Our Vast God
Allyson Hara, our Church Administrator, wrote the devotional for last week's newsletter. Hopefully you got to read it! Denny Barnett, one of our Church Elders, wrote the devotional the week before. I so appreciate them both! In their writing, you can see their hearts and what God has been impressing on them. They've both been writing some of the devotionals for the past several months now. Thank you Allyson and Denny!
Last week's devotional made me think about how holy and awesome God is. In turn, I thought of how "vast" He is, but not in the usual sense. When I think of something vast, I usually think of the sky, outer space, the ocean, the Grand Canyon, or perhaps somebody's knowledge of something. It means great or immense. And God is certainly both of those things! But on this occasion, I was struck by how set apart and worthy of reverence He is (as Allyson pointed out). Someone before whom we fall on our knees. At the same time, He is also intimate and approachable. Someone to whom we can nestle up to and pour out our hearts. This brought me to how vast His nature is.
How can something so holy and awesome also be close and caring? I think we see it in Jesus. The One who was fully God, holy and powerful, yet fully man, our teacher, helper, and friend. Hebrews 4:14-16 says, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Jesus, who is holy and transcendent, is also compassionate and empathetic. I don't know about you but I need Him to be both. I need a God who is bigger and more righteous than anything in this world. One who can hold all of these things in His holy hands. Colossians 1:16-17 says, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." I also need a God who sees me and can understand what I'm going through. One to whom I can come just as I am in my difficulties and struggles. Isaiah 40:11 says, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles."
I thank God that He is both holy and close, big and personal, powerful and compassionate! I hope you're able to experience the vast nature of our God and put your trust in Him.
Pastor Darren
