Wednesday, October 19, 2022
“Each one of these
people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still
believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their
greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People
who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If
they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they
wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You
can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.” (Hebrews
11: 13 -16, The Message Bible)
Such was the case during our vacation
on the shores of Lake Erie recently. The Lake could be quite moody, sometimes calm
and serene but often choppy with great
waves and whitecaps. You could even see the whitecaps in the distance on the
horizon. As I watched the horizon, sometimes, something would catch my eye – a soaring
Bald Eagle, a majestic Golden Eagle on the hunt, black cormorants, gulls swooping
and diving or a fish jumping in the water. Perhaps a fishing trawler or a laker just on
the edge of the horizon or just a small boat with someone fishing. The horizon
was seldom dull or static or boring or tame, even on a calm day.
On a clear day, one could see off
in the distance, a far country, some of the distant shoreline of our neighbours
to the south, the United States. But mostly, it was just water reaching to the far
horizon, as far as the eye could see.
“I was there when he
established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans.” (Proverbs
8:27, New Living Translation)
Horizons come in many guises.
To me, life’s horizons are about
possibilities, the future, hope, seeking the best-is-yet-to come potential of
living with clear vision and steadfast determination. Yes, there are life’s
storms that stir the waters between now and then, but even so, the horizon remains
steady and beckons us when the storms and winds cease. Generally, I am not a pie-eyed
optimist but I strongly affirm that what God has in store, always tantalizing
on the horizon of our faith, vision and hearts, is worth the wait.
Our text above speaks of those
who knew of this sacred horizon and saw across the span of time that their new
home would be eventually found. They were seeking a far better country than
where they found themselves. They were not daunted by the distance between themselves
and God’s horizon, for someday the gap between where they were and their true
home would be closed.
The horizon gave them hope for the
day. Sometimes, there are reminders of God’s promise which break the horizon
like a soaring eagle. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new
strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow
weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Isiah 40:31, New Living Translation) Or a beautiful sunset - we saw
several breath-taking ones – which reminds one of the abundant creativity of
God’s hand on our world, leaving one awe-struck and thankful. No matter what.
Our living horizons are never
dull or static or boring or tame, but full of calling, summoning, beckoning,
inviting us to dare walk across the waters (sometimes) and reach for the new
City that centers God’s Kingdom, a kingdom of peace, justice, joy, love, mercy,
forgiveness and well-being. “Thy kingdom come” – that is the very heart and soul
of horizon watching.
“‘Look! Look! God has moved
into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people,
he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for
good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.’
The Enthroned continued, ‘Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all
down—each word dependable and accurate.’” (Revelation 21: 3 -5, The Message
Bible)
Dale
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