An Image Is Everything<
by Sharon L. Reidenbach
September is similar to January. They bring anticipation.
But with the new, snags are apt to follow us from one season to the
next like challenges, unwanted changes, or burdensome issues:
emotional or physical. In the rush of the moment we want immediate
assurance, answers, or resolution Our faith and image of our God,
the Creator, wavers with fear like a mirage on the desert floor; can
He handle the anxieties and tensions we’re facing? We’re desperate
for more than, “Hang in there” or “God will see you through”
rhetorics.
In His mercy, God knew our limited vision, leaving us Isaiah
chapter 40, verses 12 and 15. Through Robert J. Morgan’s artful
rendering of this chapter in his book, The Strength You Need, we
read how God led Isaiah to illustrate His true image through five
questions. (First four in v.12, one in v.15).
The first question begins with: “Who has measured the waters
in the in the hollow of His hand?” Picture God’s nail pierced hand
holding every smidgeon of liquid on the face of this earth without
spilling a drop!
Secondly, we’re asked, “ [Who] measured the heaven with a
span [of His hand]?” Today we know there are trillions of galaxies.
Yet, He gathers, and measures them in the width of His hand!
The third question reminds me of a child’s bucket and
shovel: “ . . . [Who] has calculated the dust of the earth in a
measure?” God’s vessel goes beyond humongous. And it’s barely full
with earth’s grains of sand and dirt.
Fourthly: “[Who] has weighed the mountains in scales and the
hills in a balance?” According to PeakVisor lab counting the named
mountains with 1 meter prominence there are 995,120 mountains in the
world. And on God’s scale these, and the unnumbered hills, would
weigh a mere ounce.
The fifth question in v. 15 asks us to add a drop of water
to the child’s bucket, and look in. See anything? “Behold, the
nations are as a drop in a bucket.” They are nothing. To the last,
He’s in charge.
Then God directed Isaiah to write: “Fear not, for I am with
you; Be not discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,
yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right
hand” (Isaiah 40:10).
With this promise, and new image, scriptures take on a new
perspective. Now we can face any season, empty our disparaging
complexities into His bucket, and place our hand into His gentle,
massive ones. And trust like a child holding his/her earthly
father’s hand, and walk securely this up and down journey we call
life, in peace.
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