeemed with overflowing fullness.
Because we trust the Shepherd who guides us unto death.
The God of the Israelites’ wilderness is the same God of the Israelites’ parted sea. The God of David’s valley of the shadow of doubt is the same God of Calvary’s hill. He does not change that I might better see Him. My faith is strengthened that I might better seek Him. And in seeking Him I see Him.
Therefore, my soul cannot help but tell of the treasure in the lowly places. For He is working there.
And I don’t want to miss it.