The Big Picture of Life

The Big Picture of Life….

It was early morning, and the sun had just begun to rise. Grandfather took me on a journey to the city through the desert riding on horses. The purpose of the trip was to pick up supplies for the school. But, as usual, he had more than one purpose in mind.

One thing I want you to do today, he said, is to keep watch over the sun.

It was a strange directive, even for a nine year old, but I did my best, noting from time to time it’s position in the sky. At journeys end, upon our return, he questioned me.

What did you see? He asked

Nothing out of the ordinary, I replied, nothing of note. The sun was just the sun.

I imagine, Grandfather said, that at times it was obscured by the mountains, the trees, and the buildings of the city. But otherwise, I imagine it stayed the same, certainly the same size. I would also imagine that the landscape was continually changing. Everything was changing around us except for the sun.

That’s true, I said, but isn’t that the way the sun works?

Yes, but why is that the way the sun works? Then he added, It’s because although a mountain or a house or even a hand can appear bigger than the sun and can, for a time obscure it, the reality is that the sun’s true magnitude, it’s actual size, is so enormous, so colossal, that the highest mountain on earth is as nothing in comparison. It doesn’t appear so in the short run, but it becomes clear over the long run. Even in our little journey, everything we saw completely changed, the hills, the mountains, everything but the sun. If we had traveled thousands of miles, it wouldn’t have made a difference. The sun’s colossal magnitude is manifested by it’s changelessness.

What does that reveal? I asked.

Then Grandfather smiled and said two thousand years ago, Jesus said, ‘ I am the Light of the World.’ Since that time, ages have begun and ended, continents and civilizations have been discovered, kingdoms and empires have risen and fallen, kings and luminaries have appeared and passed away. And some of these have, for a moment, seemed larger. For a time, they obscured the figure of the Nazarene. But in the long run, over the course of the long journey, they’ve all passed away. Everything has changed… except Him. All the rest lies in ruins and rubble or in the pages of history… but He remains unchanged, undiminished.. as central, as pivotal and as colossal as He has ever been. Everything changes, but Him. He is the sun. The immensity of His magnitude is manifested by His changelessness.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the powerful reminder of your unchanging nature, your colossal magnitude that dwarfs all the fleeting challenges and changes in our lives. Just as the sun remained constant in the sky despite the shifting landscapes, help us to keep our focus on you, the true Light of the World. Grant us the wisdom to see our current problems in the light of your eternal perspective, knowing that they are temporary and small in comparison to your greatness. May we find comfort and strength in your steadfastness, trusting that you remain our constant and unwavering source of hope and peace. Help us to walk daily with you by our side, drawing strength from your presence and guidance. May we always remember that you are the “Big Picture,” the unchanging truth in a world of constant change. In your name, we pray, Amen.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

Today, see all things in view of the big picture. Whatever problems or issues you have are small in comparison to Him and will pass away in the magnitude of the Son.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼